FG Launches Biodiversity Finance Initiative to Safeguard Nation’s Ecosystem

By: Michael Mike

In a landmark move towards safeguarding the nation’s forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity that underpin livelihoods across the country, the federal government has launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN).

It is an important step towards bridging financial gap for biodiversity conservation while strengthening partnerships among government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Abuja, the Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, said BIOFIN will support sustainable forestry practices that balance ecological integrity with economic growth, while empowering communities as custodians of biodiversity.

She said: “The urgency to act has never been greater. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) provides us with a clear roadmap to conserve, sustainably use, and equitably share the benefits of biodiversity.”

She noted that: “BIOFIN complements this vision by mobilising innovative financing solutions, ensuring that our commitments are not only aspirational but achievable.”

She said Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its commitment to biodiversity conservation, while explaining that through the NBSAP, “the country has pledged to integrate biodiversity financing into national development planning, strengthen institutional frameworks, and mobilise both domestic and international resources.”

She said that this commitment was already reflected: Increased budgetary allocations to forestry and conservation programme; Partnerships with development organisations to unlock innovative financing mechanisms; Mainstreaming biodiversity into key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure; and community -driven initiatives that ensure local communities benefit directly from conservation efforts

She however called on all stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening Nigeria’s biodiversity agenda.

She said: “Let us commit to innovative thinking, collaborative action, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding our forests and biodiversity for generations to come.

“Together, we can ensure that the Biodiversity Finance Initiative becomes a beacon of hope and a model of sustainability, aligned with Nigeria’s commitments under the NBSAP and our broader national development and Renewed Hope agenda.”

While revealing that the organisation’s mission is to activate and accelerate the transition towards a nature-positive global economy, said: “Businesses in Nigeria are increasingly paying attention to nature as part of their broader work on sustainability, but they are not yet all aware of how their work contributes to national plans to protect, restore and sustainably use nature.”

She insisted that collaboration will help accelerate progress for nature in Nigeria by connecting private sector leadership with national biodiversity and climate priorities—turning global goals into national action.

She disclosed that: “In 2022, 196 countries made a historic commitment through the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a global plan to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030,” stating that the government cannot achieve this alone.

She noted that: “Businesses and financial institutions must play a central role in delivering the transition toward a nature-positive future. Through this partnership, the organisations will convene leading Nigerian companies and government representatives through a Business Advisory Group (BAG).”

On her part, the representatives of Natural Eco Capital, Rantiola Babatimehin, stated that the organisation remains commitment to strengthening sustainability by helping public and private bodies build resilient, eco-conscious businesses and economies.

She said: @As a member of the Capitals Coalition, we collaborate with governments, financial institutions, and investors to tackle issues around natural capital, climate change, low-carbon development, sustainable finance, and circular economy.”

The Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja, insisted that conservation of biodiversity is everybody’s business.

He said: “Every organisation and every individual involved in business should also play a role in safeguarding biodiversity. That is why we established the Business Advisory Group—so that together, we can develop a Business Action Plan for Biodiversity and identify practical steps to strengthen biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.”

The Ministry’s Biodiversity Desk Officer, Sikeade Egbuwalo, explained that BIOFIN and Nigeria’s NBSAP can be adequately financed by mobilising more public and private sector investments, unlocking new revenue streams, and aligning economic incentives with conservation.

FG Launches Biodiversity Finance Initiative to Safeguard Nation’s Ecosystem

Retired Delta High Court Judge found murdered in Asaba Delta

By: Zagazola Makama

A retired Delta State High Court judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, was found murdered at her residence in Asaba on Monday morning.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim, was discovered lifeless in her sitting room at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, with her hands and legs tied and her mouth covered with a wrapper.

Her brother, Emeka Okogwu, reported the incident to the Police at about 8:00 a.m. while visiting her home. Following the report, patrol teams were deployed to the scene.

The on-duty security guard, Lucky Matthew, was arrested for questioning, while another guard, Godwin Vanen, was reported missing and is being sought.

The police said the body of Justice Okogwu was evacuated and deposited at Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba. Investigation into the motive and identification of the assailants is ongoing.

The case has been transferred to SCID Asaba for discreet investigation.

Retired Delta High Court Judge found murdered in Asaba Delta

NTAC DG Commends CIFCFIN for Giant Strides on 2nd Founders’ Day

By: Michael Mike

The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has commended the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) for its remarkable achievements since its establishment, describing the Institute’s progress as “giant strides”.

The commendation was made during CIFCFIN’s 2nd Founders’ Day celebration, which took place,Thursday,in Abuja,and also featured the induction of new members, professional practitioners, and Fellows of the Institute; in addition to a few Awards to some deserving individuals.

The event,which was chaired by Hon. Justice Moore Abraham Aseimo of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,had in attendance several dignitaries,including the CIFCIN Founder and Pioneer President,
Dr. Iliyasu Buba Gashinbaki;Alh. Mairiga Aliyu Katuga,Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as Dr. Isa Egah Salifu, Registrar/CEO and Secretary to the Council of CIFCFIN.

Others included the
former EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim  Magu; representative of the Development Bank of Nigeria;representative of the Inspector General of Police as well as the representative of the Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC),among many other senior officials of Government and stakeholders of the Institute.

In his remarks,Rt.Hon. Buba expressed pride in the milestones attained by CIFCFIN, noting that the Institute’s growth reflects a strong commitment to professionalism in forensics and fraud investigation,both of which are critical to Nigeria’s fight against corruption and economic crime.

Among those honoured at the event were the NTAC DG,whose role as the sponsor of the Bill for the establishment of the Institute was applauded by all.

The ceremony concluded with an official photo session with the Institute’s leadership and invited guests.
End