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Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG

Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has said the nation is on course to develop a practical, inclusive and ambitious National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the Inception Workshop for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework( KMGBF) Early Action Support Project, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said: “Biodiversity underpins life on earth, from human health and well-being to food and water security to economies and livelihoods. Yet biodiversity is severely threatened and declining at unprecedented levels due to increasing pollution, resource exploitation, land use change, invasive species, and climate change, among other factors.
He noted that: “National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are the policy instruments for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To accelerate action to achieve the Vision for Biodiversity of living in harmony with nature by 2050, NBSAPs must be rapidly aligned with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
He added that: “Having seen the strength of Nigeria’s ambition and technical expertise, I am confident that we can lead the way once again and develop a practical, inclusive and ambitious National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.”
He told the participants that “is your job here today to kickstart this process. We need to ensure that we instrumentalize and accelerate action across sectors and society toward the realization of the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
“I would like to recognize the vital contributions of GEF, UNEP, FAO and other Partners for providing financial and technical support package that focuses on four components: NBSAP alignment, monitoring systems, policy & institutional coherence, and biodiversity finance.
“Our role here today is to focus on a rapid review of our NBSAP using a whole-of-government approach to identify the level of alignment of national goals and targets with those of the Kunming-Montreal GBF and relevant Sustainable Development Goals, and make adjustments where appropriate.”
Salako said: “I charge you to ensure our National Targets are refined to become measurable, costed, and spatially-explicit by using best practices in gender mainstreaming, stakeholder engagement, engaging with Indigenous peoples and local communities, and apply a whole-of-government approaches. Together, I am sure you can make that happen.”
Early the representatives of the Country Representatives of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nifesimi Ogunkua said FAO was excitement about Nigeria’s readiness to incorporate agrifood into its NBSAPs.
She noted that: “This forward-thinking approach aligns with FAO’s mission to promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resources management and ensure sustainable agricultural practices globally. Nigeria’s dedication to integrating agrifood into its national strategies is a commendable step toward building a resilient and thriving biodiversity conservation.”
She noted that: “We, at FAO, stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in this endeavor. Our commitment extends beyond mere words, as we pledge our full support to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the NBSAPs. We recognize the importance of a holistic approach, and we are ready to collaborate closely with Nigeria to achieve these goals.
“To facilitate this collaborative effort, FAO has developed an impressive array of tools, frameworks, and approaches specifically designed to support the realization of the global biodiversity targets. These resources serve as invaluable assets, empowering nations to navigate the complexities of sustainable development. We believe that by leveraging these tools, Nigeria can make significant strides in achieving its agrifood integration goals.”
She disclosed that: “In Nigeria, FAO operates within the framework of the Country Programming Framework (CPF), a comprehensive guide that directs our support to the country. It is heartening to note that this framework aligns seamlessly with the broader objective of mainstreaming biodiversity. Through the CPF, we aim to contribute to the development of a robust agrifood system that not only meets the needs of the present but also ensures the well-being of future generations.
“We understand the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. Our doors are open, and we are ready to work hand in hand with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful mainstreaming of agrifood systems in the NBSAPs.”
She added that: “Nigeria’s commitment to integrating agrifood into its NBSAPs is a testament to its vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. FAO is honoured to be a part of this journey, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.”
Nigeria On Course to Develop National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan- FG
News
VP Shettima’s Agricultural Assessment Visit To Ethiopia

VP Shettima’s Agricultural Assessment Visit To Ethiopia
By: Our Reporter
An agricultural economist by training whose love for agricultural transformation and development has never been hidden, as demonstrated recently when he visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan for an on-the-spot assessment of the Institute’s crops and resource potentials, Vice President Kashim Shettima today embarked on an assessment of the popular Adama Industrial Zone near Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Farms visited by the Vice President for the on-the-spot assessment included the Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery site, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Biyyo Poultry Farm, and the Bishoftu Pea Farm.
While speaking on areas of agricultural collaboration between both countries, the Vice President ordered specialised coffee beans seeds for massive production in Nigeria while also directing the immediate training of selected Nigerian agricultural extension farmers on the production of specialized avocado seedlings for the Nigerian market.
VP Shettima also sought an exchange of mechanisation technologies between both countries, stressing that the potential of both Nigeria’s and Ethiopia’s agricultural sectors was capable of capturing world markets, especially when fully harnessed and exploited.
VP Shettima’s Agricultural Assessment Visit To Ethiopia
News
Leboku-in-Abuja 2025 Festival Celebrates New Year Festival to Bolster Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Leboku-in-Abuja 2025 Festival Celebrates New Year Festival to Bolster Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage
By: Michael Mike
One of the nation’s most celebrated events, the New Year Festival would berth in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy stage the Lenoku-in-Abuja 2025.
It promises to bolster Nigeria’s cultural heritage and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people in Cross River, the South-South and South-East in the nation and the world at large.

Addressing a pre-festival press conference in Abuja, President of Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, a community-based association, Queency Patrick said the forthcoming festival with the theme: “A celebration of heritage, unity and harvest,” is one of the kind.
She explained that Lenoku-in-Abuja 2025 is an internationally acclaimed New Yam festival that is celebrated on August 30 in Abuja, under auspices of Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, an association of Ugep people living in the FCT.

Patrick said: “Leboku-in-Abuja-2025 aligns with national goals of cultural preservation, inter-ethnic harmony and in promoting Nigeria as a cultural destination.
“The Federal Capital Territory provides the ideal backdrop to unite heritage and modernity, welcoming all who believe in peace, identity and pride of origin.

“For us, it is not just a cultural event, it is a call to national unity, peace and cultural tourism development.
“It is also an opportunity for us to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people in Cross River, the South-South and South-East in the nation and the world at large.”
She further explained that: “The event fosters appreciation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic-root and culture. Leboku-in-Abuja is more than a festival, it is a stage for celebrating our cultural identity, building bridges through tradition and encouraging investment in the creative economy and tourism sector.”

According to her, Mr Obi Asika, DirectorGeneral/CEO of the National Council for Arts and Culture, had in a letter which formally endorsed the association’s collaboration with government described Leboku-in-Abuja, as annual New Yam Festival celebrated in Abuja by Yakurr people of Cross River.
Patrick further quoted him by saying the Leboku festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Yakurr people of Cross River, has long been a symbol of unity, celebration, and agricultural prosperity.
Asika, in the letter noted that: “Bringing this renowned festival to Abuja will provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, tourism development, and deeper appreciation of our diverse traditions.
“It aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and NCAC’s mandate to promote arts and culture, as essential drivers or Nigeria’s creative economy,” Asika added.

Patrick revealed the event would provide platform for public lecture, economic empowerment, traditional food festival, cultural and arts exhibition, sports, agriculture, trade and tourism development.
The event scheduled to hold at the Bolton White event centre, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja is centered on promoting unity and peace with the toga: “One Yam, One People.”
Leboku-in-Abuja 2025 Festival Celebrates New Year Festival to Bolster Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage
News
Crisis brews in Gombe SDP as Yakubu emerges acting chairman

Crisis brews in Gombe SDP as Yakubu emerges acting chairman
The Gombe State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has appointed a new chairman, Aaron Yakubu to serve in acting capacity following the suspension of its state chairman, Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, over allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and misuse of party resources.
His suspension was announced at a news conference held in Gombe on Saturday by the party’s Welfare Secretary, Usman Yahaya, on behalf of concerned members of the state executive.
Reading the statement, Yahaya said there were countless complaints against the now suspended chairman, whom he said had side-lined party stakeholders and running the party like his personal property.
“Since Comrade Modibbo assumed office, the party has experienced no meaningful progress. Instead, the leadership claims he has used his position to witch-hunt loyal stakeholders and frustrated committed party members for his personal gain.”
He accused Modibbo of systematically “caging” the party’s executive members and aspirants, depriving over 90% of both returning and newly acting executive members of access to official SDP membership cards.
He further alleged that the selection of party candidates has been done without due process or consultation, with names being announced solely via national platforms involving prominent figures like Malam Nasir El-Rufai, thereby side-lining the state executive.
Yahaya also accused the suspended chairman of allegedly using his personal residence as the de facto party office.
This, the executives say, violates proper procedures and comes despite funds being made available to renovate the official state party office and rent offices across the local government areas.
“As it stands, the SDP in Gombe State does not have a functional or recognised operational office,”
In the light of the above weighty and numerous allegations against Modibbo, the Welfare Secretary said that the Gombe State chapter of the party has taken decisive action by suspending Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo as chairman with immediate effect.
“In this regard, we hereby announce that the current State Secretary of the party, Mr. Aaron Yakubu, will now serve as the Acting State Chairman of the SDP in Gombe.
“Similarly, Ambassador Lukman Adamu Elkanem, previously serving as the Acting Assistant Public Relations Officer, has now been appointed as the Acting State Secretary of the party.”
Yahaya, on behalf of the state chapter of the SDP, appealed for intervention from the national body of the party to look into the allegations against the former chairman and to restore discipline, accountability, and credible leadership to the Gombe chapter of the party.
Speaking shortly in an interview, Yakubu said he would work to build inclusiveness in the party and ensure all party members were carried along in line with the constitution of the party.
He stated that out of the 13 working committee members of the party, nine were present and in support of the suspension of Modibbo.
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