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Nigeria, Rest of Africa Still in Pains of Global North’s Exploitation, FG Decries
Nigeria, Rest of Africa Still in Pains of Global North’s Exploitation, FG Decries
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has decried that Nigeria and in fact the whole of Africa is still in pains over decades and centuries of exploitation mostly perpetrated on the continent by Global North countries.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Izaq Salako said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Validation Workshop on the National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators for Early Action Support Project to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The Minister while lamenting that Africa is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than other continent, said the African environment and resources, including Nigeria, is hard-hit by decades and centuries of exploitation, mostly perpetrated by other countries, especially in the global north.
Salako while giving assurance of the Nigerian government readiness to have a different narrative, said the country is firm in its resolve to collectively protect species threatened by over-exploitation, expand and strengthen protected areas, set smart targets and indicators as effective measures in the recovery of a natural world.
He noted that: “It is clear that we must use all of the tools at our disposal to reduce the threats to biodiversity, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is guiding our way.
“Nigeria and the rest of African nations are leading the way to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Because Africa will be the most affected by the biodiversity and climate crisis, we are united in being the most ambitious in protecting our lands, our seas, our wildlife, and our people.
“This is our role today, as trustees of the Nigerian people to shine the beacon of hope for the natural world. Let ambition guide you as you validate the goals, targets and indicators that will guide the Nigeria response to the biodiversity crisis.”
He added that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is the policy instrument for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to accelerate action towards achieving the vision for biodiversity and living in harmony with nature by 2050, noting that NBSAP must be rapidly aligned and validated with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
He said: “The KMGBF must be translated into bold action. National goals, targets and measures must match the urgency of the crisis. Let us unite to ensure that our call for ambition for the expansion of protected areas is matched with equal ambition on finance, on halting human-induced extinction of wild species, on mutual accountability to halt forest loss and degradation, on securing species recovery and the restoration of jeopardized ecosystems.”
The Minister said that having seen the strength of Nigeria’s ambition and technical expertise, there is belief that it can implement the ambitious National Biodiversity Targets, promising that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria would continue to support the effective implementation of such instruments like the NBSAP which is crucial to building sustainability and conservation in our country.
“We will keep the momentum in the ECOWAS coordination process particularly in the alignment NBSAP National targets to global targets and subsequent updating of NBSAP as well as in the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.
“I am counting on all of you to rise to the occasion in the spirit of collective action so that our country can continue to deliver on its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and other related multi-lateral agreements.”
Nigeria, Rest of Africa Still in Pains of Global North’s Exploitation, FG Decries
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from a fleeing suspect.
Zagazola learnt that the recovery was made at about 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2026, during a routine patrol along the Kauru–Unguwan Ganye Road.
Security sources said the patrol team received intelligence about a suspicious motorcycle rider heading toward the area.
Following the tip-off, the operatives immediately mounted a snap roadblock along the route.
On sighting the checkpoint, the rider reportedly abandoned his motorcycle, dropped a bag and fled into nearby bush paths.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with its breach number filed off, one magazine and one 6.2mm live ammunition.
Security personnel have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives have arrested a man following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in Yenagoa.
Zagazola reports that the explosion was heard on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
Sources said that the suspect, identified as Pentecost Elijah, 60, of Otuan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, reportedly admitted to placing the suspected explosives in the secretariat complex.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect claimed he sought to draw attention from the State Government due to perceived neglect.
The sources said that the area has been cordoned off, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, along with CBRN specialists, are conducting thorough sweeps of the complex. Authorities confirmed that the situation is currently under control, and investigations are ongoing.
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
By: Michael Mike
The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has hosted a powerful screening of “Scars the Movie” alongside an intensive filmmaking workshop in Abuja, using cinema as a platform to confront social injustice and strengthen Nigeria–Korea cultural relations.
The event brought together filmmakers, actors, students and culture enthusiasts for a thought-provoking exploration of forced marriage, gender inequality and the transformative power of storytelling.
Scars the Movie follows the journey of Hasia, a 16-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a doctor, whose aspirations are crushed when her father forces her into marriage to settle a debt. Married off to an older wealthy man, she endures abuse, repeated miscarriages and isolation, while her education and independence are stripped away. The film lays bare the harsh intersection of poverty, patriarchy and silence that continues to affect vulnerable girls.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of KCCN Abuja, Mr. Jeon Ju-ho, described the screening as deeply significant, noting that it addresses an issue that transcends borders.
“Today is of immense importance because it speaks about life — and not just life, but the life of a girl child,” he said. “A child forced into the role of a woman, and brutally so. These are conversations we must not avoid.”
He emphasized that film remains one of the most powerful tools for sparking dialogue and social reflection.
Director-General of KADIFF, Israel Audu, explained that the film was deliberately selected to spotlight challenges prevalent in parts of northern Nigeria.
“Hasia’s story represents the painful reality faced by many young girls whose dreams are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and cultural pressure,” Audu said. “This film exposes the emotional and generational scars such practices leave behind.”
Beyond the screening, participants engaged in a practical workshop covering directing, acting and cinematography, designed to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria’s fast-growing film industry.
Audu noted that the partnership between KADIFF and KCCN reflects a broader commitment to creative collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea. He said cultural exchanges — from film festivals to K-drama, K-pop, language classes, Taekwondo and culinary programs — have helped build mutual understanding between both nations.
According to him, more than 300,000 Nigerians have participated in Korean cultural programmes, gaining new skills and global exposure.
“These collaborations are not just about entertainment,” he said. “They are about knowledge transfer, talent development and economic opportunity. By sharing filmmaking techniques and nurturing creative talent, we can develop a richer, blended cinematic identity.”
The event underscored how film can serve as both a mirror and a bridge — reflecting societal challenges while connecting cultures across continents.
As discussions continue around protecting the rights of the girl-child and expanding Nigeria’s creative economy, stakeholders say partnerships like this demonstrate how art, when supported by international cooperation, can inspire change and deepen diplomatic ties.
Korea, Kaduna Film Festival Spotlight Girl-Child Plight, Deepen Creative Ties
Security operatives recover AK-47 rifle in Kaduna community
Farmer killed, another injured in herder attack in Yobe
Suspected IED explosion foiled at Bayelsa State Secretariat, suspect arrested
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