News

Speaker Abbas Reiterates Commitment of FG In Regulating Wildlife, Conservation

Published

20 hours ago

October 24, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated the commitment of the federal republic of Nigeria to regulating wildlife trade, conserving migratory species, and protecting ecosystems.

The Speaker who stated this during a public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Treatise, Protocols and Agreements and Committee on Environment on Thursday in Abuja, said the country aims to achieve this through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Speaker Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Ali Isa, notes that the hearing emphasises the collective commitment to safeguarding the rich biodiversity that Nigeria is blessed with, and to ensure the future of our precious flora and fauna.

According to him, Nigeria has an exceptional range of wildlife, from the majestic African elephant, to the Calabar Gorilla, the vibrant Nigerian grey parrot and the magnificent West African manatee.

Abbas said, “these creatures are not just captivating inhabitants of our forests, savannahs, and waterways, they are integral to the delicate balance of our environment.

“Their presence plays a vital role in maintaining ecological stability, supporting healthy ecosystems, and providing vital resources for our communities.

“The rate at which species across Nigeria are facing extinction is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a decisive legislative action to halt this negative trend.

“We have become the world’s most significant transit point for illegal ivory and pangolin scales smuggled from Africa to Asia. Between 2016 and 2019, more than half of pangolin scales seized globally came from Nigeria. In January 2019, Hong Kong Customs seized $8 million worth of elephant tusks and pangolin scales from a shipping container from Nigeria.

“Conservationists estimate that Nigeria has less than 500 elephants, 100 Cross River gorillas and about 50 lions left. Pangolins are endangered or on the brink of extinction. At the same time, other species are in decline, including crocodiles and antelope species such as cane rats and duikers, which are widely available in ‘bush meat’ markets across the country. This decline is due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and Climate change which adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by these already vulnerable species.”

The Speaker lamented that the loss of biodiversity weakens the resilience of the ecosystem, making it more susceptible to environmental disturbances.

“The disruption of ecological balance can lead to the decline of other species, impacting food security and potentially triggering unforeseen consequences for human health, he said.

According to Abbas, while taking actions to protect the environment, it opens up great opportunities of turning our wildlife and environment into economic use.

“Ecotourism, which relies on healthy ecosystems and vibrant wildlife populations, can be a powerful driver of economic growth. Our investment in this sector will, in turn, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development that will benefit local communities and the country at large. This will help diversify our national economy and ease the pressure on the oil sector.

“This Bill, therefore, is not merely a legislative exercise; it is a critical step towards fulfilling our moral obligation to protect the environment and preserve the legacy of these invaluable species for future generations.

“It seeks to establish a robust legal framework that will address the multifaceted challenges threatening our endangered animals and plants such as illegal wildlife trade by imposing stringent penalties on those involved in the trafficking of endangered species, promote sustainable wildlife management through the establishment of conservation areas and the implementation of community-based conservation initiatives. amongst others,” he noted.

Chairman, Committee on Treaties, Protocols, Rep. Rabiu Yusuf, said the Bill represents a critical step in the collective efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity, to protect endangered species, and ensure the sustainable management of precious natural resources.

According to him, “it serves to fulfil Nigeria’s international commitments.

“Nigeria is blessed with a rich and diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems which are increasingly under threat.

“The stark reality is that we are witnessing an alarming decline in biodiversity, driven by habitat destruction, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. Our natural resources, once abundant, are now vulnerable to over-exploitation and mismanagement, placing several species on the brink of extinction.

“As we stand at this critical juncture, the need for a strong legislative framework to conserve and manage our wildlife has never been more pressing. The Bill before you today offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges we face and aligns our national policies with international best practices,” he added.

Rep. Yusuf said the bill is structured to address wildlife protection, sustainable use of natural resources, wildlife reserves and protected areas, enforcement and compliance, as well as public awareness and education.

He asserted that while the Bill sets the stage for meaningful legislative action, it is only part of the solution and that true success will require the collaboration of germane stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities, and the private sector.

And that it will also require strong regional and international cooperation, particularly in combatting cross-border wildlife crime.

“By passing this Bill, we are not only protecting Nigeria’s wildlife but also making a profound commitment to posterity. The preservation of our ecosystems is essential for the well-being of our people, our environment, and our economy. Without healthy ecosystems, we jeopardize the very resources that support agriculture, water supply, tourism, and rural livelihoods.

“Apart from the protection of our ecosystem, there is a great economic opportunity staring us in the face. Ecotourism, is of great economic value that will create manifold jobs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development which will be of benefit to local communities and the country at large,” he stated.

The Ministry of Environment in their submission said there was the need to conduct an in-depth species inventory for the proper categorization of all species into schedules based on scientific data.

Representing the Director of Forestry, Dr Moses Ama, posited that Bill be stepped down to allow for a comprehensive, evidence based assessment of the nation’s wildlife population and conservation status to be conducted by the Ministry.

Also other stakeholders called for stiffer penalties for defaulters.

News

World Polio Day: 138 Polio Cases In Africa, Nearly Half Infected Children From Nigeria – UNICEF

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as west, central African celebrities release new song to drive immunization

By Gloria Ikibah

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed that as of 22 October 2024, there have been 138 polio cases in Africa, and nearly half of infected children came from Nigeria.

As a result of this, leading music stars and celebrity actors from across West and Central Africa have come together to release a new song titled No More Zero Dose to help bring childhood immunization back on track.

The song which was released on World Polio Day, brings together 12 of the region’s top musicians and UNICEF Champions – Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow, Timi Dakolo and WAJE to send a clear message: every child deserves to be protected by vaccines.

It focused on the urgent need to reach zero-dose children, those who have not received any vaccinations, and protect them from preventable childhood diseases like polio, measles and more.

UNICEF, in a statement made available to Naijablitznews.com reveals that West and Central Africa is the region with the lowest immunization coverage in the world.

The statement reads: “Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) coverage for the region was 69 per cent in 2023, down from 72 per cent in 2019.

“The region has also experienced multiple vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in recent years, including polio, measles, diphtheria and yellow fever.

“So far this year (as of 22 October 2024), there have been 138 polio cases in Africa, and nearly half of infected children were in Nigeria. In 2023, there were 506 polio cases in Africa.

“With nearly 4.3 million children across the region not receiving vital vaccines, ‘No More Zero Dose’ delivers a call to action through music. By fusing vibrant sounds with a message of hope, love, and protection, these artists hope to inspire listeners to join the movement to protect every child.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, restated the commitment of UNICEF to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.

“Zero-dose children are the most vulnerable, and ensuring they receive life-saving vaccines is critical for their future. This song amplifies that message. We can and must reach every child and eradicate polio.

“As a UNICEF Champion, I urge everyone to join us in the fight against preventable diseases like polio. Together, we have the power to protect every child’s future and eradicate these diseases for good,” said Nigerian music producer Cobhams Asuquo, who spearheaded the collaboration. “Let us work to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they deserve, protecting their future and our world. Join us in this mission—let’s spread hope and health across Africa.”

UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said the project is significant for Nigeria, a country still facing a high number of under vaccinated children.

“The release of the No More Zero Dose song featuring 12 talented artists from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom are from Nigeria, reflects the deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines. Music is a powerful tool for change, and through this collaboration, we are amplifying the message that no child should be missed”, she said.

No More Zero Dose has been launched on YouTube and will soon be available on popular streaming platforms. As the region marks World Polio Day, this collaborative effort serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight to end zero-dose cases continues.

News

Confusion As Flood Unearths Corpses From Graves

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Naijablitznews

Residents of Udaba, a community in Edo State, are grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe flooding that has uprooted graves, washing corpses out of their resting places.

The flood, which has wreaked havoc across multiple communities, has left many in fear and distress.

The impact is not limited to Udaba; other communities, including Anegbete, Ekperi, Osomhegbe, Ogoimeri, Iyowa, Ofukpu, Ifekhu, Agenebode, Ubiaja, and Ilushi, all within Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East local government areas, are also severely affected, PM News reports.

Joseph Odemokpai, the Councillor representing Ward 8 in Etsako Central Local Government Area, confirmed the extent of the crisis.

“In Udaba, some dead bodies have been washed away from the grave by the flood,” he said, stating the distressing reality faced by locals.

In addition to the alarming displacement of corpses, the severe cold brought on by the flooding has claimed several lives.

“Some persons have even died as a result of the severe cold due to the flood,” Odemokpai reported, emphasised the compounding dangers of the natural disaster.

According to Odemokpai, “Houses, farmlands, and crops—such as cassava, rice, and yam—have been submerged, with farm produce, livestock, and personal property swept away by the devastating flood.”

He said the flood situation remains critical, with water levels still high in the affected communities.

“Entire areas are overwhelmed by floodwaters, and efforts are underway to relocate residents to safety camps.

“Similar flooding has been reported in Ward 9 and Ward 10, affecting communities including Anegbete, Udochi, Ogomere, and Ifekhu, as well as Ofukpo, among others across the impacted local government areas.”

Odemokpai added that while the local government councils are currently taking action, he urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) to assist these communities.

News

More Bodies Recovered From Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says two more bodies have been recovered from the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Three persons were confirmed dead following the crash on Thursday. Eight persons (six passengers and two crew members) were on board the aircraft when the incident happened.

Barely a day after the crash, the NSIB said more bodies have been recovered while three more persons remain unaccounted for.

“We have recovered two more bodies, making it a total of five. There are three more down there that hopefully will be recovered today,” NSIB Director General Alex Badeh said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.

When asked if there are chances that none of those on board the aircraft survived the crash, Badeh said, “Unfortunately. this time, that is the working theory”.

According to him, investigators are on their way to the scene of the accident, saying it would take days for the wreckage of the aircraft to be recovered.

‘We Might Find Survivors’

He said, “The priority is to recover the rest of the bodies there” but there is a “chance” that some persons onboard the aircraft might be alive.

“Human beings are resilient. As long as they have their life support devices, there is a chance we might find survivors there,” Badeh said.

The helicopter, with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed one kilometre away from its destination. It was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

It crashed around 11:22 am along the waterways in the Rivers State capital after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.

The cause of the incident is unclear as of now but Badeh said “there was so light and moderate rain on their arrival and there was an overcast. We would look into that. That might have a chance or a role to play.

“Other than that, I can’t really say until we recover the flight recorder and speak to more witnesses there.”

Police authorities in Rivers State said all eight persons aboard the aircraft may have died from the incident.

“All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” the Rivers State Police Command said on Friday.

“The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.”

Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu ordered authorities to intensify their efforts in the rescue mission.

He also commiserated with the families of the victims and the NNPCL over the crash.