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Dim Your Light For Migratory Birds, NCF Urges Nigerians

Published

3 years ago

May 23, 2022

The conservation of birds in Nigeria was once again brought to the fore as a major concern among conservationists, stakeholders and students when the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) hosted the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.

The World Migratory Bird Day is an annual event used to raise awareness on bird migration and the importance of protecting the flyways (which is the route they utilise for these trips), and habitats utilised by birds during this seasonal experience. Migration is a regular and seasonal movement of birds between their breeding sites, which is where they give birth to their young and their wintering sites. The North to the Southern ends of Nigeria always host these wintering birds, thus, in addition to raising awareness for protecting habitats for resident birds, we must also do same for these migrants.

The Director General of NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, represented by the Director of Business Development and Communications of NCF, Mr. Uchenna Achunine expressed utmost concern on the challenges the birds are facing, especially migratory bird. Challenges such as but not limited to loss of habitat, persecution, famine, pollution – which led to this year’s theme.

He said, “This year’s theme, “Light Pollution: dim the light for birds at night”, is a clarion call to action for all to jointly participate in bird conservation. Research has shown that birds do have accident flying at night because of illumination from cities. When we switch off light bulbs that are not so useful, we help to reduce the chances of the birds having head-on-collision with buildings, trees, and other infrastructures.”

The Guest Speaker at the event, Dr. Soladoye Iwajomo, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Zoology, University of Lagos defines light pollution as the introduction of artificial light, either directly or indirectly, into the natural environment the result of which is the alteration of the natural pattern of light and dark in ecosystems. He said that light pollution is often caused by the way the light is emitted from lighting equipment. He opined that choosing proper equipment and carefully mounting and aiming it can make a significant difference.

In mitigating the impact of light pollution on migratory birds, he proposed the following “Start with natural darkness and only add light for specific purpose; use adaptive light controls to manage light timing, intensity and colour; light only the area or object intended, keep light close to the ground, directed and shielded to avoid light spill; use the lowest intensity lightning appropriate for the task; use non-reflective, dark coloured surfaces; and use lights with reduced or filtered blue, violet and ultra-violet wavelengths.”

In his goodwill message, Mr. Abdulmalik Ogizi who represented the Federal Ministry of Environment shared that, migratory birds fly hundreds of thousand kilometres to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding, and raising their young. When conditions at breeding sites become unfavourable, it is time to fly to regions where conditions are better. The phenomenon is accompanied by several anthropogenic, political, and environmental challenges on the migratory bird’s survival and conservation.

He said “This year’s campaign highlights the impacts of the increasing but underestimated threat of light pollution on migratory birds. Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2% per year, and it is known to adversely affect many bird species. Light pollution is a significant threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation when they fly at night, leading to collisions with buildings, increasing their vulnerability as prey to other animals, perturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to undertake long distance migrations.”

In her keynote address, the NCF’s Species Programme Lead, Dr. Stella Egbe revealed that twice in a year, the world comes together to celebrate and raise awareness on the beauty and threats of migratory birds. Migration is the seasonal movements to birds between their breeding and wintering sites. This seasonal activity is an important event that ensures the survival of lots of bird species.

She added “Every year, ornithologists, and conservation biologists study birds in all types of environments globally, monitoring their numbers and diversity. In recent years, it has been observed that species are declining rapidly, driving species to the brink of extinction. From habitat loss, indiscriminate killing and trade in birds, plastic pollution etc, birds are increasingly exposed to factors within the environment that they have not adapted to.”

Some of the migratory birds in Nigeria include Eurasian Whimbrel, White-faced whistling duck, Marsh sandpiper, Osprey, Common sandpiper and so on. It has been discovered that some adult birds are being harvested, which will prevent reproduction. This will cause general decline in the population of birds.

Also in attendance were Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director of Technical Programmes, NCF; Mr. Adewunmi Adeyemi, Asst Director, Forestry Services, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture; Mr Adeniyi Arimoro & Mrs. Regina Arimoro, founders of Afruitful Environment Ltd among others. Presentations were made by students from Treasure Court College, Iba; Falomo High School, Ikoyi; and Watercress School, Satellite Town, Lagos. The event was supported by Volgeschberming Nederlands and Wetland International.

Featured

Prize for Leadership: Tinubu Congratulates Adesina

Published

10 months ago

March 6, 2024

Sunday Osanyintuyi

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), on the award of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership.

Dr. Adesina joins the pantheon of other previous winners of the award such as Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, and lawyer-educationist, Chief Afe Babalola.

President Tinubu commends the AfDB President for his visionary and noble endeavour to transform agriculture in Africa and ensure food security on the continent, recalling the growth enhancement schemes revolutionizing Nigeria’s agriculture value chains he introduced as the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The President acknowledges Dr. Adesina’s unblemished records, tried and tested integrity, as well as his immense leadership and development strides, particularly in agriculture, efforts of which have earned him numerous honours and recognition globally, including the World Food Prize in 2017.

President Tinubu wishes the AfDB President more success at AfDB and strength in his service to Africa and to humanity at large.

Featured

Profile of Dr Kunle Pinmiloye, first PhD Holder in Drum

Dr. Adekunle Pinmiloye mostly known as Ksticks holds a PhD degree in Music performance, and a post-doctoral diploma course in Audio Engineering/Live Music Production from the Musicians Institute, Hollywood, Los Angeles. United States.

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2023

Sunday Osanyintuyi

Pinmiloye lectured music at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, Nigeria. He is the first music director to adapt Christmas Carol tunes in African context. (Daystar popular Carol concert, Lagos, Nigeria), The Carol concert became the largest Carol gathering in Nigeria for many years and a standard for many music directors till date.

Dr. Pinmiloye is a renowned Drum and Music Instructor, (Music Producer live concerts), Author and Music Director with almost 4 decades of rich and awe-inspiring, multi-cultural musical influences spreading across local and global boundaries.

Ksticks was the first drummer in Nigeria to specialize on drum performance from first degree to PhD level. He was the first civilian to perform with the Nigerian Navy Concert Band, the first price winner of the Talent Hunt at the maiden edition of MUSON festival.

Ksticks has conducted several seminars on drums and facilitated music workshops across many institutions in Africa UAE and United States.

Ksticks directed the RCCG Festival of Live Conference at the West Angeles Cathedral Church, California.

In August 2023, He directed and conducted a fusion of African ensemble and orchestra at the novel edition of Season of Praise August 2023 at the Bowie Performing Art Theatre. Maryland. USA

In June 2023, Ksticks conducted the mass choir of the RCCG North America choir at the convention ground Dallas, Texas.

In September 2022, He directed and conducted a fusion of African ensemble and orchestra, at the Sound from Africa concert. Houston Texas.

Ksticks’s recent personal project was the breadth-taken maiden edition of Kross Kulture Musical worship concert at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Los Angeles. This is the first ever gospel musical artistry that combines singers and musicians of divers nationalities and culture, spanning round six continents on one stage.

Ksticks performed and coordinated drum ensemble performance for the stage play “ The Wedlock of The gods” at the University of Southern California USC. 2022.

Beyond musical artistry, Dr. Pinmiloye has presented couple of academic papers at the institutes of African Studies, University of Georgia, Atlanta. Among several drum clinics and seminars are 2 major drum workshops at the Musicians Institutes Los Angeles, drum workshop and drum monologue at the University of Texas, Arlington, Forney elementary high school, Dallas.

He was the creative director of the 2021 HAPAWARD Award held at Orpheum theater, Los Angeles. In 2019, Ksticks conducted and produced ICCLA Sound of Christmas carol concert at the Redondo Beach Performing Art Centre.

He is the founder and director of Kross Kulture Musical. Also, the music director, International Christian Centre Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Pinmiloye is an independent researcher with area of interest in drum language communication.

Project in view: God of Kross Kulture Worship Concert 2024.

Featured

We Are Ready To Partner UN To Address Women, Child Labour Issues – Remi Tinubu

This was when the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale and his team paid her a courtesy visit at the State House Abuja.

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Sunday Osanyintuyi

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON has expressed her readiness to partner with the United Nations and its sister agencies to address various areas of concern including role of women in public life, increased participation in economy, ending gender based violence, child labor and the scourge of out school children.

This was when the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale and his team paid her a courtesy visit at the State House Abuja.

Mr. Schmale promised on behalf of his organization to collaborate with the office of the First Lady knowing her antecedents especially in the areas of Women and Children.

He said the UN is aware of President Bola Tinubu’s stand on improving on the economic situation in the country and the UN is in support of this.

“One issue is the role of women in public life and we are very keen on it as you. We offer our support significantly in increasing the number of women in public life in Nigeria.

“Secondly, it is our understanding that the president has made the economy an important stone, again we know that women play a key role in the economy considering food and security as a national emergency.

“We are ready to explore what more we can do to support the government and your excellence in increasing the role of women in the economy and revitalizing the economy.
Schmale further said that the UN would support the first lady in ensuring that issues like polio, out-of-school children, child labor and violent against women are brought to the minimal level.

“The third issue is violent, former president Mohammadu Buhari had in 3-years ago declared violence against women and children a national emergency, again we are offering support to the UN family in overcoming this emergency.

“Finally, there are issues around children, that we think are of particular importance, the issue of school children out of learning environment and the issue of over 15million children under the age of 14 in child labour in Nigeria obviously needs attention.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her response said her office is ready to accept the UN offer saying all they have stated are areas she remains passionate about and they are of importance to her.
She said her National Programme, Renewed Hope Initiative is also taking all the issues into cognizance.
She advised women should also stop looking down on themselves but improve on themselves.

“I want more women in the decision making positions like legislative arms because if laws are not changed, this would be the same game continuously.

“However, are the women ready to sacrifice? We are the ones that need to stand to help ourselves.

“Education is very vital and I don’t believe that a woman cannot get all that she wants once she is educated but our focus on education is for all both boys and girls and even less privileged women