News
NCF holds 22nd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial lecture in Lagos
In ensuring a better environment for all, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), held the 22nd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture on carbon credit while calling on companies and governments to adopt sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions in the country.
The NCF National Executive Council Chairman, Hon. Justice (Mrs.) Bukola Adebiyi, while giving her welcome address, said that there were numerous environmental issues which needed urgent attention.
According to her, “it is important that we pause and reflect on how we can individually and collectively commit to and make a positive impact and difference to these numerous and interrelated environmental issues. We all can by making responsible choices, adopting sustainable practices; such as reducing our carbon footprint protecting natural habitats, phasing out the use of single use plastics.
“All these sustainable practices can be made towards safeguarding the earth for future generations,” she said. Adebiyi who said that environmental problems were numerous and serious, added that it required urgent attention. She said that forest cover in Nigeria had reduced from 1O to six percent within the last three decades.” She added.
“Species loss remains on the increase as they lose their natural habitat, loss of biodiversity, Greenhouse Gas emissions, which leads to the trapping of heat and leads to global warming. Others are climate change, which causes rising sea levels, extreme weather events, land degradation, freshwater shortage and food insecurity.” she added.
“Other human activities that affect the environment are industrialization, air Pollution, water contamination and pollution, improper waste management, urbanization to mention a few,” she concluded.
The Guest Lecturer, Mr Kevin Juma, Africa Climate Director, The Nature Conservancy, Nairobi, Kenya, said that Carbon credit is a certificate given for helping in reducing or avoiding emission.
“It is one time certificate that represents emission reduction and avoidance tradable in a marketplace known as the carbon market. The opportunities are massive, there is untapped natural resources in this continent. 20% of the world forest are formed in Africa. We have savannah land that is carrying most of our resources which has reduced due to urbanization.”
“By compensating or encouraging those who participate in carbon credit, we have the chance to make our fertile land more productive,” he said.
He added that there was a lot of opportunities in Africa. “The market is untapped and there is a lot of opportunities. Remember Africans don’t rarely participate in a program like this and there is a need for voluntary participants.
“They need to be aware of the opportunities in order to tap into the global market, however, we need to develop high quality project to achieve untapped opportunities,” he said.
When asked how Nigeria can reduce carbon emission, Juma said that at first, a national evaluation and an examination of the threat level was required.
“Additionally, NGOs can be very helpful in this issue by helping to restore our natural areas and grasslands while also helping to conserve them.
While delivering his lecture, Juma also said that the world must reach net zero by 2050 or earlier to keep global warming not more than 1.5C as called for in the Paris Agreement.
“Emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050,” he said.
The NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, while speaking with journalists on reduction of carbon emission, he said that Nigeria had what we called the nationally determine contribution which was a voluntary decision.
“A decision by every country that signed on to the Paris agreement and one of the way Nigeria has signed up to reduce those emissions is to look at different sectors. The sector in terms of transportation, manufacturing and as well as agricultural sector.”
“In fact, when you look at the agricultural sector, instead of cutting down trees to plant, there is what we call agro forestry where you must do it together. In terms of the transportation sector, you will look at the introduction of the CNG buses instead of continuously using fossil fuel buses,” he added.
He said that these were ways Nigeria could easily cut down emissions.
“One of the major ways we citizens can perform our responsibilities is to plant trees. Apart from planting trees, we need to nurture these trees and the ones that are standing we need to stop cutting them down because it is very important and that lies in our hands,” he said.
Present at the memorial lecture were top brass in the environmental space.
NCF pursues the conservation of nature and its resources with the aim of improving the quality of human life both in the present and the future. The organization core values include reliability, accountability, excellence, environmental responsiveness and commitment to conservation.
The organization is under the legal ownership of a Board of Trustees under the able leadership of President Izioma Phillip Asiodu CFR, CON who along with other Trustees have managed the organization’s assets and carried out its purposes for the past 40years.
The Organization is governed by a Board, the National Executive Council (NEC) made up of captains of Industry, accomplished and committed men and women recently headed by my humble self who provide strategic direction to help the organization achieve its purpose.
The day-to-day management is under the leadership of the Director General; Mr. Joseph Onoja. Ph.D who leads a formidable management of team and staff.
The lecture with the theme “Carbon Credit: Opportunities and Pitfalls” was organised by NCF in partnership with the family of late Chief S.L. Edu, and was sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Ltd. The event was well attended by Vice Chancellors of universities, government officials and others.
President Bola Tinubu has instructed lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the impeached and reinstated Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to continue leading the house.
The President made this position known when he met with the lawmakers at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
As reported earlier, this is the first time President Tinubu is meeting the lawmakers since the crisis began in the house January 13, 2025.
One of the lawmakers told newsmen that ” Obasa is staying. We will obey the president. What we had was a family meeting. The President condenmed Obasa’s actions but blamed us for not carring him (Tinubu) along during the impeachement execrise”.
However, the lawmaker said President Tinubu warned Obasa to carry everyone along.
” He also warned him (Obasa) that if there were any future complaints from any quarters, he would be gone. “The President said he should let peace reign; and so based on that, we have accepted.”
On the pending matter in court, the source said: “The President has instructed him to withdraw it.”
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has issued a strong call to residents to remain vigilant and actively engage in prescribed guidelines against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the state.
Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the HIV epidemic during a virtual interview. “Individuals must take responsibility for their own health as well as that of the community,” she said.
“HIV remains a major public health concern, and prevention is our most powerful tool. We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending HIV transmission requires a united front, and together, we can achieve an HIV-free generation.”
Dr. Animashaun encouraged residents to adopt practices that minimize the risk of HIV transmission, including:
– Engaging in safe sex practices
– Avoid the sharing of sharp objects like needles and blades
– Undergoing regular HIV testing for early detection and management
– Seeking immediate medical support when necessary
She emphasized the need to intensify efforts in raising awareness geared towards prevention, treatment, and fulfilling collective responsibility in practising safe sex and ensuring everyone is properly informed on how the virus is transmitted.
“We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending the transmission of HIV is not solely the responsibility of the government and health institutions but requires a united effort from all citizens to ensure everyone is well-informed.”
The Chief Executive Officer reiterated the agency’s commitment to the Health and Environment Mandate of the THEMES PLUS AGENDA. The agency has been instrumental in coordinating HIV & AIDS control programs, including public awareness and sensitization, and regular free screening and counselling services across the state.
“As an agency, we are dedicated to educating the public and implementing health initiatives that align with our mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause and will continue to work diligently towards creating a healthier and safer community for all.”
Dr. Animashaun noted that HIV testing and counseling services remain free at all designated healthcare facilities in the state, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in the control and management of HIV in the state.
She expressed optimism that through unity and proactive engagement, Lagos can work towards achieving an HIV-free generation. The agency will continue to educate the public and promote health initiatives, especially in the management and control of HIV in the state.
The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, that it suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natsha Akpoti-Uduaghan for gross misconduct and not because of her sexual allegation on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This was as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York has continued to attract reactions.
Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice meted on her.
After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the union after listening to the other side.
The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.
Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
It could be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her, even after submitting another petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against injustice.
However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Lagos HoA Crisis: Let Obasa Stay, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers
LAGOS CHARGES RESIDENTS ON PROACTIVE MEASURES AGAINST HIV SPREAD
Why we suspended Senator Natasha – Nigerian Senate writes IPU
Know The Airlines, Departure And Arrival Terminals In Lagos Airports By Ayodeji Awokunmi
Know the Airlines, departure, and arrival terminals in Lagos Domestic Airports
Dissecting Caritas CEO’S ‘Public Relations Thoughts And Deeds’ By Stanley Olisa
-
Uncategorized1 week agoBREAKING: Meranda resigns as Speaker of Lagos Assembly
-
News1 week ago
Obasa resumes as Speaker of Lagos Assembly
-
Entertainment1 week agoMy life will be in danger if I expose men who slept with my wife – Actor Ijoba Lande
-
News1 week ago
Why I stepped down as Lagos Speaker – Full text of Meranda’s resignation speech
-
News6 days agoSenator Natasha: Don’t be in position men will talk to you anyhow – Tinubu’s wife tells women
-
News6 days agoBREAKING: Doyin Okupe is dead
-
News1 week agoUTME 2025: JAMB enrolls 1.6 million candidates in 26 days
-
Politics1 week ago
Rivers crisis: Leaving office worst thing that can happen to me – Fubara