NEWS
Illegal Trade in Endangered Species Causes Harm to Nature—— LASG warns
The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Saturday educated the public on the negative impact of illegal trade in endangered species, adding that it had caused serious harm to nature and biodiversity.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mrs Belinda Odeneye, made the statement during the walk for nature in Lagos.
The walk for nature was hosted by the LASG in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation(NCF).
The walk for nature with the theme: ‘Conserve Biodiversity Sustain Humanity’ being the 14th edition was held simultaneously in Ikeja, Surulere and Obalende.
According to the permanent secretary, the programme is aimed at raising awareness on environmental issues by demonstrating the importance of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
“Humanity and nature have evolved together for thousands of years, creating unique and interdependent cultures and landscapes.
“Indigenous people and local communities are the primary custodians of much of the world’s most valuable remaining forests, grassland, savannah, wetlands, and oceans.
“In failing to recognise indigenous people and local communities, we weaken our planet’s resilience and reduce our ability to deliver well-being and prosperity for all.
“Our cravings for developmental changes, plastic production and consumption, illegal trade in endangered species have caused great harm to nature and biodiversity and as such there is the need for us to restore these priced resources,” she said.
Odeneye who said that conserving biodiversity to sustain humanity was very essential, added that biodiversity was essential to human health, wellbeing and prosperity.
“Biodiversity supports the provision of ecosystem services such as: food, fresh water, fuel wood, fibre, biochemical and ecotourism which are central to economic activities,” she said.
She said that the state was developing a sector policy on wetland and biodiversity to ensure balanced development, where the cause of nature would be adequately mainstreamed into the state’s development planning.
“Furthermore, the state through its plastic recycling programme is addressing the issue of plastic waste pollution that is negatively affecting aquatic wildlife and causing environmental degradation,” she said.
The Director, Technical Programme, NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, while speaking with journalists, said that the walk was to create an awareness for everyone to know how they impact the environment.
“This is also aimed at ensuring we all play our parts so that our actions or inaction does not harm the environment which in turn will harm us.
“If we don’t conserve biodiversity, then humanity will be in danger,” he said.
He appealed to everyone to stop killing some animals, adding that they were important to humanity.
“A typical example is the owl, this kind of animal helps to control the population of rats in our homes.
“Another example is the vulture, this helps protect us from diseases, they clean up diets around before these dirts come to human population and cause diseases,” he said.
He added that the government had also been supportive, while adding that they could still do more. (NAN)
NEWS
Buni Approves Employment of 424 Health Workers
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, has approved the employment of 424 health professionals to bolster medical facilities across the state.
Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, Buni’s Director-General Press and Media Affairs, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Damaturu on Tuesday.
He said 205 of the employed workers were Nurses and Midwives, who graduated from the state-owned Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery, Damaturu.
“Similarly, the governor has approved the employment of 219 Health Technicians with specialty in different fields to meet the professional requirements of the state’s hospitals.
“The newly employed health workers are to be deployed to both rural and urban areas towards providing efficient health services to people across the state,” Mohammed said.
The governor’s aide noted that the employment was in line with Buni-administration’s policy of providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people.
He charged the new workers to be loyal, disciplined and dedicated to their duty to justify government’s investment as well as confidence reposed in them.
Mohammed said the governor assured that healthcare service delivery would continue to be on the priority list of his administration.
“Buni noted that government would continue to provide hospitals with required facilities, medical consumables, and qualified staff for continuous improvement of healthcare delivery in the state,” he assured. (NAN)
NEWS
Xmas: Diocese of Yola Donates Gifts to Inmates
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Yola, Bishop Stephen Mamza, on Tuesday donated some gifts to inmates at Yolde-Pate Correctional Centre in Yola-South.
Speaking at the Correctional Centre, Mamza said that the donation which was made in the spirit of love would make the inmates feel the impact of Christmas being a period of joy, happiness and peace.
“We are here to rejoice with the inmates, tomorrow will be the Christmas for all of us Christians and humanity for the whole world, the time we commemorate and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“It is a period of joy, happiness and peace because Christ have dropped peace and joy into the world for us.
“To make the inmates feel the impact of Christmas, we have decided to bring some Christmas gifts that you needed in order to live a little comfortable in the centre,” the diocese said.
Mamza, therefore, called on the inmates to take advantage of being in the centre to change positively and contribute to the development of their communities after their jail term.
He also assured them that the ongoing construction of the Chapel in the centre that he had started would be completed and put to use soonest.
In his remarks, ACC Williams Cham, the Control in charge of the Centre, expressed their appreciation to the diocese for supporting the well-being of the inmates under their custody and assured him of judicious distribution of the items to them.
The donated items includes 672 bathroom slippers, 180 pieces of Izal disinfectants, 1,080 bottles of vaseline Jelly, 720 pieces of soaps, a carton of medicines and 40 medium size mats, among others. (NAN)
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Tasks FG on Economy
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to do more to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
Martins said that the government should introduce and implement more favourable policies to reduce economic hardship.
The cleric made this known in his Christmas message to Nigerians.
The message was signed by the Director of Social Communications of the archdiocese, Rev.
Fr. Anthony Godonu.Martins said that there was the need for a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive as a strategy to reduce unemployment and poverty.
“This is more urgent than ever,” he said.
He emphasised the need for leaders to prioritise the welfare of the masses above private and parochial interests particularly in addressing hunger, unemployment and insecurity.
The cleric expressed sadness at the death of Nigerians, including children, due to stampede in Ibadan, Abuja and Anambra State, in their quest to access food palliatives.
He urged the Federal Government to come up with more short-term measures to cushion the effects of policies deemed to have positive results on the long-term, such as fuel subsidy removal.
“In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity.
“May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness and fill our hearts with love, compassion and kindness.
“As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised.
“May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he said (NAN)