The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, inaugurated the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and the 1 million trees planting campaign at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
In his remarks, the Minister lauded the initiative by NDA, saying, “It is potentially a wake-up call for others to join the train.”
The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Mahmud Kambari.
Lawal said, “My excitement stems from the uniqueness of this occasion whereby biodiversity conservation and tree planting are taking place within the Defence sector and completely outside the traditional jurisdiction.”
He said that, by this, the NDA has carved yet another niche for itself by joining the vanguard to restore, protect, and conserve Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Lawal said, “This event further underscores the criticality of forests and biodiversity to all of us irrespective of our endeavours and professional constituency.
“It is instructive that the task of confronting the planetary challenges including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, is for all of us.”
According to him, tackling the environmental challenges headlong requires collaborative partnerships including with all sectoral institutions and agencies just as it is being exemplified by this event today.
Lawal said the initiative by NDA was a landmark complementary action that would unequivocally assist not only in expanding awareness but also in galvanising sectoral interests in protecting and conservation of the environment.
The minister said the Federal Government, through the military, has been relentless in ensuring that the nation’s forests were fully secured.
He said the recent multi-agency task force set up by the Federal Government was a step-up action to secure the mining sites and forest environments.
“The military and the police are key members of the task force. The groundbreaking ceremony of today is another dimension by which the military is complementing our efforts at assuaging environmental problems.
“I foresee the Biodiversity Conservation Centre serving as a sanctuary and refuge for endangered species of plants and animals.
“And consequently, a place for research and education while contributing to public awareness about biodiversity conservation and to the country’s progress in achieving Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” Lawal said.
He said the one million trees planting component would greatly contribute to an increase in the nation’s forest cover, reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as to the achievement of the Global Forest Goals.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria has just signed an MoU with Cameroon on the Cooperation Framework Agreement for Transboundary Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forestry and Wildlife resources.
“In addition to several other programmes the Ministry is undertaking as promised by the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration,” he said.
Lawal reiterated the ministry’s commitment to continue to take and champion transformative actions including expanding its collaborative network as already established with NDA having taken in its research students into it severally.
“We intend to optimise this collaboration by consistently working together with the NDA for the sustainability of the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and its invaluable benefits,” Lawal said.
The minister commended the tenacity and commitment of the Commandant of the NDA, volunteers and partners that have worked assiduously to achieve the event.
Earlier, the Commandant, NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, appreciated the ministry for being an active partner.
Ochai said the 1 million trees being planted were fully established under the “NDA Bio-Diversity and Conservative Centre”.
He said the centre would provide a research place for knowledge and education.
“As you know, NDA is a research institution where we provide opportunities for Nigerians to earn first, second and third Degrees.”
Dr Joseph Onoja delivered a lecture on “Conservation of Biological Diversity for National Development and Sustainability”.
By Muhammad Tijjani
