The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved the sum $3.28 million to tackle land degradation in Kebbi State under the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) initiative.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State
Mr Jonah Stanley, the Operational Focal Point for GEF, disclosed this at an interactive session with the Federal Ministry of Environment, NAGGW and Sec Diarra & Sages Consult Group on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Abuja.
GEF is a multilateral environmental fund that provides grants and blended finance for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, among others.
“The project aligned for Nigeria, is to be carried out by NAGGW; recently, GEF approved $3.28 million to deal with dry lands, land degradation and ecosystem regeneration in Kebbi,’’ Stanley said.
Stanley, who is also the Director, Planning Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Environment, said that GEF was a funding mechanism that supported more than 185 countries around the world including Nigeria in dealing with environmental issues.
He said that Nigeria had benefited from GEF over the years.
According to him, the support comes in circles, adding that Nigeria is now in GEF 8 circle which started in 2022 and will last until 2026.
On his part, Prof. Robert Yougbar, representative from Sec Diarra & Sages Consult Group, said the target of the funds was to get the land restored and community resuscitation.
In his remark, Mr Saleh Abubakar, Director-General of NAGGW, assured that the project would be executed with the funds.
Also, Dr Innocent Alenyi, acting Director, Planning Policy and Coordinator, NAGGW, commended the establishment of the agency to tackle deforestation and land degradation.
He said that civil societies were key to success of the agency’s initiatives in the country.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Nigeria is the first country in Africa to receive mpox vaccines, aimed at combating the spread of the new strain of mpox virus.
First-ever delivery of mpox vaccines in Africa outside of clinical trials arrives in Nigeria. Photo credit WHO
WHO in a statement stated that Nigeria received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines on Tuesday, August 28, 2024.
On Aug. 14 the chief of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the rise of mpox, formerly monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern.
Following his announcement, the chief, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said he was working with partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines.
The United States government has donated the Jynneos (MVA) vaccine to Nigeria, and it is set to be distributed in five of the country’s states, where the most mpox cases have been detected.
“We are pleased to receive this modest initial donation of the mpox vaccine, which is safe and efficacious,” Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, said.
“We will continue to strengthen surveillance and be vigilant to prevent and control mpox.”
The MVA vaccine will be given to 5,000 people most at risk of the virus in a two-dose schedule.
This includes “close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers, with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises,” according to WHO’s regional office for Africa.
While waiting for the vaccines to be administered, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, has approved the vaccine’s emergency use.
“The delivery of the mpox vaccines to Nigeria not only constitutes a crucial addition to the ongoing measures to halt the virus and protect health, but it is also a clear demonstration of international solidarity in the face of global public health emergencies,” Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director of Africa, said.
WHO’s Africa office says “serious gaps in mpox vaccine access” remain in Africa.
The organisation is working with countries and manufacturers to increase access to the needed vaccines.
Further, WHO is collaborating with partners including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and others to “enable donations from countries with existing stockpiles.”
The partners are also developing a “donation scheme” to ensure the limited vaccines are used in areas where it is most needed.
WHO’s Africa office is assisting the Nigerian Government to improve “surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory capacity, risk communication, and community engagement” as the country has had 786 suspected mpox cases and 39 confirmed cases as of Aug. 10.
Health officials are also implementing early case detection and diagnostics, as well as increasing cross-border surveillance, notably at main points of entry throughout the country.
Linus Unah, the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) friend of the month of August 2024, is a Nigerian producer, journalist, and emerging documentary filmmaker working with Wild Africa. He previously worked as an independent journalist for six years and produced multimedia stories on wildlife conservation, development, global health, and conflict for Mongabay, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, National Public Radio, Devex, The Christian Science Monitor, and several others.
His fondness for documentary film grew out of his role at San Francisco-based Wild Aid Organisation, an international environmental charity, where he assisted in producing environmental TV series and shortform videos on the illegal wildlife trade and local conservation projects. Recently, the EPI Foundation worked closely with Linus in the launch of Nigeria’s first National Elephant Action Plan, which he described as a significant step forward towards providing a strategic framework for ensuring the long-term survival of elephants
Linus Unah at the Sheldrick Trust in Nairobi, Kenya
Have you always been passionate about wildlife conservation?
My passion for wildlife conservation has roots in my childhood in central Nigeria, a place surrounded by trees like mangoes, neems, and cashews. As a kid, I loved birdwatching, spotting nests, and helping a friend raise pigeons. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp what wildlife conservation meant – it was more about the simple joys of exploring nature, much like my peers. We played football, chased birds, and marvelled at the weaver birds nesting in the mango trees behind our home. After completing my bachelor’s degree in communications, I was mainly focused on covering stories on insecurity, climate change, and various development issues like water, sanitation, and education.
However, my perspective changed in 2018 when I visited Agbokim Waterfalls village in Cross River State in southern Nigeria to interview Cameronian refugees fleeing the conflict back home. Coming from Lagos, a city with scarce green spaces, I was stunned by the pristine rainforests in Cross River. I also heard stories about the region’s unique wildlife – gorillas, chimpanzees, drill monkeys, and more.
This was a turning point for me. I realised these stories weren’t being told as widely as possible. Shortly after, I came across a call for pitches on Mongabay focused on great apes in mid-2018. I applied and was selected, marking the beginning of my work in wildlife storytelling. Since then, I’ve reported extensively on conservation efforts in Nigeria and Costa Rica, covering the work of people dedicated to fighting poaching and habitat loss. I’ve truly found my calling in telling these stories today with Wild Africa, where I work, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
How did your journey into journalism begin?
My journey into journalism was shaped by an early exposure to literature, thanks to my older brothers, who were deeply immersed in Shakespearean plays and the poetry of William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, and John Milton. Our home was filled with the works of Nigerian authors like Cyprian Ekwensi, Amos Tutuola, Ola Rotimi, Chinua Achebe, and Wole Soyinka, among others.
In both elementary and high school, I was actively involved in press clubs – a small group of students who listened to Radio Nigeria network news daily, read local and national newspapers, and distilled everything into a short news bulletin that we presented at the morning assembly. I also eagerly awaited weekly copies of Newswatch magazine, where I was captivated by the incisive writing of Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese. Their fearless and hard-hitting style left a lasting impression on me. Their work deepened my fascination with journalism and its critical role in society.
As I grew older, I became a regular reader of The Sun newspaper, where I followed columns written by Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe. Inspired by these influences, I pursued a degree in mass communication at the University of Nigeria and eventually ventured into freelance journalism after graduation.
You have worked with global, Pan-African and local news organisations. What are some of the common themes that influence how conservation issues in Africa are reported globally?
In Africa, conservation stories are usually centred on poaching, deforestation, and endangered animals. Although these are serious challenges, this framing sometimes overlooks more nuanced stories about local conservation efforts, indigenous knowledge, and successful community-driven initiatives.
Another recurring element is a preoccupation with well-known species like elephants, rhinos, lions, and gorillas, which receive international attention and funding. This emphasis, however, sometimes overlooks less “charismatic” species and broader biodiversity issues that are equally vital for ecological balance.
The tension between the demands of local development needs and conservation goals is another recurring theme. Global reporting frequently highlights the need to protect wildlife and landscapes, sometimes portraying local communities as impediments to attaining these noble objectives. This can provide a one-dimensional representation of the interaction between humans and nature while ignoring the socioeconomic dynamics at work.
Despite their critical role in protecting nature, local perspectives and voices are sometimes missing from conservation stories. There is a fixation with quoting experts, often without a clear definition of what qualifies someone as an expert in the first place.
Do you think that it is important to invest funds in amplifying African voices in conservation? If so, why? And what impact could that create?
Yes, without a doubt. For decades, African communities have coexisted with wildlife and found ways to protect their natural resources. By investing in and amplifying these voices, we elevate solutions that are grounded in local realities and encourage local communities to feel a sense of ownership. This ensures that conservation efforts are co-created and led by the people who will be most impacted, rather than merely being top-down initiatives. Additionally, African journalists, community leaders, and conservationists become effective change agents when they are given the means and platforms to share their own stories. This not only shifts the narrative but also inspires the next generation of conservationists across the continent.
This year has been monumental for Nigeria’s elephant conservation efforts. First, the ivory crush happened; recently, the National Elephant Action Plan was launched, and you were present for both events. How have these events influenced your vision for the conservation of Nigeria’s elephants?
The ivory crush event was a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting its elephants. Similarly, the launch of the National Elephant Action Plan marked a significant step forward, providing a strategic framework for ensuring the long-term survival of elephants through habitat protection, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and community engagement.
Being present at both events reinforced the importance of a coordinated approach that involves not just the government but also local communities, conservation organisations, and the private sector. Moving forward, I am more committed than ever to raising awareness and telling stories that highlight the progress being made while keeping a close eye on areas that need more attention.
Pacific Islands are facing a triple threat due to climate change: accelerating sea level rise, ocean warming, and acidification. These escalating challenges are jeopardising not only the socioeconomic stability of these islands but also their existence, highlights a new WMO report.
Climate change has heightened Pacific Islands’ vulnerability
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023 report details how sea level rise in the region is above the global average. In much of the western tropical Pacific, sea level has risen approximately 10–15 cm, close to or nearly twice the global rate measured since 1993. In the central tropical Pacific, sea level has risen approximately 5–10 cm.
In addition, sea surface temperatures have risen three times faster than the global average since 1980. During that time marine heatwaves have approximately doubled in frequency since 1980 and are more intense and are lasting longer.
The report was released by United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga. It was accompanied by a special briefing document on Surging Seas in a Warming World, described by Mr Guterres as “an SOS on sea level rise.”
He also noted that Pacific Islands are particularly exposed to the consequences of climate change, despite accounting for just 0.02% of global emissions. Their average elevation is just one to two metres above sea level; 90% of the population live within 5 kilometres of the coast and half the infrastructure is within 500 metres of the sea.
The State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2023 report was prepared in cooperation with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and other United Nations agencies and international partners. It also looks at climate drivers in 2023 – including the last El Niño event – temperature, precipitation and extreme events such as tropical cyclones, drought and extreme heat in the region.
Overall, 34 reported hydrometeorological hazard events in 2023 – most of them storm or flood related – led to over 200 fatalities and impacted more than 25 million people in the region.
“Climate change has become a global crisis and is the defining challenge that humanity currently faces. Communities, economies and ecosystems throughout the South-West Pacific region are significantly affected by its cascading impacts. It is increasingly evident that we are fast running out of time to turn the tide,” said Saulo.
The NNPC Ltd has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.
Medical personnel attending to an indigene of Ilaje Community of Lagos State during the Vision First healthcare outreach on free eye care services held in the area, on Tuesday
The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.
The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.
In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.
The outreach emphasised the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
Agricultural biotechnology stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, educated journalists on biosafety and biotechnology regulations and reportage during a communication workshop.
Participants at the NBMA agricultural biosafety/biotech communication workshop in Lagos
This is coming a couple of weeks after a similar forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, August 14. The agricultural biosafety/biotech communication workshop was themed: “Strategic Communication Training for Influencers/Reporters on Biosafety/Biotech Regulations.”
Organised by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the daylong event featured messages and presentations by Dr Agnes Asagbra, the NBMA Director-General/CEO; Chris Bielecki, Agricultural Counselor at USDA; Gloria Ogbaki, NBMA spokesperson; Abraham Isah of OFAB; African Farmer Mogaji; Hauwa Tahir Ahmed of NBMA; and Michael Simire, Editor-in-Chief of EnviroNews Nigeria, who spoke on “Crafting impactful messages that resonate with the public and policymakers”.
The workshop was aimed at promoting scientific literacy and dispelling non-science-based narratives about agricultural biosafety in other to enhance the media’s capacity to communicate complex biosafety topics to the public accurately.
Apart from providing in-depth knowledge of the NBMA’s role and activities in regulating agricultural biotechnology, the forum was also aimed at fostering a network of informed journalists who can contribute to the national dialogue on biosafety.
In her welcome address at the Abuja workshop, Dr Asagbra highlighted the benefits of modern biotechnology in minimising risks to humans, animals, and the environment.
She assured that the agency was committed to transparency and truthfulness in its communication channels.
“We are dedicated to utilising modern biotechnology to minimise risks to human health and the environment,” Asagbra said.
She promised that no unsafe foods would enter the public domain without certification from the agency through modern biotechnology.
Bielecki of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in Nigeria noted that Nigeria is a continental leader in biotechnology.
He assured that the U.S. was willing to support Nigeria in achieving its biotechnology and biosafety goals.
“The USDA aims to promote agricultural trade between Nigeria and the US and support the development of Nigeria’s domestic agricultural systems.”
Bielecki expressed optimism that the enlightenment would foster a network of informed journalists and opinion influencers contributing to international dialogue on biosafety and modern biotechnology.
Just like they did in Lagos, the NBMA, in collaboration with the USDA, organised the Strategic Communication Training for influencers and reporters on biosafety and biotechnology regulations.
The Edo State Government has proposed alternative sources of energy, a new airport and rail lines in the new Benin City and Edo regional development masterplans.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State
In his address at the unveiling of the two masterplans on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in Benin, Gov. Godwin Obaseki said the alternative energy would be sourced from renewables such as solar and hydro.
The governor said the new airport was being proposed to be located in Auchi.
He also said new cities such as the Coral City would be developed in Benin City, Auchi and Ekpoma.
Obaseki explained that the two masterplans were designed by the state government in partnership with Siraj Nigeria Limited under the Supervision of the state Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing Urban and Regional Development.
“The master plans are living documents and subject to review every five years.
“They will be infused into the primary and secondary schools’ curriculums,” he said.
Earlier, Ms Isoken Omo, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing Urban and Regional Development, said a total of 22,000 properties were visited during the planning exercise while 27 consultations were held with various stakeholders.
Omo, who noted that the reviewing of the existing masterplans was participatory, noted that it would encourage local governments to focus on areas of their comparative advantage for development.
According to her, the Edo Regional Development and Benin City Masterplans cover all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
“The success of the masterplans is dependent on the collective efforts of indigenes and residents of Edo State.
“The masterplans will determine the location of public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, hospitals, water and power.
“It will promote innovation and entrepreneurship by creating a supportive environment for startups and small businesses across the state,” the commissioner said.
The Central African Republic has become the 26th country to join the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), a pan-African alliance of countries dedicated to the conservation of elephants and the harmonious coexistence of elephants and people.
Forest elephants congregate at the Central African Republic’s Dzanga-Sangha National Park, where security has been restored after a period of upheaval. Photo credit: Andrea Turkalo/WCS
The EPI is a global initiative that brings together African elephant range states, IGOs, NGOs, the private sector, and individual citizens to protect elephants and put an end to the illegal ivory trade and ensure the harmonious coexistence of people and elephants.
Over the past 10 years, the illegal ivory trade has reportedly affected Central Africa’s elephants. According to the Africa Elephant Status Report, 2016, the savanna populations of the Central African Republic have almost completely disappeared, with the only remaining populations occurring in the forested south-west area.
Mr. David Ouangado, the Acting Director General of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Fishing in the Central African Republic, is recognised for his commitment to the preservation of biodiversity and fostering human-elephant coexistence through legislature and strategic partnerships. The decision by the Central African Republic to join the EPI demonstrates the country’s political commitment to conserving its remaining elephant population.
The Central African Republic has pledged to work together with the EPI to implement the African Elephant Action Plan and to join global political leadership to protect elephants, promote sustainable livelihoods, and ensure the harmonious coexistence of people and elephants. As part of this initiative, they also commit to closing national ivory markets, observing a moratorium on international ivory trade until African elephant populations are no longer threatened, and keeping national ivory stocks out of all economic use.
The EPI Foundation serves as the secretary for the EPI. Its CEO, John E. Scanlon AO, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Central African Republic as the 26th member of the EPI, joining the majority of Central African countries already part of the Initiative. This expansion enhances our ability to help coordinate regional efforts for greater impact. The EPI Foundation looks forward to supporting the Central African Republic’s government in reaching its elephant conservation goals.”
The EPI Foundation will work closely with the Central African Republic by:
Helping to secure stockpiles of ivory and other wildlife products through inventories and improved stockpile management.
Providing technical expertise in developing elephant action plans and managing human-elephant conflict (HEC).
Developing a national elephant action plan (NEAP).
Amplifying the voices of their conservation journalists and other related support.
In its drive towards achieving Objective 3 of the PepsiCo project, which is to increase education and awareness on hygiene, WaterAid Nigeria in partnership with PepsiCo Foundation has conducted vehicle mounted Hygiene Behavioural Change campaign round Igando-Ikotun, Ojodu and Ikorodu North LCDAs in Lagos State.
Hygiene Behavioural Change campaign
Speaking to journalists during the event that was carried out from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, 2024, Grace Uwadiale, a consultant to WaterAid, said: “The vehicle mounted HBC was conducted to reach 4,000 men, women and children in six communities of intervention and another 100,000 Lagosians through airing of the jingles on radio stations.”
She said WaterAid took the step in order to increase the indirect reach for the project in addition to the mass media.
According to Uwadiale, the facilitators had earlier trained two group leaders each from the three LCDAs.
“Six trained facilitators from Igando-Ikotun LCDA worked in two communities (Egan and Ijegun) in the LCDA, six trained facilitators from Ojodu LCDA worked in two communities (Agidingbi and Ojodu) and six trained facilitators from Ikorodu North worked in two communities (Araromi and Itele-Nla) in the LCDA.
“A team of three facilitators worked in each community and in addition 18 WASHCOM members/VHPs supported the team by taking the lead in the communities. The facilitators across the three LCDAs all went into the marketplaces, garages and motor parks to instil in them to keep good hygiene practices,” she explained.
With the aid of public address systems in mobile vehicles, PepsiCo HBC Jingles were played which supported the facilitators to reach persons living in these target communities to hear the key hygiene messages. HBC posters were also distributed and pasted at strategic locations during the campaigns to reinforce the HBC messages.
The areas covered include Araromi and Itele-Nla in Ikorodu North LCDA, Agidingbi and Ojodu in Ojodu LCDA and Egan and Ijegun in Igando-Ikotun LCDA with nudges containing the HBC messages.
BATN Foundation has admonished young graduates to embrace the opportunities offered by the Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant, a premier agricultural entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower young people with promising agri-business ventures.
SAED officials and the BATN Foundation Team during a visit to the new SAED Director
Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager, BATN Foundation, who gave the charge, disclosed that the programme provides equity-free capital, bootcamp comprehensive training, mentorship and additional support to help scale these businesses.
He said, “This initiative, created and funded by BATN Foundation in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), is part of BATNF’s unwavering commitment to fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture.
“This grant initiative targets current NYSC members to make agribusiness attractive, reduce youth unemployment, drive youth engagement in agriculture, and foster economic development. Through this initiative, participants are trained and empowered in agro practices that position them for long-term success in the agribusiness value chain,” he stressed.
During a recent visit, the BATNF team, led by Mr. Odusanya, met with the new Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni, where further collaboration opportunities were explored between BATN Foundation and NYSC, ensuring that the Foundation’s programmes continue to reach and impact more youths than ever before.
Speaking on the visit, the General Manager, BATN Foundation, said, “This partnership with NYSC is critical to our mission of fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture. By equipping youths with the skills and resources they need, we are empowering youths to be job creators and helping to secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.”
Echoing this sentiment, the new Director of SAED, Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni, added, “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with BATN Foundation.
“This initiative is a powerful tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our young corps members.”
The Farmers for the Future curriculum is designed to provide aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with the insights and knowledge needed to explore diverse market opportunities and develop a structured business model for strategic growth.
The curriculum is intensive and cover many areas of agricultural entrepreneurship for the benefit of the participants.
Also present were Deputy Director Empowerment, Mr. Alphons Zakaria; Assistant Director SAED, Mrs. Jumai Wagne; and DSAED, Mrs. Delphina Eze.
Participants stand a chance to win a share of the N10 million grant, designed to kickstart or expand their agribusiness ventures. This prize will provide the capital needed to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
