By Samuel Onyekwere
As part of move to create awareness and enlighten Nigerians on the importance of restoring the country’s mangrove area and reclaim the desert, The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), on November 17, held its annual dinner tagged “Green Ball” with the theme “Green Recovery Nigeria – Restoring the Mangroves and Reclaiming the Desert”.
This year’s event was staged to create awareness and seek support for its Green Recovery Nigeria Initiative, while focusing on restoration of the mangroves and reclaiming the desert.
Mangrove degradation is caused by oil pollution, tree felling, over-exploitation and sand filling among other activities.
Nigeria has one-third of the entire mangroves in Africa. This is the largest in the continent and the third largest in the entire world.
The Niger Delta mangroves are estimated to provide 60% of the spawning
grounds of fishes in West Africa. Mangroves absorb carbon and they determine the livelihood of the coastal dwellers. Nigerian mangroves make up 40% of the remaining original forests in Nigeria and cover 10,500 square kilometres.
The NCF and other environmental NGOs have embarked on Mangrove Restoration
projects to restore Nigeria’s mangrove to at least 70% of their original states. There is an urgent need for rehabilitation for the mangrove ecosystem to be stepped up if they are to continue to render services to the country.
The Nigerian Savannah covers 35% of the total land area of the country.
It caters for 35 million people inhabiting 11 states. A healthy Savannah ecosystem provides food, fiber and other valuable economic and social services.
Nigeria is currently losing about 351,000 hectares of its land mass to desert conditions annually.
Huge effort is needed to reclaim the desert so that current and future generations can benefit from the livelihood and ecosystem services provided by the Savannah.
The special guest at the event, and wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Biodun Bamgboye, commended NCF for the initiative and efforts so far in advocating for re-greening Nigeria and various other conversation projects.
The President, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Chief Philip Asiodu, in his welcome address stated that despite Federal Government’s declaration and policies on reclaiming the lost forest to at least 25% as recommended by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigeria is yet to achieve 5% of this.
The Director General of NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano in his speech observed that the degradation of pristine mangroves and desert caused by various human activities need to be tackled with utmost urgency.
Environmental Stewardship Awards were given to Mrs. Ajoke Murtala Muhammed, wife of the late head of state, General Murtala Muhammed in recognition of her strong commitment to environmental sustainability in Nigeria through the establishment of Botanic Gardens, poverty alleviation and promotion of sustainable development globally. Another recipient, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunso Amosun, Founder & Initiator of Green Education for the Youth (GEFTY) was honored for her valuable contribution in safeguarding the Nigerian environment through advocacy, awareness and youth mobilization.
R & B singer, Timi Dakolo, performed to spice up the event that took place at the Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Also in attendance were wife of the Ogun State governor, Dr. (Mrs.)
Olufunso Amosun, Chief Femi Olopade, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), and Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi among others.
Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, Chairperson Committee who moved the vote of thanks appreciated the guests for honoring their invitation while she also thanked the sponsors of the event.
