NCF raises the bar in preserving nature

By Janefrances Chibuzor

Director General of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano has said that the alarming conclusions on the seriousness of climate change and environmental degradation in Nigeria makes it necessary for the foundation to redouble its efforts. He noted that recent scientific reports from the United Nations and other international agencies show that climate change and the decline in nature have reached the point where they threaten human existence.

Dr. Aminu-Kano spoke at the annual fundraising dinner tagged Green Ball with the theme Restoring Mother Nature: New Deal for Nature and People recently at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“This is more so in Nigeria where awareness of environmental issues is quite low and where these issues rank low in priority in our private and national lives. Hence the essence of our gathering to deliberate and raise fund to raise the bar in the conservation promotion,” he added.

The Chairman of the occasion, who is also President, Board of Trustees, NCF, Izoma Philip Asiodu revealed his observation on the state of the environment in Nigeria, saying: “The nation is losing its land at a fast rate, desert is disappearing, mangroves are being cleared, and pollution is everywhere. The report has it that Lagos and other coastal communities may be submerged under water in 2050 if the Federal Ggovernment does not take drastic steps.”

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Also present at the dinner were Minister (State) of Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor; DMD of Total E&P Ltd, Engr Musa Ahmadu-Kida; representative of WWF, Mr. Seif Hamisi among others.

The ‘Elegant Stallion’ Onyeka Onwenu entertained the guests with her African pop music. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, a business forum, which began the previous day was rounded up. The forum brought together stakeholders across Nigeria and international.

The Nigerian Business for Nature was a platform where officials and business leaders shared experiences and organisation’s best practices on the environment. Participants included government officials led by Chief Sharon Ikeazor, Directors-General of institutes, heads/representatives  from corporate organisations, WWF, RSPB and Birdlife International.

Among the sponsors for the night were Total E&P Nig. Ltd; Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG); Chevron Nigeria Ltd; Sokoto State Government; Ecobank Plc; Stanbic IBTC bank; Keystone bank Plc; First Bank Private Banking; Ethiopian Airline, Virgin Atlantic, Environmental Accord among others.