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Tag: NCF

  • Polaris Bank, NCF extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank, NCF extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank, in a robust display of its commitment to environmental sustainability, has expanded its nationwide tree-planting initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

    The latest exercise took place at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 14, 2024, following a similar event at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State just days earlier and Professor K.K Nwozor commended the Bank for its conservation efforts.

    The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Polaris Bank to align its operations with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which stresses the urgent need for land restoration and resilience against desertification and drought. The theme resonates with the 2024 World Environment Day, underscoring the bank’s proactive stance in promoting sustainable practices aimed at restoring degraded lands and enhancing biodiversity across Nigeria.

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    Osazuwa Igbinoba, Directorate Head for Abuja, articulated the bank’s ethos, stating, “Sustainability is embedded in our business strategy and actions at Polaris Bank.” He noted that the tree-planting efforts not only aim to restore natural ecosystems but also focus on planting economic trees to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

    Chiwetalu Nwatu, Directorate Head for the South East, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that sustainability is at the heart of the Bank’s operations, encompassing more than just financial services. He noted that Polaris Bank’s approach integrates responsible banking with societal empowerment and environmental responsibility, all grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

    The significance of tree planting as a countermeasure against climate change cannot be overstated. Thus, the initiative addresses critical issues such as soil erosion, air quality improvement, and climate regulation through carbon dioxide absorption. The bank’s efforts are not isolated; they form part of a nationwide campaign that has seen similar initiatives executed at various educational institutions and community reserves across Nigeria.

    The Bank’s nationwide Tree planting exercises were held recently at Tai Solarin University, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on July 1st; Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa in Kano State on August 30th; and University of Ibadan, Oyo State on October 3rd.These events illustrate Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental restoration.

    This project not only enhances local ecosystems but also serves as a public call to action on the importance of environmental preservation. Through collaborative efforts like these, Polaris Bank seeks to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to engage in environmental restoration and contribute to a sustainable future for all.

    Polaris Bank, in collaboration with the NCF, remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being and corporate responsibility, as demonstrated through these impactful tree-planting activities. Through this project, the Bank aims to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to foster a culture of sustainability throughout Nigeria.

  • NNPCL, FIRST E&P, NCF move to restore local biodiversity

    NNPCL, FIRST E&P, NCF move to restore local biodiversity

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), have announced the launch of the ALEC Initiative (Afforestation, Livelihood Enhancement, and Carbon Sequestration).

    The initiative, seen as a decisive move towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment, will work to combat critical issues of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change in 11 littoral communities of Bayelsa State while simultaneously enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the local population.

    In Nigeria, the situation calls for immediate action, with an estimated 70-80 per cent of the nation’s original forests already lost to unsustainable logging and agricultural expansion, as reported by Global Forest Watch and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

    Moreover, Nigeria harbours 309 species that are currently listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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    Without immediate and decisive action, Nigeria is on track to lose its remaining mangrove forests by 2050, according to projections by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) – a loss that would not only exacerbate the effects of climate change but also further endanger the country’s rich biodiversity.

    In response to these pressing issues, the ALEC Initiative will plant half a million trees over a span of five years and work towards rehabilitating and conserving critical ecosystems in the host communities for the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P JV.

    In addition to contributing to global climate mitigation efforts through enhanced carbon sequestration, the initiative will help restore some critical mangrove and tropical forest habitats for these communities in a bid to create greener, more sustainable ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife.

    Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, said, “This initiative reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility as well as a clear understanding that sustainable business success is inherently tied to the well-being of the communities we serve and the ecosystems we rely on.”

    During the official launch of the initiative with a signing event held at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, this week, the Executive Director, Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, Emmanuel, said: “The ALEC Project marks a pivotal step in our journey towards a sustainable future.”

    Etomi noted that “By restoring the vital ecosystems of our host communities, we are not only addressing a critical environmental need but also empowering local communities with new economic opportunities.

    “This project exemplifies the powerful synergy between environmental stewardship and community development, underscoring our deep commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact.”

    Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, remarked, “We are very excited about this project because it aligns with our strategic pillars, such as habitat restoration, tackling the climate crisis, and species conservation.”

    According to him, “This project will help us achieve some of the key goals we have set and ensure that people in the beneficiary communities, as well as Nigerians as a whole, enjoy a better quality of life while safeguarding the environment.”

    A statement, which was made available to The Nation by the partners, said the project marks the beginning of an ambitious journey toward environmental renewal and community resilience.

    It stated that the initiative not only reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss but also underscores the nation’s critical role in fostering sustainable development.

  • Continental Re, NCF to plant 2,000 trees

    Continental Re, NCF to plant 2,000 trees

    To preserve the environment, Continental Reinsurance is collaborating with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to plant 2,000 trees.

    The initiative was launched at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, Nigeria with sponsorship from Continental Reinsurance,

    The Executive Director, Technical Operations,Continental Re, Chukwuemeka Akwiwu, led officials to plant some trees.

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    Akwiwu said the initiative, which promotes a green environment, would be a continuous support to NCF.  “At Continental Re, we are pleased to support this noble cause with the initial donation of 2,000 trees, which will be used as we foster a healthier, greener Nigeria. This is just the beginning, and it is my intention that we should be having this conversation on an annual basis,” he said.

    The partnership began last year and has since grown stronger.  The collaboration was highlighted at the ninth Continental Reinsurance CEO Summit in Zimbabwe, where NCF’s participation inspired industry leaders by showcasing the vital work NCF does and demonstrating how companies can support such impactful initiatives.

    Akwiwu noted that the tree planting is not just a ceremonial act, but a symbol of hope and a tangible step towards combating climate change, restoring the ecosystem and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

    NCF Director, Business Development and Communications, Uchenna Achunine, said Continental Reinsurance is a special partner in its advocacy for nature conservation, and its activities that are geared towards building a better environment for all.

    He highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving ambitious environmental goals and emphasised the role of the foundation in helping restore Nigeria’s forest cover to 25 per cent by 2047.

  • NCF boost livelihood, plants over 250,000 trees

    NCF boost livelihood, plants over 250,000 trees

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) through its Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) Programme, implemented livelihood support activities that has boosted the economic value of over 1000 Nigerians who live within the communities where 276,860 tree seedlings were planted in 2023.

    According to NCF, Head Communications ,Oladapo Soneye, 2024 overall goal of the GRN Programme is to contribute and facilitate a reforestation scheme in 25 percent of Nigeria’s total landmass.

    GRN is a 30-year Programme that will run from 2017 to 2047, while simultaneously promoting actions to curb further deforestation and forest degradation.

    Some other activities include fuel-efficient cook stove training, provision of clean water, employment as eco-guards, tree nursery raising, enterprise development around non-timber forest products and many others.

    The livelihood support component of the GRN Programme is to reduce total dependence of communities on the forest; to reduce deforestation caused by fuelwood extraction, encourage conservation of wildlife, and prevent hideouts of criminals in the forest reserves.

    Some of the beneficiary communities in the livelihood component include Iko Esai and Becheve in Cross River; Ajingi in Kano; Guzape in Abuja; Awka Etti in Anambra among others.

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    The tree planting exercise across the six geo-political zones of the nation. Economic trees planted include avocado, mango, cashew, orange; and timber trees like Gmelina and teak etc. The trees were planted in forest reserves, National Parks, community forests, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions among others.

    The livelihood support and tree planting projects were made possible through the support of the German Government through the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, Germany (NABU), Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Access Corporation, AFR100, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, International Labour Organisation (ILO), First Bank Nigeria Ltd, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Ltd, and many others.

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is the foremost environmental NGO dedicated to nature conservation and biodiversity resource management for over 40years. It has remained resolute in ensuring people live in harmony with nature.

  • NCF urges Lagos govt on wetlands, others’ protection

    NCF urges Lagos govt on wetlands, others’ protection

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on the Lagos State Government to  stop the looming disaster that may eventually claim  Magodo and its environ.

    Speaking to The Nation, its Director-General, Dr Joseph Onoja, lamented that some land developers have planned to wipe off the Magodo wetlands.

    He stated that wetlands are dynamic aquatic ecosystem found all over the world and also an area of land that is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally.

    Explaining wetland, he further stated that wetlands could be thought of as biological supermarkets that provide great volume of food which attract many animal species.

    These animals, according to him, use wetlands for part of or all their life cycle.

    “It provides values that no other ecosystem can. These include natural water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline, erosion control, opportunities for recreation, aesthetic appreciation and natural products for our use at no cost.”

    Onoja said that Wetlands contribute immensely to tackling climate change challenges by enhancing the adaptation and resilience capacity of the ecosystems.

    “ It provides nature-based climate solutions and addresses socio-economic challenges such as water pollution, erosion, food security and human health, and disaster risk management by restoring water catchments”.

    On the importance of wetlands, he stated that they not only capture and store  rainwater; replenish ground water aquifers; regulate water quantity and also supply by releasing water at the right time to the right place in the right amount.

    It also improves water quality by removing and absorbing pollutants., he added.

    Other advantages of wetlands in Nigeria are highly valuable as they contain a variety of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and bird’s species.

    Read Also: NCF demands protection of wetlands, others

    Wetlands sustain life and keep us healthy. Healthy watersheds provide natural, safe drinking water and support food production. Wetlands give us much of the fish we eat and are used in cultivating rice for 3.5 billion people globally. Wetlands are important for biodiversity as 40% of the world’s species live in wetlands, with new fish species discovered in freshwater wetlands annually.

    In considering the economic importance of wetlands, they play a vital role in addressing socio-economic challenges through multi-sectoral job creation for people in sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. Unfortunately, these rich ecosystems are being threatened and lost at an alarming rate due to population pressure; poverty; deforestation; intensive cultivation; oil and gas exploration, industrial waste pollution; coastal and marine erosion; overgrazing as well as climate change.

    “Urgent intervention such as awareness creation, habitat restoration, and livelihood improvement are part of the solutions to stop further degradation of wetlands and help in their restoration.” – Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of NCF.

    He observed that Lagos State, the land of aquatic splendour, has wetlands in all  its 5 divisions of the State.

    He lamented that recently, there has been an allegation that some people are making efforts to clear off the Magodo wetlands.

    He said: “NCF considers this as insensitive and lack of understanding of the important role that wetlands play and we call on the agency of government responsible for protecting the wetlands to swing into action to stop the destruction”.

    He appealed to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources as an arm of State Government with professional and experienced individuals in conservation and ecology to advice the government on the danger inherent in destroying or degrading wetlands in our environment.

    He said that every 2nd of February the world Wetlands Day is commemorated to harp on the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet, with the need to preserve and conserve it around the globe.

    He stated that protecting wetlands can protect our safety and welfare.

    He added that the theme for 2023 was  “Wetland Restoration”  and was used to highlight the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration and also an appeal to invest financial, human, and political capital to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing and to restore degraded portions.

    According to him NCF has been playing a leading role in mobilizing support, attracting attention, and influencing decisions in favour of wetlands protection and conservation in Nigeria. He stressed that  the foundation will continue to intensify drastic efforts in ensuring that wetlands are not being considered as waste land.

  • Dame Jonathan named NCF grand matron

    Dame Jonathan named NCF grand matron

    The Nigeria Curling Federation (NCF) has named former First Lady Dame Patience Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as its grand matron.

    The NCF President Daniel Damola said the choice of Mrs. Jonathan was well-thought-out and also well-deserving of a woman who has invested her time and other resources to see that curling as a sport in Nigeria stands out.

    According to Damola, the former First Lady is one of the few Nigerians who ensured the country’s historic qualification for the Youth Winter Olympic Games billed for South Korea next year.

    “We acknowledge the kind heart of the former First Lady and that is why we have deemed it fit to accord her the prestigious position of Grand Matron” the NCF boss explained.

    Dame Jonathan expressed great delight in the honour bestowed on her even as she admitted it was a call to more service for the growth of Curling in Nigeria.

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    “My genuine appreciation goes to the World Curling Federation for acknowledging the drive towards improving sporting activities in our great nation. I am pleased to be a recipient of this prestigious role and pledge to uphold the values and principles underpinning the sport.”

    Mrs Jonathan while noting that sports plays a crucial role in fostering discipline amongst the youth and promoting national unity, stated that curling offers an amazing opportunity for Nigeria to compete and excel on a global stage.

    “I wish to reiterate my commitment to supporting and promoting the growth of curling in Nigeria, whilst recognizing and appreciating its potential to inspire our youth and empower them to create a legacy of athletic achievement and excellence.

    “My gratitude goes to the Nigeria Curling Federation for their unwavering dedication to nurturing and advancing the sport within our nation. Your efforts have laid the foundation for the growth and achievement we are celebrating today.”

    Already, the former First Lady has made a solemn commitment to be at the Youth Winter Olympic Games to support the young lads that would be representing Nigeria in Gangwon.

  • Ocean surge menace: LERSA, NCF, other stakeholders meet

    Ocean surge menace: LERSA, NCF, other stakeholders meet

    The Director-General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Onoja, has warned that if measures are not quickly put in place, the Atlantic Ocean will soon affect the Lekki – Epe Expressway.

    Onoja gave the warning on Thursday at a meeting on ocean encroachment between Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who represents Lagos Central Senatorial District; NCF, and  Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

    The meeting was held to find solutions to the ocean surge that is rapidly destroying communities in the Eti-Osa/Lekki corridor.

    During a presentation at the meeting, Onoja showed that over 130 meters of land have been encroached upon by the Atlantic Ocean in four years, and in 2024, a projection of another 50 meters will be gone if no immediate intervention is made.

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    Senator Eshilokun expressed deep concerns about the happenings and assured LERSA and other stakeholders impacted by the ocean surge that the matter will be the top priority when the Senate resumes plenary sessions in September.

    He also mandated the NCF and the LERSA Infrastructure Committee to come up with technically feasible solutions for review and possible implementation.

    Among other stakeholders in attendance at the meeting were foremost environmental activist, Desmond Majekodunmi; and Vice-Chairman, Eti-Osa East LCDA, Azeez Ismail.

  • NCF hosts World Population Day

    With support from the Lagos State Government, the  Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with Population Matters, a UK-based charity,will host this year’s World Population Day, with the theme Population and Sustainability in Nigeria and beyond. The event will hold on Thursday, July 11, at Lekki Conservation Foundation, Lekki Lagos by 9am.

    Director-General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, said that the celebration is borne out of the foundation’s strong belief that unsustainable population is a global problem that must be addressed in both underdeveloped as well as developed world countries, where population   growth may be low.

    But he noted that the consumption and global environmental impact are high and in countries of the Global South where global impact is low but population growth may be high. “Therefore, the campaign is to achieve a sustainable human population, to protect the natural world and improve people’s lives.”

    “The aim of this event is to create awareness and generate public discuss that will address both global population and the impacts of growth in Nigeria; interfacing with stakeholders in examining local solutions; examining how Nigeria can contribute towards international policy initiatives to address unsustainable population.”

    Expected to speak at the event are, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu;, Hon Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Dr Aminu-Kano; Director, Population Matters, UK, Mr. Robin Maynard, CEO, Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, and, Director Tourism, Lagos State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Mrs Flora Adamma Oni

    According to the United Nations, by 2050 the global population will be 9.7bn and the Nigerian population will be more than 400m. By the middle of the century, Nigeria will overtake the US as the world’s third most populous country. These figures are the UN’s main, medium variant, projections. With 95% certainty, it projects a global population in the range between 9.4 and 10.1 billion in 2050, and between 9.4 and 12.7 billion in 2100 (with a medium projection of 10.9bn).

  • NCF holds forum on environment

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) will today hold talks on environment issues. This comes under the aegis of the Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture, an annual event organised by the NCF in collaboration with the S.L. Edu Family. The event is with the support of Chevron Nigeria Limited, and is aimed at bringing environmental issues to the fore of national discourse while articulating solutions.

    In a statement signed by the NCF’s Director General, Muhtari Aminu-Kano, the Foundation said this year’s lecture with the theme: ‘A quiet revolution – Faith and the environment,’ is to be delivered by the Secretary General, Alliance of Religions and Conservation, United Kingdom, Martin Palmer. The statement said that speakers from diverse backgrounds, rang-ing from academics, conservation, government, corporates and more, have delivered lectures on environmental conservation, policies and other topical issues in the past.

    “Some of the topics and guest speakers in its 17-year history include ‘Environmental management: Imperatives in Africa’s sustainable development’ by Prof. Charles Okidi of the University of Kenya; ‘Environmental policy and performance: A sustainable development agenda for Nigeria’ by  the former Head of interim government in Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan; and ‘Decline of vultures: Consequences of human health and the economy’ by the former Minister of Environment, and current Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, among others,” the statement read.

    Aminu-Kano revealed further that at today’s event, two PhD students in the field of Environmental Sciences in universities across the country, would be awarded scholarship grants. “The grant, sponsored by Chevron, is to encourage the students to undertake research in nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable livelihood,” he said.

     

  • NCF calls for enforcement of sanitation laws

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for the enforcement of sanitation laws in Lagos State to serve as a deterrent to abuses on the environment.

    President, NCF Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Philip Asiodu, made the call at the “2018 Walk for Nature”, an annual initiative aimed at raising environmental education in Nigeria. It was organised by NCF and the Lagos State Government.

    Asiodu, who lauded the 11th edition of the programme, called for its continuity and sustainability as well as enforcement of sanitation laws to save the environment.

    He said sanitary inspectors in the past enforced sanitation laws, which put people in check and curbed pollution because of adherence to the rules of hygiene.

    “In colonial days, we had them as sanitary inspectors called `Wole Wole’ and they can enter your house anytime,” he said.

    He said pollution had become a major menace in most cities of the world, adding that Lagos had more than 18 million people, which was more populous than other cities in Africa

    Asiodu called for change in lifestyle and consumption pattern which favour recycling and promotion of the refusal of plastics, their reuse and up cycling to save the environment.

    “We must continue to sensitise the public on the need to discourage single use of plastic. It is not bad if we return to the days where you are not allowed to eat and drink in public so that we can reduce plastic waste,” he said.

    He said millions of non-biodegradable materials were being disposed wrongly and go into the ocean, adding that it was a self-destructive looming disaster against the whole of humanity.

    The BOT president said the NCF had begun recycling programmes in 17 communities in Eti-Osa Local Government Area where residents earned money for their participation.

    He advised the state government to attach incentives to waste recycling to encourage participation and called for an embrace of up-cycling, which allows the use of old materials to reduce plastic pollution.

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for The Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, said pollution affected all aspects of human existence hence, the need to shift consumption pattern to environment-friendly methods.

    “To achieve this, both the government and the citizenry must work together to enforce policies that will prevent people from embarking on human activities that will have negative impact on our environment and by implication our society.

    “Our administration’s focus is on sustainable development, and we will not hesitate to review the state environmental policy where necessary to ensure a cleaner and healthier society,”he said.

    “It is on this basis that we have premised the concerted efforts of the state government at aggressive greening and landscaping through the redevelopment of abandoned areas, roads, setbacks and verges in the state to provide scenic gardens and conservation parks for the benefit of the over 23 million citizens of Lagos State,’’ he said.