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Lagos collaborate with NGOs on biodiversity, wildlife protection
By Dada Jackson
Lagos State Government is collaborating with reputable Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on conservation matters aimed at conserving biodiversity and wildlife protection.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, in a statement on Saturday, in commemoration of the 2021 edition of the Biodiversity Day, said the greatest problems facing biological diversity today are habitat destructions, over exploitation, pollution and global climate change.
According to him, deforestation, sand-filling of wetlands and other open water bodies, construction of buildings, overfishing/overhunting amongst others result in considerable changes in the ecological balance.
While identifying cooperation and collaboration of relevant stakeholders as a solution to the problem, Bello said one of the steps taken was an ongoing partnership with the Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary initiative (LUFASI) on the conservation of vultures, pangolin and Ekki tree population in the state.
The commissioner expressed the hope that when the project eventually commenced, it would help protect these critically endangered species from extinction and serve as a springboard for their sustained population.
He hinted that government was also working with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on conservation matters and willing to partner other stakeholders in the course of wildlife and biodiversity protection in the state.
Bello said the theme for this year’s celebration ‘We are part of the solution #ForNature’ aligned perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 (Life under Water) and 15 (Life on Land) that about 20 per cent of the animal protein diet for close to three billion people worldwide is obtained from fish, while 80 per cent of human diet is from plant.
According to the commissioner, 80 per cent of rural dwellers in the world depend on traditional herbs for their basic health care, therefore the importance of biodiversity cannot be overemphasized.
Bello noted that the need by property developers to acquire land for housing development in the state had led to the destruction of many wetlands and forest ecosystems which serve as habitats for a considerable percentage of the state’s biodiversity.
His words: “Pollution of water bodies with refuse and other harmful substances are also a cause for concern as mentioned earlier. Over exploitation of wildlife is also a major contributor to the increasing decline in the population of several species of animals in the state.”
He mentioned that amongst the animals facing imminent threat of extinction are the Pangolin, Vulture, sea turtle and manatee populations, saying that the trend of progressive biodiversity loss in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems was as a result of increasing human population and their anthropogenic activities.
He reiterated that government frowned on the people dealing in the illicit trade of wildlife trafficking and sales, especially in the wet markets across the state, warning that people should desist from the illegal act as the ministry would soon commence a state-wide surveillance and enforcement of same to curb the menace.
He said, “Apart from the threat the trade poses to wildlife population, the possible outbreak of very dangerous zoonotic diseases is of serious concern to this Government and therefore shall not continue to condone this act.”
He said that government would continue to enact laws and formulate policies in ensuring wildlife and ecosystem protection in the state.
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UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
The United Kingdom Home Office has announced an upward revision of visa application fees across various categories, with the cost of study visas for main applicants and their dependents rising from £490 to £524.
According to an update published on the Home Office website on March 19, the new fees will apply from April 9. The cost of a six-month visit visa will increase from £115 to £127, while a two-year visa will now be issued at £475, up from £432. Additionally, the fee for a 10-year visa has been raised from £963 to £1,059.
Transit visas have also been affected by the changes, with the direct airside transit visa fee increasing from £35 to £39, and the direct landside visit visa rising from £64 to £70.
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The UK has long been a preferred destination for Nigerian students looking to further their education, often as a way to escape economic challenges at home. However, the number of Nigerian students applying to study in the UK has dropped significantly in 2024 following a government policy barring most international students from bringing their family members.
The rule, which does not apply to postgraduate research students, has led to a decline in study visa applications from countries such as Nigeria and India. A March 2024 report by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service highlighted the shift, noting that many prospective students are now seeking admission in alternative destinations.
UK hikes visa fees as new rates take effect April 9
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Ramadan ends in Nigeria, Sultan announces March 30 as Eid-el-Fitr
Ramadan ends in Nigeria, Sultan announces March 30 as Eid-el-Fitr
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, says the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan fasting has been sighted.
The Sultan, who is president of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA), said in a broadcast on Saturday night, “Today marks the end of the Ramadan fasting and Sunday, March 30, is the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.”
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Embrace environmental sanitation during Eid-Fitr, LAGESC boss tells Lagosians
Embrace environmental sanitation during Eid-Fitr, LAGESC boss tells Lagosians
By Dada Jackson
The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has urged Lagosians to embrace proper environmental practices and obey the state’s environmental laws ahead of the Eid-l-Fitr festivities to mark the end of the Ramadan fast by Muslim faithful around the world.
Corps Marshal of the agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd), sounded the call at the agency’s command headquarters at Bolade-Oshodi.
He said, ‘‘The Ramadan fast is a testament to the willingness of Muslim faithful to adhere to the pillars of their faith and it is enjoined that cleanliness is an important religious practice in all faiths, which is why we admonish Lagosians to imbibe proper waste disposal and keep their environment clean during the celebration.”
Cole also advised Lagosians to make proper use of pedestrian bridges for their safety instead of crossing highways to prevent ‘hit and run’ cases by speeding motorists.
He equally read a riot act to miscreants in the habit of converting pedestrian bridges to sleeping areas which deters Lagosians in transit, pedestrians vowing that anyone caught w be made to face the state Environmental laws as amended
The KAI boss also revealed that the agency had recorded giant strides and would not relent in ridding pedestrian bridges across Lagos of criminal obstructions, traders and hawkers with daily arrests made alongside secured prosecutions by the Courts.
The Corps Marshal also warned Lagosians to desist from street trading, use of Styrofoam pack, hawking in traffic, patronage of cart pushers for refuse disposal, and erection of illegal structures on laybys, setbacks, medians, road verges, kerbs or around public schools in the state.
The KAI head said offenders would be made to face the consequences via prosecution in a competent court of appropriate jurisdiction.
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