Entertainment
UNDP Urges Communities To Preserve Sacred Forests
Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr. Tonye Tyger, participating in the monthly sanitation exercise at the Degema Cnsulate penultimate Saturday.
The United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) has described sacred forests as historical heritages and therefore must be preserved from destruction.
The National Coordinator of Niger Delta Biodiversity Conservation Project, United Nations Development Progamme (UNDP), Dr Matthew Dore who said this during a meeting with traditional rulers and opinion leaders from some Niger Delta communities in Port Harcourt also called for the preservation of totems by communities in the region. Dr Dore said that sacred forests are heritages in the Niger Delta and therefore must be conserved for future generations.
According to him, sacred forest have historical linkages with communities where they are found, noting that their destructions are not only dangerous, but had the capacity of future Niger Delta generations from knowing their roots.
He said that, the situation could also boost the ecotourism sector and expressed the readiness of the UNDP to assist communities in the region to preserve their sacred forests from destruction.
Dr. Dore said that, the Niger Delta biodiversity conservation project which covers four states in the region which include; Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa-Ibom states is expected to run for four years.
According to him, “the project goal is to contribute to the conservation of sustainable utilisation of globally significant biological diversity in the Niger Delta.
“The project is to mainstream biodiversity, management priorities, “he said.
Dr. Dore said that the UNDP was interested in ensuring that, Niger Delta people’s livelihood is not lost after oil, adding that a lot of Niger Delta species are going extinct.
“God has given us the responsibility to protect what he has created “we cannot out of greed or ignorance, finish what God has done.” He said that the organisation will continue to build the capacity of the people to preserve their rich natural resources and stressed the need for stakeholders to support all effort being made to preserve their biodiversity resources.
Also speaking, Chief Casca Ogosu from Onne, in the Eleme Local Government Area decried the continuous encroachment on the Onura forest in Onne and also condemned the continuous destruction of Onne environment by oil companies.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
-
SMEs2 days ago
Customs Bolsters Collaboration With Benin Counterpart
-
Opinion2 days agoFolly Of Leaping Before Looking
-
Niger Delta2 days agoTraditional Rulers Council Honours Two Commissioners
-
Sports2 days agoB’Ball: NBA Stars Dominate US Olympic Team
-
News2 days agoNigeria’s Inflation Rate’ll Drop To 23% By 2025 -IMF
-
SMEs2 days agoEntrepreneurs Support Vulnerable Nigerians Amid Economic Hardship
-
Editorial2 days agoGovernor’s Pension Law Repeal, Otti’s Example
-
Rivers2 days agoMonarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment