News
NCF Intensifies Campaign To Preserve Vultures
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) yesterday said it was intensifying campaign to conserve the nation’s vultures through raising awareness on importance of the birds to the environment and human safety.
The Director-General of NCF, Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, in a statement in Lagos, highlighted activities in four states, Taraba, Oyo, Enugu and Sokoto States, marking the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2019.
Aminu-Kano said that IVAD was organised across the world and Nigeria to educate communities on need to conserve vultures.
The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day.
Aminu-Kano said that NCF took the awareness campaign to markets, abattoirs, herders, veterinaries, farmers and other interest groups to let them know the dangers eliminating vultures posed to human existence.
He said that the two species which include the Hooded and Egyptian Vultures which were under threat of extinction formed the focus of the 2019 IVAD campaigns in the four strategic states.
“Vultures are an ecological vital group of birds that face huge threats in many areas that they occur. Population of many species especially Egyptian Vulture is under pressure and some are facing extinction,’’ he said.
Aminu-Kano recalled that a stakeholders’ meeting was held from September 5 to September 9 at the Garba-Chede, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State at the Emir’s palace.
He also recalled that the Emir, Alhaji Maigandi Kaigama, told his subjects to support the campaign.
The director-general said that the NCF chose the community because of the prevalence of vultures’ issues.
“The people were enlightened on how vultures play a role in our ecosystem, which in their absence may cause a lot of hazard to our society and health,’’ Aminu-Kano said.
Other stakeholders at the event included the Emirate Council, district heads, heads of abattoirs, vigilante groups, youth leaders, Fulani community and law enforcement agencies.
Aminu-Kano said that during a visit to the abattoir, butchers were trained on how hostilities of setting traps and poisoning the birds (vultures), to harvest them, was depleting the population.
The NCF boss in his IVAD report of activities held between Sept. 3 and Sept 4 in Sokoto, said that the project targeted conservation of the Egyptian vultures.
He said that Sokoto and its neighbouring states served as one of the locally-established migratory corridors for Egyptian Vultures and Hooded Vultures in Northern Nigeria.
Aminu-Kano said continuous population decline of the species was attributed to “poisoning, human disturbance, agriculture, hunting, electrocution and ingestion of tissues from livestock treated with anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac’’.
He said that locals were aware of the decline in the vulture population but did not know farmers, veterinary officers and cattle rearers’ activities had direct connection to the decline.
He noted that power point presentations were made in Hausa language alongside drama to drive home the messages alongside rallies.
Aminu-Kano said the NCF was in Enugu State on Sept. 5 with all the relevant stakeholders in attendance at an interactive workshop.
He explained that residents were educated on the implication of a recent incident in Eke-Ihe market which caused the death of over 50 vultures due to poisoning.
The director-general noted that on Sept. 6, the NCF took the campaign to Bode Market, Ibadan, Oyo State and drew 70 participants from wildlife traders, traditional herbs dealers volunteers.
“ Stakeholders suggested breeding of vultures in an holding ground and afterward release them into the wild,’’ he said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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