Niger Delta
Expert Decries Impact Of Forest Degradation, Emission
The Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC), Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, has decried the spate of forest loss and its consequences on the ecosystem.
Chukwuone, a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nnsukka, made the expression at a conference on forest degradation in Calabar on Monday.
The conference was organised by the Environment for Development (EfD Nigeria) in partnership with REPRC.
It assembled environmentalists to brainstorm on how to reduce emissions caused by massive deforestation and forest degradation in the nation.
According to the organisers, the meeting aimed to provide direction towards implementing the United Nations Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (UN-REDD+) project in Nigeria.
Chukwuone stated that Nigeria’s humid primary forest decreased by 9.4 per cent between 2001 to 2023, and that during the period, the country lost 1.33 mega-hectare of tree cover.
“This is equivalent to tree cover decrease of 13 per cent, and 724 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission”, he said.
The Professor said besides reducing carbon emission, REDD+ projects must impact local livelihoods in order to be seen as successful.
In his presentation, Dr. Moses Ama, the National Coordinator, REDD+ Secretariat, said the project provided a huge opportunity for policy measures towards tackling deforestation and enhance carbon sinks.
“There is no universal approach to implementing REDD+ projects. No single entity can do it alone, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate.
“Groups and communities should increase their dedication to this action because by working together, we can effectively respond to the pressing need for implementing REDD+ project”, he said.
Mr. George Oben-Etchi, the Chairman, Cross River Forestry Commission, expressed confidence that the REDD+ project would succeed in the state.
He commended EfD Nigeria for organising the conference, and described it as a good omen.
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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