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International Day For Biological Diversity: HOMEF Calls For Preservation, Reconnection To Nature

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2024

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

In commemoration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has emphasized the need “to preserve our biodiversity and reconnect with nature.”

International Day for Biological Diversity with this year’s theme: “Be Part of the Plan,” is celebrated on the 22nd of May yearly, and it’s aims at raising awareness, promoting issues around biodiversity, and the significant reduction in biological diversity due to human activities.”

In a statement issued by Kome Odhomor, Media/Communication Lead, HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the organisation said as the theme implies, humans are m charged to live with due deference to nature.

According to him, despite the ritual, humans’ insatiable drive for resources has exposed the nature of human relationships with their surroundings and natural beings around them as a tool for exploitation.

Bassey further added: “We are the losers when we continually cheat on nature through extractive activities and intentional destruction of biodiversity. We must all consider ourselves as part of the plan to build a livable future where all beings coexist
harmoniously.”

He continued: “The continuous genetic alteration of our crops and livestock and pollution of our environment has direct implications for biodiversity and our quality of life. These continuously destroy what we once called the good life.”

On her part, Director of Programmes, HOMEF, Joyce Brown, states, “Biodiversity contributes to human well-being directly through the provision of foods, fuels, and fibers, and
indirectly through its role in enhancing the ecosystem functions.”

“Pollution from oil and gas exploration and extraction, climate change, invasive species, over harvesting of resources, and plastic pollution pose severe threats to Nigeria’s biological diversity. These are further compounded by Nigeria’s move to adopt modern agricultural biotechnology as a solution to food insecurity.

“The adoption of GMOs, as well as
chemical fertilizers/pesticides, comes at a great cost to biodiversity and the environment. GMOs thrive in monocultures and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides destroy non target but beneficial organisms including soil microorganisms, bees and other insects that are essential
for maintaining the cycles of life.”

According to her, “Biodiversity loss will continue to accelerate if we keep on the trajectory of genetic manipulations of our food and dependence on chemical fertiliers and pesticides. Further destruction of ecosystems and habitats will threaten our ability to sustain human populations.”

Brown highlighted solutions to biodiversity erosion to include improving waste management systems, and better management of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and forest reserves, through improved governance, law enforcement, and community involvement.

“The Government should encourage adopting agroecological farming
practices that promote biodiversity conservation, soil health, and
sustainable agriculture. Also, the Government should develop and
implement strategies for the prevention, control, and eradication of invasive species that threaten native biodiversity in Nigeria. It is
important to enhance monitoring and early detection systems to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species, particularly in sensitive ecosystems,” Brown added.

She therefore called for active monitoring and reporting of infringements of the environment for human health and overall well-being.

“The precautionary principle should be the bedrock of biosafety
regulation. To address the climate and food crises, we must address their root causes. As a way forward, we must adopt solutions that work
with nature instead of against it and promote systems that support the
livelihoods of millions of people depending on them,” Brown added.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

43 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

19 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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