Month: June 2024

Transformation of the Biodiversity Sector remains sacrosanct and is a major lever to ensure that the sector makes a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country whilst conserving valuable natural resources.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is entrusted with the constitutional mandate to manage, protect, and conserve South Africa’s environment and natural resources, has made significant strides in conserving our natural resources and ensuring sectoral transformation.

This progress is highlighted by the recent revision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) which seeks to advance an inclusive biodiversity sector that locally beneficiate the reach indigenous biological and genetic resources for a thriving people and nature. This renewed focus on transformation was central to discussions during the 2024 Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba (BEII) held earlier this year in March in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Many o
f the over 1000 participants at the BEII reiterated that the Biodiversity Sector as a whole urgently requires transformation. This transformation must ensure the meaningful and equitable inclusion of rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals into the biodiversity economy, and biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in general.

The aim of the BEII was to enhance the conversation on the NBES and its contribution to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. It also aimed to promote multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthening the biodiversity economy sector and enriching the dialogue among industry players around the goals of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity (the White Paper 2023). The Indaba promoted cooperative governance and whole of society approach for effective policy implementation and business-to-business trading, networking, and sustainable partnerships and showcasing market-ready biodiversity products and services from a
cross the biodiversity economy value chains through exhibitions.

Consistent with the policy context of the White Paper, the revised NBES is founded on the key pillars of conservation, sustainable use, beneficiation of biodiversity business value chains, and transformation. These pillars promote sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth and development. This requires growing and sustaining conservation land and seascapes while promoting and facilitating inclusive biodiversity-based businesses that drive the transformation of the biodiversity sector.

South Africa’s approach to biodiversity is holistic, recognizing the benefits that intact ecosystems, healthy species populations, and genetic diversity bring to the economy and society for people and nature to thrive. The country promotes a diverse biodiversity-based economy, balancing ecological, social, and economic elements. This is not about exploiting natural resources for short-term gains but ensuring healthy ecosystems and long-term survival of spec
ies, inclusive growth where benefits are shared equitably and people live in harmony with nature.

The NBES, informed by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the White Paper, expands on previous strategies to include marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater opportunities. Another vital part of the strategy is ecosystem restoration and the recognition of the importance of ecological infrastructure ensuring that both nature and people can thrive sustainably.

Transformation is a crucial theme in the NBES, aiming to include rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals in the biodiversity economy for rural socio-economic development. Successful examples of biodiversity transformation like the Tshivhula Communal Property Association (CPA), the Makuleke in the Limpopo section of the Kruger National Park, and Babanango in KwaZulu Natal Province showcase how land restitution can lead to socio-economic benefits. These projects demonstrate the potential for community-owned land to be u
sed for conservation businesses while promoting sustainable rural development.

The story of Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris in Limpopo is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives. With 20,000 hectares of land restored to the Tshivhula community, the farm has become a model of biodiversity stewardship, focusing on hunting and ecotourism. Basic infrastructure and capacity support from, national and provincial governments, and public entities like South African National Parks (SANParks) and further investment from private partners has been crucial to this success.

The DFFE’s efforts to invite various media houses to witness the success of the Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris illustrate the department’s success in transforming the sector. The media group that attended the BEII Post-Indaba Media Excursion at the facility was able to engage with the CPA, the private partner, employees at Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris, SANParks officials, Limpopo Land Claims Commissioner officials, and DFFE offic
ials. The excursion concluded with a visit to Mapungubwe National Park which is also a World Heritage Site and part of the Transfrontier Conservation Area shared with Zimbabwe and Botswana, where the media group had another opportunity to engage with officials during the game drive and a tour of the museum.

As South Africa continues its journey under the 7th administration, the revised NBES provides a framework for growth and transformation in the biodiversity sector. By balancing conservation with sustainable use and ensuring inclusive socio-economic development, South Africa is demonstrating how natural resources can be used responsibly and in a manner that benefits all citizens and grow the economy.

*Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa is the Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Source: South African Government News Agency

_: Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says Nigeria requires N348 trillion to address infrastructure deficit in the country.

He said this during a presentation at the Second Quarter 2024 Nigeria Public Private Partnership Network (NPPN) meeting in Minna on Wednesday.

The theme of the meeting was ‘Using PPPs in Infrastructure Delivery in the States to ensure National Food Security and Economic Growth’.

Ohiani disclosed that going by the Medium-Term Development Plan, the country required over N348.1 trillion investment in infrastructure.

He said the private sector would be able to provide the chunk of this investment to the tune of about N298.3 trillion while the sub-national governments can provide N49.7 trillion.

‘This goes to show the importance of the private sector in infrastructure development,’ Ohiani said.

He added that the revised National Infrastructure Investment Master Plan for the next 23 years envisaged that the country would require
$2.2 trillion to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country.

Ohiani said the various options available through which the government can raise funds were through borrowing, further repatriation of national funds and seeking further foreign intervention.

Other options, he added, were to raise more bonds, Sukuk, tax credit schemes, Public Private Partnership (PPP), both through solicited and unsolicited proposals.

In his keynote address, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), commended state governors for embracing the benefits and opportunities of PPP as an alternative procurement method.

Akume, represented by Simon Tyungu, a Director in his Office, said the meeting was timely given the infrastructure deficit in the country and government’s efforts to invest in renewal and modernisation.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said his administration was focusing on farming, thereby taking advantage of the vast arable land in the state.

Bago, represented by Alhaji A
bubakar Salisu, the state’s Head of Service, added that the state would continue to partner with the Federal Government and international agencies in respect of agricultural development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he AYuTe Africa Challenge in Nigeria, an enterprise programme, has awarded 40,000 dollars in grants to three young agric-tech innovators to use technology in improving farming methods and food production in Nigeria.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer International, made this known at the grand finale of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Tobe said that the initiative would encourage innovators to leverage technology to achieve transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

‘Leveraging youth and technology presents an opportunity for the transformation of agriculture, ensuring food security, youth employment, and economic development.

‘It is technology that is helping us to close the yield gap, and create sustainable value chains, reduce post-harvest loss, and increase fertiliser, water and soil use efficiency.

‘It also helps smallholder farmers to be better organised and to build improved strength to engage with the market,’ he said.

According to him, the competition se
rves as a springboard for identifying and supporting outstanding young agritech innovators for visibility, growth and increased productivity for smallholder farmers.

He added that through a regional competition, Heifer International awarded 1.5 million dollars annually to leading agritech innovators across Africa.

Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, emphasised the role of youths in leveraging technology to transform the agriculture system in the country.

‘We all need to rejuvenate agriculture to where it belongs.

‘Each and every one of you can key into any agricultural products and business by using various technologies.

‘A technology like the mobile phone can be used to promote productivity and address some of the challenges affecting smallholder farmers in Nigeria,’ he said.

Also, Daniel Bature, Director, Technical Services, Nasarawa State Agricultural Development, urged youths to utilise technology and create innovations that would develop Nigeria’s agriculture se
ctor.

Femi Oluwagbemi, Special Adviser to the Minister of Labour and Employment, said that with agriculture, young people could easily get into the process of job creation, self employment and organise themselves into cooperatives.

‘By doing so, they will have the chance to access funding from programmes such as this,’ he said.

Manir Umar, Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Youth and Agric. Business, said that collaboration with stakeholders would ensure the implementation of policies in Nigeria.

‘The government can create policies, but cannot be the implementers. So, we try to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efforts like this are being strengthened.

‘Youths are the drivers of the agricultural revolution. So, the ministry is giving a lot of focus to the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries include: Ruth Ede of Scratop Nigeria Ltd., who was awarded 20,000 dollars grants for her innovation in converting bio
waste into nutrients-rich bio fertilisers.

Akpem Shadrach of Vet Konect, a digital animal health company, secured 12,000 dollars for his innovation in providing comprehensive care for livestock farmers across Africa via mobile devices using AI tools to boost productivity.

Also, Chinasu Stephanie -Meltus of Scarecrow Green Eden’s 4th industrial revolution, got 8,000 dollars for using technology in combating climate change effects and increasing farming efficiency for smallholder farmers.

Ede, the highest beneficiary, told NAN she would use the grant to improve access to nutrients-rich bio-fertiliser for farmers to boost their production.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations.

Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the seminar is ‘Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations’.

According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives toward enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices.

Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security.

He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conj
unction with research and development.

‘We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permeated all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas.

‘It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement.

‘Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness.

‘This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise.

‘I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency.

‘This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvant
ages.

‘So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,’ he said.

The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces.

Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives.

According to him, the second quarter’s seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces.

‘It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies.

‘This will improve the integ
ration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, has urged students of the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, of the university to participate in peace-building.

Na’Allah, who advised the students at a pre-graduation dinner and award ceremony in Abuja, also urged them to uphold the ethics of conflict resolution in their various professions.

The vice chancellor, who was represented by the Director of the institute, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, highlighted the importance of participating in peace-building processes in the society.

He said the institute would continue to strengthen its manpower base through training of employees, research, and advocacy.

‘We celebrate your milestone achievements; you have worked hard and persevered to reach this point, and now it is time for you to spread your wings and soar high in pursuit of your dreams.

‘I wish you success as you venture into the real world and take on new challenges and opportunities.

‘Throu
ghout the years of your coursework, we have shared so many experiences.

‘From the challenging exams and late-night study sessions to the laughter-filled events and heartfelt discussions, each moment has shaped the person you are today.

‘I hope you have learned not only courses of your study but also valuable life lessons about teamwork, resilience, conflict resolution, astute leadership, and the power of curiosity.

‘I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and may you continue to impact the world,’ he said.

A lecturer at the institute, retired Maj.-Gen. Bola Koleoso, emphasised the need for the students to embrace the spirit of discipline and be good ambassadors of the institute.

He urged them to regulate their behaviours so that they do not make a negative impact on society, saying: ‘You must be aware of who you are and the impact you are having on others.”

He urged them to learn intelligent skills to enable them to interact positively with people for the benefit of mankind.

A student of Cr
iminology and Security Students, Mr Isaac Ogbaji, who is also the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, said the institute offered him the opportunity to learn about the security challenges in the country.

‘I have finished my project and submitted it as expected. Right now I am waiting for my certificate.

‘I feel so delighted to be here. Mahatma Gandhi once said that wisdom comes with so much pain. I have gone through so much pain here.

‘As I look forward to the next phase of my life, I am better than I used to be because my wisdom, understanding, and enlightenment have increased.

‘I have increased in all areas of my life because I am a student of Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies,” he said.

Ogbaji praised the institute for the quality of training it offers, saying: ‘The institute is well-arranged, well-programmed. The teaching and learning experience is well-structured and I got more than I expected.

‘With all that I have learned from the institute, I am prep
ared to attack and deal with challenges that affect the world and Nigeria in particular,’ Ogbaji said.

One of the Award recipients, Dr Khadija Abdulrahman, who commended the Institute for finding her worthy, urged all Nigerians to place the unity, peace, and development of the country above all other interests.

‘We should love the country ahead of thinking of ourselves.

‘We should be encouraged that in our oneness is where our greatness lies as a country and our strength as Nigeria lies together in our unity.

‘For the students, we have shown exemplary attitudes and leadership to them and I think we have equipped them enough to face the challenges in Nigeria.

‘They are good to go and I believe they will contribute to the peace-building, unity, and strength of this country,” she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, on Thursday met with the French Development Agency (AFD) as part of efforts to accelerate the commencement of Nigeria’s green industrial and emission migration.

Ngelale said that the meeting was on the sidelines of the 15th years of the activities of the AFD in the country.

He said that the AFD was a valued partner in the rollout of Nigeria’s actionable plans to create wealth and prosperity for the people as the central focus of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘We are determined to ensure that our cherished partners, such as the AFD, are supported by Nigerian institutions that are credible and function according to world-leading standards of transparency and efficiency.’

AFD is a public financial institution that is entrusted with the role of the main operator for France’s cooperation policy.

It combines the functions of development bank and implementing agency for France’s Official Development Assistance policy.

Ngelale,
who was at the meeting the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, and NCCC Director-General, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, had been engaged in such diplomatic moves recently.

The envoy had met with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, in New York on the first leg of the engagements.

Ngelale said that the meeting with Mohammed was aimed at deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders on the existential matter on the Nigeria’s new climate policies.

He also met with a sector-wide technical working group of the U.S. State Department at U.S. State Department Headquarters in Washington D.C.

‘I presented Nigeria’s green industrial plans and discussed our participation in the Energy Transition Accelerator, Methane reduction programme, as well as our Carbon Market and Management Initiatives, and updates on our NDCs, amongst other important matters,’ he said.

Similarly, he met with Mr Landon Derentz of the Global Energy Centre of the Washington-based Atlantic Council
on Wednesday in Washington D.C.

He said that the meeting centred on a productive and incisive discussion with Nigeria’s new reforms and programmes tabled.

‘As a key stakeholder in the global climate action and finance ecosystem, we shared views about green industry and carbon capture technology manufacturing and implementation in Nigeria moving forward. Exciting times ahead for Africa’s most populous nation.’

President Tinubu had approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative, known as the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

Tinubu also approved the appointment of Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action while retaining his role as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The Green Economy committee is part of a strategic move of the President to ensure the advancement of his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives.

The committee will coordinate and oversee all the policies and programmes on clim
ate action and green economic development.

It will coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes and provide an efficient governance architecture.

Also, the committee will ensure that all the relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria