Association of Flower Nurseries Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Launch of Plant a Tree and Save a Life Campaign

By Ere-ebi Agedah 

Association of Flower Nurseries and Landscaping Practitioners, Abuja AFNALPA celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday with the launch of its plant a tree and save a life campaign.

This, the group stated is aimed at promoting effective landscape, development and environmental protection. 

Presenting a welcome address at the AFNALPA” s celebration, President of the Association, Mrs Mary Omoh stated that the association is aimed to meet a target of setting up a Horticulture Village in Abuja as a pilot site for the purpose of planting 10 million-tree and flowers for the purpose of beautifying the country while growing the green belt nationwide. 

According to Omoh, it is aimed at sustaining the urgency of mitigating the adverse effect of climate change in Nigeria and to support the Federal Government in her bid to eradicate desertification. 

She explained that the group alongside some private Nigerians who practise plant nursery embarked on the project with the aim of contributing their own quota to the growth, development and beautification of FCT and in the process cultivating the atmosphere for green and refreshing preservation of the ecosystem in partnership with relevant natural conservation agencies on issues related to the preservation of the good health of the environment.

‘‘The celebration at AFNALPA at 10 is an event planned to celebrate the associations achievements in carbon upset and also to join the government in propagating the global campaign to manage the climate change indices and with all that determination to follow our readiness to support the implementation and development of climate change’’ he said.

Omoh however congratulated every member of the association adding that it is their vision that the village garden will be integrated with parks and recreational activities, a vast amount of green area and a sectionized area for each participating partner to promote.   

Unveiling the Abuja Horticulture Village by the Chief Host, Hon. Min of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijajjani Aliyu noted that efforts are in top gear to mitigate the effects of climate change in the FCT. 

Represented by S.A on Environment and Climate Change, TPL Rekiyat Fache while congratulating AFNALPA on the great 10 years milestone, urged FCT residents to plant a tree to save lives as it is one of the mitigating efforts against global warming and climate change.

Also, the Keynote address by the Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon IKeazor, Represented by Assistant Director, Mr Peter Bagudu stated that human activities of polluting water bodies and bush burning are some of the catalysts of climate change.

While congratulating the association on this milestone achievement, he insisted that the 10 million tree planting initiative is timely considering the urgent need to confront the diverse and severe impact of environmental degradation that has continued to ravage the global community.

‘‘The event of today is a clear demonstration of the public private partnership strategy of this administration in its bid to encourage all and sundry to its national tree planting campaign.

‘‘It is my hope that this initiative will provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits including job creation, economic growth and sustainability, improved socio-economic livelihood veritable carbon to address change mitigation and adaptation’’ he said.

High point of the event was the Unveiling of AFNALPA Magazine and presentation of AFNALPA ecosystem conservation awards to 15 awardees including First Lady and Wife of the President, H.E Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wife of the Vice President, H.E Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Min of Environment Barr Sharon Ikeazor, UN Deputy Secretary General, Dr Amina Muhammed, Senator Magnus Abe, and Life Time award to FMR First Lady of Nigeria, H.E Dr, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Muhammed.

Senator Dickson, Gov Diri Conferred Chieftancy Titles By The Ataba Kingdom of Andoni, Rivers State

...As Mrs Henrietta Fimie Patrick is laid to final rest at age 102 

The former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has been conferred with the Chieftancy title of  Utoron (1) of Ataba Kingdom, Andoni, Rivers State, on Saturday, 5th of March,  2022. He was conferred the Chieftancy title alongside the Bayelsa State Governor,  Senator Douye Diri, who was conferred with the title of Oroata (1) of Ataba Kingdom. 

Senator Dickson was in Ataba Kingdom in Andoni, Rivers State to attend the interment ceremony of the mother of his friend and colleague,  Erasmus Patrick, whose mother, Mrs Henrietta Fimie Patrick passed on at the good old age of 102 

On his Facebook page, Senator Dickson said, "as part of the ceremony,  I was conferred the title of Utoron (i) of Ataba kingdom by the council of chiefs of the Ataba kingdom, which means the light of Ataba kingdom. My brother the Governor of Bayelsa State, HE Senator Douye Diri was equally conferred the title, Oroata (i) of Ataba Kingdom, which means, one who does good". 

Responding after the conferrement of the chieftancy titles on them, Senator Dickson, speaking on behalf of Governor Diri, thanked H.R.H, King Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre, JP. Oruk XVII Okaan Ama Of Ataba Kingdom and the entire council of chiefs for the honor done him and his family and the honor done to the Governor and the good people of Bayelsa. 

He said the people of Ataba and Andoni believe in the Ijaw cause and have over the years produced sons and daughters who have served and are still serving the Ijaw nation in various capacities and they are proud of them. 

Senator Dickson further narated how their son, Mr. Erasmus Patrick has been a Bayelsan friend, a colleague and a stalwart of the INC. He said the sterling qualities of their son, Major Lancelot, as a dependable brother whose support and services to him are invaluable and who has continued to render same to his successor, Senator Douye Diri was most delightful. 

In addition to the above illustrious sons of Andoni, Senator Dickson added that their son, Hayford has been part of the Bayelsa state government since 2012 and has served in various capacities, while another illustrious son, the IYC president had the full support of himself, the Bayelsa State Government, Governor and Bayelsans. 

Senator Dickson stated that Prince Uche Secondus another illustrious son of Andoni clan has been a pillar of support for him and that he was one who believes in the Ijaw ideals, a trainee of past Ijaw leaders. He informed the gathering that Secondus would have been at the event but for some exigencies and that he sends his greetings. 

Senator Dickson said, "for me, I stand and support those who stand by me and I urge you and the entire ijaw nation to learn to stand by your sons and leaders no matter the intimidation and blackmail and learn to say No when No is the right answer". 

Senator Dickson threw light on the founding fathers of the Ijaw nation, saying that, their past leaders like Late Harold Dappa-Biriye, Late Melford Okilo, Pa E.K. Clark etc, worked and are still working to put Ijaw people together. 

He explained that when Bayelsa was created, its first  civilian governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory, started the process of using the apparatus of state to promote the Ijaw conciousness and this has since been the tradition. Chief Alamieyeseigha even awarded the contract and started the building of the INC Headquarters in Yenagoa, a project that lingered on until his administration completed, commisssioned and christened it "Ijaw House"  with Chief Alamieyeseigha and other Ijaw leaders by his side. 

Senator Dickson said that he proclaimed Bayelsa, the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation and formulated deliberate policies and programmes to deepen that conciousness and gave more opportunities to ijaws outside Bayelsa.

Senator Dickson revealed to the gathering that, this was how most of Andoni sons and daughters became part of Bayelsa till date. He pointed out that, governor Diri is a product of this movement and that he knows the issues and is consolidating on them. 

Dickson assured all Ijaws that Bayelsa remains their Jerusalem and the Governor of Bayelsa will always remain their Governor too. 

Senator Dickson,  the Utoron (1) of Ataba Kingdom thanked his Royal Highness and the council of chiefs for the honour done to the Bayelsa State Governor and himself. 

He noted that the traditional institution is playing its part in deepening the Ijaw concuoisness and assured HRH and the people of Andoni of his, and the Bayelsa governor and government's abiding support. 

In conclusion,  Senator Seriake Dickson called on all ijaws to extend the support and prayers that they gave to him as governor to governor Douye Diri as he continues to serve not just as governor of bayelsa state but as governor of the Ijaw nation. 

Speaking during the event, the King of Ataba Kingdom, H.R.H King Benson Mgbowaji Mgbere (JP) said, the conferrement of the chieftancy titles on Senator Dickson and Governor Diri was in recognition of their uncommon love for the Ataba Kingdom.  He noted that their sons who Senator Dickson and Governor Diri graciously engaged in Bayelsa State were worthy and illustrious sons of Ataba. 

Present at the occasion were,  Senator Henry Seriake Dickson,  Governor Douye Diri, Bayelsa state government officials who accompanied the governor,  Ambassador Godknows Igali, INC President,  IYC President and other political leaders from Bayelsa State.

Nigeria Launches National HIV Self Testing and PrEP Communication Strategy

A Defining Milestone in Nigeria’s HIV Response

HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are well-known, proven HIV-prevention strategies. However, global HIV program experts note that optimizing uptake of these strategies, especially among people who need them most, is a challenge.

In Nigeria, efforts to overcome this challenge accelerated when the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) launched the National HIVST and PrEP Communication Strategy on January 18, 2022. This strategy “elaborates the communication action plan that will promote the uptake of HIVST and PrEP interventions for the prevention of new infections and reduction of the burden of HIV among individuals and groups particularly at high risk of acquiring the virus. It addresses the challenges of low-level awareness, demand, and uptake of the HIVST and PrEP services,” says Dr. Gambo Aliyu, director general of NACA, who presided over the launch.

The strategy is designed for use by government ministries, departments, and agencies; development partners and funders; civil society and community-based organizations; and health care workers. It will help them design programs using a range of social and behavior change communication approaches that will ultimately increase uptake of HIVST and PrEP services, especially among key and vulnerable populations.

The government and its partners are proud of this milestone and optimistic that the strategy will bolster Nigeria’s efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control by the year 2030. In her remarks during the launch, Rachel Goldstein, director of the HIV and TB office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria said, “As our HIV tools have become highly focused on biomedical interventions, it’s critical that we don’t stop thinking about the evidence that we have around communication, because if we have tools and people don’t know about them… we’ve lost an opportunity.”

The National HIVST and PrEP Communication Strategy is a product of concerted efforts and HIVST and PrEP implementation experiences among stakeholders in HIV programming in Nigeria, with technical support from JSI and leadership and coordination from the government, through NACA and the National STI Control Program.

Two years ago, JSI’s Total Market Approach (TMA) project developed the concept note that led to initial engagements with the government on the need for the strategy. This included hosting an inception meeting to secure the buy-in of partners to commence the development process, resource collation from relevant stakeholders, and desk reviews to identify relevant data.

At the strategy launch, Dr. Olawale Durosinmi-Etti, chief of party for the TMA project, said, “The first time that I had a conversation on the need to have this document developed with the leadership of NACA, it was warmly welcomed. Throughout the process, it has provided the leadership and coordination required to have this document completed, working with Heartland Alliance and other implementing partners in Nigeria, with support and generosity of USAID.”

The government of Nigeria and its partners are committed to disseminating the strategy to relevant authorities across the country and ensuring its implementation. This will include tracking progress and documentation and dissemination of lessons to tailor the strategy to reflect evolving circumstances.

Ministry of Environment Endorses 10 Million Tree Planting Campaign By AFNALPA

… To launch Tree Planting Campaign In Support of UN Climate Change Initiative. 

Federal Ministry of Environment has endorsed the campaign to plant 10 million trees in major locations across the country as a measure to combat desertification and effects of climate change.

The campaign is spearheaded by Association of Flower Nurseries and Landscaping Practitioners, AFNALPA. 

In an endorsement letter dated 11th February, 2022 and signed by Mr. Rasak Kolawole Adekola on behalf of the Minister, Sharon Ikeazor, he noted that the campaign is in line with the federal government’s vision to ensure increment on forest cover.

The letter read in part, "I am directed to refer to your letter Ref: AFNALPA10/022/75 dated 12 January, 2022 on the above subject and convey to you the Ministry's endorsement of your laudable and complementary programme "Plant a Tree Save a life" free planting campaign aimed at planting 10 million frees in major locations across the states nationwide.

"Without any sense of equivocation, this is in line with the Federal Government's target to increase the nation's forest cover and thereby contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

"To that extent, the Ministry will be willing and ready to collaborate with your association in achieving the said target."

AFNALPA noted  that the campaign titled, “Plant A Tree; Save A Life” is in support of the United Nations climate change programme including the Great Green Wall initiative to plant 100 million trees in Africa. 

According to the association, with over 1,500 members in the country, it has since 2011 contributed to the growth and beautification of the FCT, preservation of the Ecosystem and the provision of greenery for the beautification of Nigeria in partnership with relevant natural conservation agencies.

President of AFNALPA Mary Omoh thanked the Ministry of Environment led by Barrister Sharon Ikeazor for the proactive steps  taken on environmental matters saying she has placed the issues of climate change on to the front burner of national and international  discourse. They stated that steps of the Minister has shown that most of Nigeria’s environmental challenges are being handled head-on and with the support of well-meaning Nigerians, they would be tackled. 

AFNALPA called on Nigerians in the Public and Private sector to key into these global initiatives and support the Federal Government in her bid to eradicate desertification in the country and sub-region.

AFNALPA, according to them, "We would soon unveil their “Plant a Tree and Save a Life Campaign” for Nigerians to key into."

They said the proposed launch of the Abuja Horticulture Village and the 10 million tree planting campaign will take place at an event to mark its 10th anniversary scheduled to take place between the 9th and 10th of March 2022. The village is expected to host a 10 million capacity tree nursery as well a forest reserve on a 200-hectare land in the FCT. 

The event will also feature public lecture with papers to be delivered by the Minister of Environment, the United Nations, Nigerian Conservation Foundation amongst others.  The event would also feature an exhibition of best of Nigeria’s horticulture and flowering organisations and an award ceremony for individuals, organisations and companies who have supported Environmental initiatives in Nigeria.  

Ministers of Environment, FCT, Water Resources, Agric, the Presidency , Office of Chief Exonomic Adviser to the President, Federal Government agencies, the United Nations, Foreign Embassies, environmental list, public and private sector organisations amongst others are expected to attend event.

FCT Council Polls: PDP Warns INEC Not To Tamper With AMAC Results

In the aftermath of the FCT Council Polls that took place on Saturday, February 12 across the nation’s capital, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to tamper with results from the Chairmanship election in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who is the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for the FCT Council Polls, cautioned that INEC must not allow itself be influenced by a serving Minister in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, and a particular serving Governor from the South East to alter the wishes of the people of the FCT. 

Similarly, in a press release issued today by Hon. Azubuike Egbu, a Senior Special Assistant to the Benue Governor, has aligned with the PDP in the FCT, and subsequently warned INEC not temper with AMAC results. 

Hon. Egbu with his team of supporters who have been in Abuja for the past four days campaigning for his party (PDP), went round the FCT to sensitize Igbos in Abuja and enlighten them on the need to vote for the PDP.

Meanwhile, emerging results indicate that Christopher Zakka, candidate of the PDP, has been declared winner of the election in AMAC.

Zakka polled a total of 19, 302 to defeat his closest rival, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Murtal Usman, who polled 13,240 votes.

2023: We Have A Solid Base To Build On- Ayom

By Emmanuel Obisue

Presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Chief Moses Ayom, has said that the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, has set a clear roadmap to the greatness of Nigeria, and thus forms a solid base to build upon.

The entrepreneur and presidential hopeful under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, made this affirmation on Monday at the inaugural Conference of the APC Professionals Forum held on Monday at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

According to Ayom, the group of professionals are inspired by the policies of the APC and the exemplary leadership of the “President and Vice President are the delivery vehicles of the laudable policies of our progressive administration”.

He said the interventions of the two leaders has ensured the rebirth of Nigeria and infrastructural revolution, adding that Nigeria under the APC is gradually moving from the previous state of professionals “scavenging the streets for paid white collar jobs to a more desirable situation of breeding entrepreneurial professionals who are creating wealth, adding value and growing the economy”. 

Ayom noted that supporting a Christian candidate from the North Central which is the only region that has neither produced a democratically elected President or Vice President, would reinforce the “widely held belief” that the President Buhari is for all.

Speaking on the Ease of Doing business, he said “a lot of these successes can be traced to Nigeria’s vast improvement in the Ease of Doing Business index. This policy championed by our President have seen young people break previous barriers especially in fields like ICT, Engineering and the creative industry”.

“It is on record that policies like the social intervention programmes, access to micro credits, the agricultural boom and the fight against corruption have seen an escalation in the participation of young people in the economic sector.

“For me personally, I can testify here that I am one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ease of doing business policy of the APC government. In 2016, I was on President Buhari’s delegation representing the mining sector to the very successful trade mission to China where landmark agreements and partnerships were consummated.

“It was on that trip that the historic currency swap agreement was signed. On the same trip, technical agreements for the iconic Dangote Refinery were signed. My company, Granite and Marble Ltd also signed a ground breaking agreement with the world’s largest manufacturer of mining equipment, SBM China Ltd to establish Africa’s biggest mining processing plant here in Abuja,” he added.

He further commended the never-say-die spirit of the Nigerian professionals, many of whom he said have taken up the vast opportunities provided by our government to excel. 

Speaking at the inaugural conference convened by by former Governor of Bauchi State, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called on Nigerian professionals to jettison ethnicity, religion and others he called 'parochial considerations', in making crucial decisions for the development of the country.  

Osinbajo noted that only politics devoid of ethnicity and religious considerations can promote and facilitate development in the country.

The VP thus stressed the need for Nigerian professionals to embrace politics that is driven by merit rather than throw up base considerations especially as the silhouette for the 2023 election draws nearer.  

“The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements, who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasize the role of merit in public life,” he said.

Group Alleges Timi Frank, Ude Bent on Sabotaging the Progress at Nigerian Content Board

Timi Frank, Ude Bent on Sabotaging the Progress at Nigerian Content Board, Group Alleges

A group, Nigerian Oil and Gas Indigenous Operators Association (NOGIOA), led by its Chairman Alhaji Galadima Auwal has alleged that Timi Frank who is described as an associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and an online news publisher, Jackson Ude are bent on sabotaging the progress being made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) through a massive media attack and blackmail campaign against its Executive Secretary, Engr. Simbi Wabote 

The group noted that in its bid to extort public or private individuals, especially public office holders and appointees of President Buhari’s led federal government, the duo of Timi Frank and Jackson Ude has made a habit of constantly embarking on an inglorious mission and a campaign of calumny to either extort or where not successful, critically damage the reputation of their targets. 

The group lamented as it regretted that many Nigerians have fallen prey to Jackson Ude and Timi Frank’s actions using their media platform of Point Blank News in perpetuating their heinous blackmails. 

In a press statement made public on Wednesday, NOAGIOA alleged that as an associate of the Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Jackson Ude, and Timi Frank have proven to be bent on blackmailing the NCDMB Boss, Engr. Simbi Wabote. 

The NOAGIA Chairman through the statement explained that it was quite unfortunate that instead of concentrating on proper investigative journalism, the duo of Timi Frank and Jackson Ude has chosen the part of perdition and have resorted to using the media as a tool for blackmail

The group worried that the intention of the duo of Ude and Frank was not to ensure accountability of public officers as they claim since there was no question of lack of accountability but their intention is to malign, distract and ultimately sabotage the work of the NCDMB, a critical agency of government, through a vicious and vigorous media abuse and attack of its Executive Secretary, Engr. Wabote 

The statement reads in part ‘‘Timi Frank the former Executive Publicity Secretary of APC is also in on it, not forgetting that he is on self-exile due to questionable activities. 

‘‘Painfully, this two are messing with a man who is focused on his work and should not be toiled with. I enjoin Jackson Ude and Timi frank to focus on the pending defamatory case brought against them and desist from media stunts as a means of distracting the court process. 

‘‘Also let me add that for CNPP instead of them focusing on burning National issues at a time when Nigeria is faced with topical issues, they are busy collaborating with blackmailers. No right-thinking Civil Society Group should be in support of such questionable characters that are known to the Nigerian public as Timi Frank and Jackson Ude.

‘‘We are asking Engr. Wabote to not be distracted by persons with questionable character. 

“So much negative publicity has come from this duo to President Buhari’s appointees and even his administration and how come the two have decided to now seek the president’s intervention against Engr. Wabote, someone performing excellently well to give the president’s administration a credible image. 

“It is obvious that their actions have made them leave the country with a megalomaniac attitude which I insist that Nigerians should not take them seriously. 

‘‘There are pictures all over the Social media of this two taking pictures with Atiku who we believe may not be unaware of their way of life. 

‘’We however urge these two to focus on the case brought against them by Engr. Wabote in the USA court as we believe that the truth will stand the test of time and stop the diversionary tactics. Of course, he that alleges must prove, so let them, go and provide proof’’ 

“As you may well know, Timi Frank has no pedigree. He was a tea boy at Government House when the Late DSP Alamieyeseigha was Governor. He never went to any University 

“As for Jackson Ude was recruited by Late Oronto Douglas to work in his office as Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, he never worked directly with Former President Goodluck Jonathan as he always claims” the statement concluded.