The Institute of Environment Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) has urged Nigerians to imbibe tree planting culture, to mitigate climate change. Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, stated this at an event to commemorate 2024 World Environment Day on Friday in Benin. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was being organised in partnership with Benin City Window on America (BCWOA) with the theme: 'Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience'. According to the UN fact sheet, over 40 per cent of planet land is being degraded affecting half of the world's population. Ezemonye said the theme of the event was to remind stakeholders on the need to collectively heal the planet. 'Since WED was celebrated in 1973, the anniversary has become a platform to raise awareness about critical environmental issues and proffer lasting and sustainable solutions,' he said. Ezemonye, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin , added that the 2024 WED came at a critical time when the world had triple planetary crisis such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. According to him, by focusing on land restoration, we can mitigate these crises, enhance carbon storage, protect species from extinction and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. 'According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), restoring degraded land can significantly improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilience to extreme weather. 'Every dollar invested in restoration can make up to $30 in ecosystem services, making it a vital strategy for sustainable development'. Also speaking, Dr Georgina Erifetal, a Director in BCWOA, urged participants to take responsibility for the survival of their immediate environment to bring positive effects to the global habitat. The event also hosted stakeholders, who participated virtually across the globe, to proffer lasting solutions to issues affecting the planet. Source: News Agen cy of Nigeria
Day: June 9, 2024
Play on Gen. Gowon to be staged in Lagos Aug. 24-25
A play, 'GOWON', which depicts the life of retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Nigeria's military head of state, is to be staged in Lagos, from Aug. 24 to Aug.25. A statement by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, producers of the play, said on Sunday in Lagos that the play would focus on Gowon's service to Nigeria and also take a 'deep and cursory look at his tribe - Angas, in Plateau'. 'It will run with the theme of unity and lean heavily on the Gowon era policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reorientation put in place at the end of the civil war to heal wounds,' the statement said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director, Duke of Shomolu Foundation. 'The play will seek to celebrate the 'No Victor, No Vanquished proponent,' the statement added. It said that the play was written by Prof. Ahmed Yerima, who would also direct the stage proceedings. Yerima had written equally strong historical plays on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. All the plays were produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation. The statement indicated that the play had been in the drawing board in the last two years 'waiting for the most auspicious time. 'For the first time ever on a Nigerian stage, a play will feature accomplished British actress - Tayo Elesin - who will play the role of Victoria, Gowon's wife. 'Tayo, who was HID Awolowo in the play 'Awo', staged in London, had featured in many western stage plays and many critically acclaimed movies on Netflix. 'She will bring to bear on the production her international clout and experience,' the statement said. The statement disclosed that the play is being sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria, Unified Payments, Orangeline and Sonora Capital. 'The showing will be at the Agip Recital Hall of The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos,' it said. NAN reports that Gowon, who became the nation's head of state at 32, ruled Nigeria from 1966 t o 1975. His regime was terminated by a military coup with the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed taking his place. Source: News Agency of Nigeria
Bamenda Archbishop calls faithfuls to order, after alleged apparition of Mary
The head of the Bamenda Archdiocese has informed christians 'that no one can, or is allowed to pronounce with certitude at this time, that the Blessed Virgin Mary is appearing in the said house in Ngomgham.' His Grace Andrew Nkea in a pastoral letter to the local church on June 8, 2024 said the alleged apparition of Mary - believed to be the Mother of Jesus, in the house of a member of the All Angels Small Christian Community, in the Immaculate Conception Parish Ngomgham, Madam Dorothy Enow Manyor needs 'thorough discernment'. The alleged appearance on June 6, has attracted thousands of christians and non christians alike to the site, the prelate said. He informed the general public that only the competent Ecclesiastical Authorities as stipulated by the Norm of the Holy See of May 17, 2024 can be sure of the phenomena. Archbishop Nkea urged christians to only make use of their parish houses and church shrines for prayers until this investigations are done. He as well affirmed that the household alleged for the apparition have a right to their privacy. Source: Cameroon News Agency
Marc Brys makes impressive start with Indomitable Lions
New Indomitable Lions coach Marc Brys, won his first match as head coach of the Cameroon national football team on Saturday, June 8, at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. The Lions humbled visitors Cape Verde in a 4-1 defeat, counting for day three of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026. It was a favourable start for the Belgian, who finds himself in the middle of the crisis that has rocked Cameroon football for the past two months. His appointment on April 2 by the Sports Ministry was not initially accepted by FECAFOOT. The federation later agreed to work with the 62-year-old but formed its own administrative, technical and medical staff which it insists is the one recognised by FIFA. In the victory against Cape Verde, Cameroon displayed an image of unity. There was visible joy on all faces as Ngadeu, Vincent Aboubakar and Nohou Tolo scored to give Cameroon the lead in group D of the qualifiers. The Lions top the table with 7 points. 'They are united' Marc Brys commended the dedication shown by the players. 'You saw during the match, the group does not need their coach to play well'. 'We are very happy with these results but we have to maintain our focus' the coach said, referring to the next match against Angola on June 11. He expressed regret over the chaos that surrounds the national team. 'It is not productive for the team and 30 million Cameroonians' He reiterated that he is 'apolitical' and is focused on his job. Source: Cameroon News Agency