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UNESCO Commits to Safeguarding Lake Chad
UNESCO will bring a preservation project focusing on research and the dissemination of knowledge, the rehabilitation of wetlands and wildlife corridors, and the promotion of sustainable income generating activities to the International Conference on Lake Chad, which will take place in Abuja (Nigeria) from 26 to 28 February.
Known as BIOPALT, the French acronym for biosphere and heritage of Lake Chad, the project will be implemented by UNESCO in partnership with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), starting on 26 February, as the international conference opens. BIOPALT will be the subject of a roundtable discussion with representatives of UNESCO, the LCBC, political leaders, scientists and representatives of local communities from the Lake Chad Basin.
Funded by the African Development Bank for a period of three years, the project aims to take stock of Lake Chad’s water and other natural resources alongside socio-economic and cultural factors. It also aims to reinforce local capacities in natural and cultural heritage preservation and undertake pilot activities for the rehabilitation of some ecosystems and the promotion of a green economy.
In close consultation with local populations, BIOPALT will contribute, for example, to the rehabilitation of wildlife migration corridors between Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria, notably for elephants, preserve oases and prevent the drying up of water supplies by restoring ponds.
It will also focus on income generating activities such as the production of spirulina, an algae traditionally harvested by women, and support efforts to preserve Lake Chad’s iconic Kuri cattle, an endangered species.
BIOPALT is also designed to help the countries bordering the lake to work together so as to meet the management and preservation standards required for transboundary sites in the Lake Chad Basin to Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage sites.
Two Biosphere Reserves are currently established in the Lake Chad Basin: Waza (Cameroon) and Bamingui Bangoran (Central African Republic) as well as two World Heritage sites: Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Central African Republic) and Lakes of Ounianga (Chad).
The Lake Chad Basin is an important source of fresh water on which more than 40 million people in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger and Nigeria depend. Rainfalls have decline over the past 50 years and the lake’s surface area has shrunk by more than 90%, affecting the region’s ecosystems and economy.
The Lake Chad Basin Commission and UNESCO have been sharing information concerning the conservation of Lake Chad since 2011. The Organization is also working in the region through its International Hydrological Programme (IHP), which has notably carried out a project concerning the management of underground water resources in the Basin (1997 to 2004).
Queen Waliyat Olabisi, the second wife of the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has passed away.
She died on Tuesday morning, leaving the people of the ancient town in mourning.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of her death remains unknown. However, her sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the community.
Many indigenes of Saki have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing heartfelt tributes and condolences for the royal family.
The late Queen Waliyat was celebrated for her elegance and impactful contributions to both the palace and the community.
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has pledged unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the 35 minors who lost their lives during a tragic stampede at a funfair organized at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024.
Speaking at the annual interfaith service marking the commencement of the new year, held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Makinde reassured the public of his administration’s dedication to preventing a recurrence of such avoidable tragedies.
According to reports, eight suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident. Of these, three individuals—Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi (former Queen of Ife), Oriyomi Hamzat (owner of Agidigbo FM), and the principal of Basorun High School, Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde—are currently remanded in custody at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan. Their case has been adjourned until later this month by the presiding court.
Makinde, addressing concerns and criticism surrounding the decision to prosecute the organisers, said, “Thirty-five innocent lives were tragically lost. This is not a matter to sweep under the rug. Justice must be served to ensure such a disaster never occurs again in Oyo State.”
Responding to calls for leniency, the Governor dismissed comparisons to similar incidents in other parts of the country. “Some people told me this happened in Anambra and FCT, and no one faced trial. But Oyo State is not Anambra. We will uphold the rule of law, no matter who is involved,” he asserted.
The Governor emphasized the independence of the judiciary in handling the case, stating, “If the courts decide on bail or other measures, that is within their jurisdiction. However, there must be a trial. This administration is committed to ensuring accountability and justice for the victims and their families.”
Makinde concluded by reaffirming his resolve to make Oyo State a model for justice and governance. “By God’s grace, such a tragedy must never happen again in our dear state,” he said.
The House of Representatives will commence the defence of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, on Monday after a strategic meeting with chairpersons of statutory committees at the National Assembly.
Bichi emphasized the House’s commitment to ensuring the timely passage of the budget, stating that the legislative body aims to conclude deliberations and approve the budget by the end of January 2025.
It will be recalled that on December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a ₦49.7 trillion Budget Proposal for 2025 before a joint session of the National Assembly.
The budget, themed “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity,” prioritizes security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education.
In his 30-minute address, President Tinubu highlighted key allocations, including ₦4.91 trillion for defence and security, ₦4.06 trillion for infrastructure, ₦2.4 trillion for health, and ₦3.5 trillion for education, among others.
“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of Nigeria, titled The Restoration Budget—securing peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu declared during the presentation.
The defence sessions are expected to feature critical scrutiny of MDAs’ spending proposals to ensure alignment with national priorities and efficient resource utilization.
The 2025 Appropriation Bill is projected to bolster efforts in economic recovery, infrastructural development, and enhanced service delivery in critical sectors, as the government continues its drive to restore stability and prosperity to Nigeria.
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