Latest news with #OgunState
Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Nigeria: Stakeholders highlight impact of climate change on farming activities, communities in Oyo
As the world marks World Elephant Day under the theme 'Bringing the world together to help elephants', wildlife conservation organization, Wild Africa, has asked Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect its dwindling elephant population by mitigating rising human-elephant conflicts which often leads to crop raiding, injuries, and fatalities on both sides. Nigeria's new National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) identifies human–elephant conflict, particularly crop raiding, as the most significant threat to the remaining elephants in the country. In July, headlines and videos across Nigerian media told the tragic story of a farmer who was killed by an elephant in Ogun State. As reports of human–elephant conflict appear more frequently in the media, conservationists warn these encounters are likely to rise. Habitat destruction is driving elephants into closer contact, and sometimes conflict, with people who may retaliate over damaged crops or property. 'The recent event in Ogun state is a reminder that protecting elephants also means protecting people,' said Dr. Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for Wild Africa. 'When elephants have space, corridors, and secure habitats, they are less likely to come into conflict with communities. Coexistence is possible, but it requires planning, investment, and law enforcement.' Nigeria's elephant population has dropped dramatically from over 1,200 three decades ago to just 300–400 individuals today, divided into small, isolated herds. The largest single herd — about 100 elephants — lives in Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. At the same time, other populations survive in Cross River National Park, Okomu National Park, and other forest reserves in the south. The key threats to their survival are deeply interconnected. Poaching for ivory remains a serious problem, as does habitat loss from logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development. This growing problem is not just a safety issue; it undermines ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria's remaining elephants and damages trust among local communities who start perceiving elephants as a threat, rather than unique mammals worth protecting. Addressing it requires smarter land-use planning and other innovations to protect key habitats, better community engagement, and training on safe coexistence measures, as well as rapid response teams that can act quickly when elephants enter conflict-prone areas. For instance, in Zimbabwe, the WhatsAppchatbot Wildlife Info provides instant advice on dealing with elephant-related problems, tips for peaceful coexistence, and guidance on wild animal behaviour. By simply texting the dedicated WhatsApp number, users can access methods to reduce conflict, crop damage, and livestock predation. This innovative tool makes vital information accessible to communities. Reducing the levels of human-elephant conflict is one of the key objectives of the NEAP, which was developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation in partnership with the Federal Government. The plan aims to secure and restore habitats, connect fragmented ranges through wildlife corridors, and implement early warning systems, while supporting farmers with non-lethal deterrents, such as natural chilli repellent, noise-makers, digging trenches, and creating beehive fences. It also aims to promote community benefits from elephant conservation, such as tourism opportunities, while boosting anti-poaching patrols and improving enforcement against ivory trafficking. 'Because we believe people and wildlife can only survive and thrive together, we need to work to train and equip local communities to implement appropriate, locally relevant mitigation measures while conducting awareness campaigns to disseminate information on these measures,' DrOfua added. Meanwhile, Nigeria has made progress with the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, which has passed its third reading in the House of Representatives and is now with the Senate for consideration. If passed and signed into law by the President, this legislation would enhance Nigeria's capacity to combat wildlife crime and mitigate the degradation of critical habitats for iconic species, such as elephants. Wild Africa is calling on the Nigerian populace to cohabitate peacefully with elephants and avoid confrontation with these majestic animals. The non-profit is running an awareness campaign across Nigeria, utilizing TV, radio, print media, billboards, and social media to inform the public about safe practices near elephant habitats and the ecological importance of elephants. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
United States (U.S.) Consulate Launches 29th American Space in Nigeria, Deepens People-to-People Ties
On Thursday, Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg joined Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to officially open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America, the 29th American Space in Nigeria. This new center—the second in Abeokuta—was established through a partnership between the U.S. Consulate General, Ogun State Government, and GFA Technologies, a leading tech company that supports innovative startups. The Ogun Tech Hub Window on America offers a vibrant, American-themed environment where young Nigerians can explore ideas, build leadership capacity, and sharpen their entrepreneurial and tech skills through interactive programs and workshops. The center also provides access to high-speed internet, computers, and a wide range of digital resources to support learning, research, and professional development. Visitors can also receive guidance on studying in the United States through various educational advising programs. Delivering remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, Ogun State government officials, and members of the local academic, business, and artistic community, Acting Consul General Gorg explained that the Window on America is designed to expand the already strong bonds of friendship and deepen educational and cultural ties between the United States and Nigeria. 'We are delighted to partner with the Ogun State Government and GFA Technologies to open the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in Abeokuta,' Acting Consul General Gorg said. 'This Window on America is a collaborative and technology-driven center dedicated to education, innovation, and partnership benefitting all residents of Ogun State and beyond.' Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America as a center for knowledge exchange, skills development, and peer-to-peer collaboration between young people in Ogun State and their counterparts in the United States. He underscored the importance of digital skills training offered at the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America in driving sustainable economic growth, generating employment, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens. 'This is the opening of a window to endless possibilities. I urge Ogun State residents to take full ownership of groundbreaking initiatives like the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. It is not just a room—it is a realized vision, a democratized platform for global learning, connection, and opportunity,' Governor Abiodun added. Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer of GFA Technologies, Debo Omololu, lauded the U.S. government for the partnership that culminated in the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. He expressed optimism that young people in Ogun State and its environs would benefit immensely from the resources and programs available at the center. 'The Ogun Tech Hub is proud to join the global network of American Spaces. One of the core themes of our programming is to provide technological learning opportunities that drive digital transformation,' Omololu added. Programs offered at the Window on America will showcase the depth and breadth of American culture, values, ideals, and perspectives on a variety of themes from employability workshops to digital skills, AI, robotics, drone technology and other STEM learning opportunities. Visitors to the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America will include students, teachers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists, civic organizations, government officials, and community leaders, among many others. In addition, the new center will offer access to academic and research resources via eLibraryUSA, a digital library with millions of publications, scholarly journals, eBooks, audio, video, and other multi-media content. Like all American Spaces around the world, programs and resources, including high speed internet access, offered at the Window on America are free of charge and open to everyone in the community. There are more than 700 American Spaces in 140 countries around the world hosted by universities, libraries, tech hubs, as well as U.S. embassies and consulates. The network of American Spaces in Nigeria organizes over 4,400 programs annually that reach 100,000 Nigerians. Nigeria has more American Spaces than any other African country, with 29 locations across 24 cities. Addresses of American Spaces in Nigeria can be found here. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Skepta's surprise Glastonbury set review – British rap's MVP has matchless mic technique
The Glastonbury 'surprise set' has proved futile this year – anonymous billings for Lorde, Haim and Lewis Capaldi were leaked long before the gates opened. Yet there manages to be a genuine twist in the lineup: grime legend Skepta, as a last-minute replacement for alt-metal band Deftones, who have been forced to cancel due to illness. Skepta happens to be kicking around because last night, at Glade, he performed a DJ set alongside Mochakk from São Paulo and Carlita from Istanbul – an advertisement of his house-techno project Más Tiempo, launched with Jammer in 2023, with regular slots in Ibiza. But he'd not required the full force of his production for Glade, so stepping in for a billing just shy of the headline slot on Glastonbury's second largest stage, Other, is certainly a challenge. On that, of course, Skepta steps up to the plate with incredible energy and conviction, saying 'Let's go!!! No crew, no production but am ready to shut Glastonbury down. Victory lap time. Pre-Big Smoke 2025!' (his multi-genre festival taking place at Crystal Palace Bowl, south London, in August.) And who better to teleport to the slot than the MC and rapper who always seems to be in a million places at once, revealing numerous side missions, whether that's heading up a luxury fashion house, auctioning off paintings to Sotheby's, or getting a chieftaincy in Ogun State, Nigeria? That kind of calling requires someone as frenetic and spontaneous as the microphone champion. Skepta only gets 30 minutes with the mic, but his performance is so kinetic and zesty and expansive that you feel that it is longer, and wonder what it might have been if he had been called to the stage with real notice (Skepta's last Glastonbury performance of this kind was on this stage with Boy Better Know in 2017). A siren marks his arrival, and he's accompanied only by long-term collaborator DJ Maximum. Though he has a forthcoming project, Fork and Knife – which will, among other themes, track his parents' migration from Nigeria to London – he wisely reaches for the more recognisable bangers, kicking off with recent hit Cops & Robbers, his collaboration with Sammy Virji: 'DJ play one for the badman, DJ play one for the ladies.' Dressed in shorts from his own Mains brand, a durag and frameless glasses, he flawlessly rattles through hits old and new: That's Not Me, Redrum, It Ain't Safe. What makes Skepta so remarkable and a cut above other MCs is that clarity in his rapping delivery. His flow is so explosive and complex and his tracks are peppered with memorable lyrics and puns such as: 'We don't talk about beef, by the way, did I mention I just turned vegan?' But what also shines through is the multigenerational appeal Skepta has over 20 years on from his beginnings in the Tottenham-based grime collective Meridian Crew. Archival footage played behind him takes us from his early days of clashing, to his 2008 1Xtra freestyle with his brother JME and videos of him rapping with his crew around the estates of north London. Yet while Skepta is spoken of among his grime peers like Wiley, Frisco, JME and Kano, he is also ranked alongside the younger generation such as Dave and Central Cee. And of course, the acclaim of Mercury prize-winning album Konnichiwa and his collaboration with A$AP Rocky, Praise the Lord, (which takes off well here) helped him to crossover stateside in a way that had been semi-unprecedented for British rappers. From this set, it is easy to see why Skepta has endured – that crisp, fresh delivery, that unceasing hunger and energy, but also the evolution. Of course he runs the full gamut of his discography, but as he closes he plays the newly released Victory Lap with Fred Again, a sickening 140bpm dubstep track with a modern electronic production and a Doechii sample. It's indicative of how curious and genre-pushing Skepta is, and shows that his pursuits into other ventures have only complicated his music for the better. No doubt when he's back again, with more preparation time, he'll be an even bigger Glastonbury highlight.
CNN
19-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Nigerian university sparks outrage as staff check whether female students are wearing bras before exams
A Nigerian university is facing backlash after a viral video appeared to show young women who were queuing for exams being checked for whether they were wearing bras before being allowed in. In a short clip that spread quickly on social media, two women seem to be touching the breasts of the women in the queue as they walk past. Students at Olabisi Onabnajo University confirmed to CNN that the video was shot at their school, in Nigeria's southwestern Ogun state. In the video, one female student appeared to be removed from the queue after one of the women touched her. CNN has not been able to confirm when the video was taken but a student representative at OOU, who defended the school over what he dubbed the, 'no bra, no entry policy,' said exams began this week. The university has not responded to CNN's request for comment and has not commented publicly on the alleged policy amid widespread outrage on Nigerian social media. Student union leader Muizz Olanrewaju Olatunji said in a post on X Tuesday that the check for bras 'is not a new policy' in the school, which he stated, 'promotes a dress code policy aimed at maintaining a respectful and distraction-free environment, encouraging students to dress modestly and in line with the institution's values.' Olatunji shared parts of what he said were the school's policies, which described indecent dressing as that which shows sensitive body parts 'such as breasts, buttocks, nipples and belly-buttons,' including 'any dressing that is capable of making the same or opposite sex to lust after the student in an indecent manner.' Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the OOU's bra policy as 'draconian' and 'arbitrary,' and one that 'might amount to some form of sexual harassment.' He told CNN that 'physically examining the bodies of students to determine whether they are wearing a bra or not is not only degrading but also undignifying.' 'There could be medical explanations for why certain students may not feel comfortable wearing a bra at a particular time,' he said, adding that enforcing the policy 'without exceptions, or without taking peculiarities into consideration is arbitrary,' and could lead to legal actions. Student leader Olatunji said in another post on X Tuesday that talks were ongoing with OOU's administration 'to explore alternative approaches to addressing indecent dressing, focusing on respectful and dignified interactions between students and staff.'
CNN
19-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Nigerian university sparks outrage as staff check whether female students are wearing bras before exams
A Nigerian university is facing backlash after a viral video appeared to show young women who were queuing for exams being checked for whether they were wearing bras before being allowed in. In a short clip that spread quickly on social media, two women seem to be touching the breasts of the women in the queue as they walk past. Students at Olabisi Onabnajo University confirmed to CNN that the video was shot at their school, in Nigeria's southwestern Ogun state. In the video, one female student appeared to be removed from the queue after one of the women touched her. CNN has not been able to confirm when the video was taken but a student representative at OOU, who defended the school over what he dubbed the, 'no bra, no entry policy,' said exams began this week. The university has not responded to CNN's request for comment and has not commented publicly on the alleged policy amid widespread outrage on Nigerian social media. Student union leader Muizz Olanrewaju Olatunji said in a post on X Tuesday that the check for bras 'is not a new policy' in the school, which he stated, 'promotes a dress code policy aimed at maintaining a respectful and distraction-free environment, encouraging students to dress modestly and in line with the institution's values.' Olatunji shared parts of what he said were the school's policies, which described indecent dressing as that which shows sensitive body parts 'such as breasts, buttocks, nipples and belly-buttons,' including 'any dressing that is capable of making the same or opposite sex to lust after the student in an indecent manner.' Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong described the OOU's bra policy as 'draconian' and 'arbitrary,' and one that 'might amount to some form of sexual harassment.' He told CNN that 'physically examining the bodies of students to determine whether they are wearing a bra or not is not only degrading but also undignifying.' 'There could be medical explanations for why certain students may not feel comfortable wearing a bra at a particular time,' he said, adding that enforcing the policy 'without exceptions, or without taking peculiarities into consideration is arbitrary,' and could lead to legal actions. Student leader Olatunji said in another post on X Tuesday that talks were ongoing with OOU's administration 'to explore alternative approaches to addressing indecent dressing, focusing on respectful and dignified interactions between students and staff.'
