News From Kogi
Conservator-General of Nigeria Inaugurates Federal Varsity, Lokoja, Zoo
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Conservator-General of Nigeria, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni has inaugurated Federal University Lokoja Zoo and Conservatory (FULZAC) to enable practical learning experiences in biodiversity, wildlife and recreation.
Dr Goni, who was speaking at the inauguration of the Zoo and Conservatory at the Felele Campus of the institution on Thursday in Lokoja said the center held immense significance.
Dr Goni said that the Center also has potential to contribute to global conservation efforts adding that Nigeria, as a nation rich in natural and cultural diversity, the protection of its natural resources would always be of utmost importance.
“The role of zoos and conservatories in the preservation and protection of biodiversity cannot be overstated. They serve as living laboratories, fostering deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world.
According to him, zoos also revenue sources, saying that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has it that approximately 180 million people visit AZA accredited zoos and aquariums each year, contributing about $24 Billion to the U.S Economy.
“Travel and tourism in Nigeria are estimated to contribute about 3.6 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP annually, which is equal to around 17.3 billion U.S dollars”, The Conservator-General of the National Park Service said.
Dr Goni who was full of praises for the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi and his team, expressed the belief that through effective collaboration between academia, conservationists, and the government, objectives of the center would achieved.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akinwumi in his address said that the Zoo and Conservatory Center would serve Educational, Conservatory and Recreational purposes.
He described it as an educational resource, providing a living laboratory for students and researchers in the fields of biology, environmental science, and wildlife management.
The Vice-Chancellor said FULZAC was also a conservation effort aimed at preserving and protecting endangered species and their habitats.
“By creating a safe haven for various animal species, we are not only contributing to global conservation efforts but also raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural world.
He said that the Center, fitted with children amusement and recreational facilities, would serve as a recreational and educational facility for the people of Lokoja and its environs, providing a space where families, tourists, and wildlife enthusiasts can learn about Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.
Prof. Akinwumi acknowledged contributions of key individuals and organizations as well as staff for their generous donations and dedication which were critical in bringing the project to fruition.
Director of FULZAC, Prof. Jacqueline Badaki said With the ever-changing wild landscape being ripped apart by climate change and habitat loss, captive breeding programs are needed more than ever to assure the survival of some of species that cannot survive on their own.
In her overview of the project, she said, FULZAC provide the normal services rendered by a zoo, to display animals to the public, and in some cases breed the animals for conservation, education and research purposes.
The occasion featured goodwill messages from the state Commissioner for Environment, some members of the academic staff with a Vote of thanks from the University’s Registrar, Dr Rebecca Okojie.
Highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the FULAC by the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi III and visit to various categories and species of animals in their new abodes. (Ends)
In a gesture aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, Senator Jibrin Isa Echocho, representing Kogi East, has donated a SUMEC SPG 3000 generator to Cottage Hospital Abocho.
This donation is expected to provide a reliable power source for the hospital, for the benefit of patients and staff.
The generator was officially presented to the hospital on behalf of Senator Echocho by the Onu Abocho (Ayidu), HRM Ajofe Jonah Okai Drisu Ekpo. Expressing gratitude, the Onu Abocho commended the senator for his continued commitment to local development projects, particularly in the healthcare sector.
According to the Onu Abocho, the community had been gathering resources to acquire a generator when Senator Echocho learned of their efforts and stepped in with the donation.
He applauded the senator’s swift response to the community’s needs and acknowledged others who have worked to improve the hospital’s facilities.
The Onu Abocho further pledged to personally oversee the generator’s fueling to ensure it remains operational whenever needed.
Mr. Omika Isah, the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the senator, the Onu Abocho, and community members, emphasizing that this new power source would greatly enhance the hospital’s ability to provide continuous care.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, has solicited the collaboration of Kogi State House of Assembly in enlightening people of the state on the dangers of drug abuse and other drug related menace in the society.
NDLEA Commander in the State, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, made the appeal during a working visit to the House of Assembly in Lokoja.
Accordingly to a statement signed and made available to newsmen by Yabagi Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker of the House, the NDLEA Commander said Kogi is very strategic to the Agency’s fight against drug abuse.
He said that this is in view of the geographical location of the state and the findings by the NDLEA following a painstaking research.
The Commander revealed that his agency through the research, discovered that there is a high prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Kogi state adding that there is urgent need to check the development as it has high tendency to endanger the society at large.
Commander Yahuza praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to the fight against the menace of drug abuse.
He held strongly that the governor deserved accolades for accepting to establish a rehabilitation center for victims of drugs in the State.
The NDLEA Commander urged other leaders to take a cue from the commitment shown by Governor Ododo, as he commended members of 8th Assembly in the state for their warm reception.
He equally commended their show of commitment towards assisting the NDLEA to check the prevalence of illicit drugs and substances in some parts of the State.
In his welcome address, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker of the House, applauded the NDLEA for its gallantry and commitment towards sanitizing and ridding the society of illicit drugs.
He noted that the inherent dangers of drugs abuse could not be overemphasized, stressing that the problem keeps growing by the day in spite of the obvious mental and psychological challenges inherent in the consumption of the harmful drugs and substances.
Speaker Yusuf noted that as a lawmaking body, the Assembly was ready to collaborate with the agency and come up with laws that would assist the NDLEA to do its job more effectively.
He thanked the Commander for his commitment towards mitigating the prevalence and effects of drugs abuse in the state.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of a Drug Test Kit and decoration of the Speaker by the NDLEA boss as one of the major stakeholders in the agency’s fight against drugs. (Ends)
LugardTV has awarded an internship opportunity to Khadijat Blessing Mohammed, the top graduate from the Mass Communication Department at Federal University, Lokoja (FUL). The announcement was made at the Government House Media Centre in Lokoja on Thursday, where Kogi State Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, received the FUL standout.
Ismaila Isah emphasized that the internship offer is part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to fostering excellence by supporting young talents and providing opportunities for professional growth within the media industry.
He noted that the experience at LugardTV and the Government House Media Centre will grant Khadijat hands-on knowledge, practical skills, and the chance to work alongside seasoned media professionals within the Kogi State Government.
The internship, he explained, is aimed at bridging the gap between academic study and media industry practice, preparing future media leaders. Khadijat will gain exposure to various facets of journalism, including content creation and media intelligence, giving her a foundation to specialize in areas that resonate with her career goals.
In her response, Khadijat Blessing Mohammed expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to make the most of the experience during her internship at the Government House Media Centre.
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