Governor Abiodun Unveils Intimidating Achievements In Forestry Sector

In his continued efforts to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable forest management and conservation in Ogun State, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has recorded numerous achievements through the State’s Ministry of Forestry.

Governor Abiodun through sterling leadership via the Ministry of Forestry has maintained nine forest reserves, executed tree planting agreements and expanded forest cover through investor-friendly policies.

All these moves aligned with his ISEYA mantra as well as laying down of strong template that will stand test of times.

The Governor’s foot soldier and Commissioner of the Ministry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, FNSE ensures that the ball is not dropped.

The Forest Commissioner, Engr. Oludotun, FNSE while rolling out some of the Ministry accomplishments as of October 2024, listed to include the establishment of indigenous plantations, forest expansion, annual planting of thousands of trees, concessioning of land for pulp wood production, procurement of essential operational tools, security and protection of forest resources, collaborations with corporate bodies and farming groups, and significant revenue generation.

Below are some of the key accomplishments as of October 2024

“Maintenance of the State’s nine forest reserves sustainably to position the State in good standing in the comity of timber producing States in Nigeria”

ii. Execution of Tree Planting Agreements:

• The Ministry executed Agreement with Nigerian Breweries Pic for the establishment of 500ha of indigenous plantation over a period of 10 years in Olokemeji Forest Reserve. The planting which is being carried out as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility programme of the Company is in recognition of the efforts of the Ministry at developing the State’s forestry sector. As at present, about 150ha out of the proposed 500ha has been planted up.

The Ministry also executed a partnership Agreement with International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan for the establishment of 300ha of indigenous tree species to increase the raw material stock of the Forest Estate and to sequester atmospheric carbon. This partnership came on the heels of the success recorded with the Agreement signed with Nigeria Breweries. The partnership is expected to last for a period of 5years in Olokemeji Forest Reserve after which the plantation will be handed over to the State Government for maintenance and ownership.

iii. Forest Expansion: As a result of the investor friendly policies of the Ministry, over 2,000 hectares of forest land with approximately 3,000,000 trees established in seven Forest Reserves through direct planting and collaborations with investors like Nigeria Breweries Pic and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Annual Planting:

2021: 521,837 trees on 469.7 hectares

ο 2022: 360,409 trees on 324,4 hectares

ο 2023: 1,565,399 trees on 1,409 hectares

2024:510,838 trees on 459,8 hectares,

iv Planted 4,080 trees at the Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport at Iperu.

V. State’s inclusion in the United Nation-REDD program: The State was included in the list of States to partake in the UNREDD+ program being coordinated by the Federal Government, A REDD+ Secretariat has been created and other activities are currently going on to ensure that the State begins to access fund from the Carbon Credit platform. The implementation of the project is in phases which began with the “Readiness phase”. This phase has been completed with the State’s enlistment while the second phase “Implementation Phase” is almost completed. The final phase will be the full “National Implementation” and this is expected to commence immediately the second phase has been achieved.

vi

Concession: Concessioning of 4,000ha to Dahua Forest Resources Development

Company Limited in Eggua Forest Reserve for pulp wood production. The concession is set to achieve the establishment of Eucalyptus trees, 10,000,000 trees would be planted through the concession. This is to provide raw materials for paper producing industries particularly Dahua Papers.

Procurement: The Ministry procured the following during the period: 5nos of new motorcycles and also refurbished 2 Tractors, 4 patrol vehicles as well as 25 motorcycles to ease monitoring.

• Essential operational tools for the Forestry Extension Unit to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Unit in attending to its assignments

across the State. Different units of horticultural tools to establish fruit orchard and horticultural seedlings for revenue generation.

Security and Protection: The Ministry intensified efforts towards the protection of forest resources planted with Government funds. To this end, the Ministry embarked on enhanced patrol and protection activities. This effort led to the apprehension of over 30 illegal perpetrators, recovery of illegally logged trees and timber, and generation of over N25 million from fines.

ix Collaborations: In the last one year, the Ministry partnered with 11 corporate bodies and 17 farming groups to carry out Agro-forestry. The partnership led to the establishment of over 120 hectares Agroforestry plantations in Ilaro Forest Reserve,

Farmer Enumeration: To ensure the protection of lives and properties within the Reserves, the Ministry commenced plans to rid the Reserves of miscreants endangering lives of residents of the Reserves. The Ministry commenced the enumeration of farmers in Omo Forest Reserve, Over 6,000 farmers have so far been enumerated. This initiative is to curb miscreants’ influx into the Reserve.

xi Encroachment Reduction: Drastic reduction in forest encroachment through policy reviews and enactments,

xii. Wildlife Sanctuary: To ensure the safety of the different wildlife in the State particularly Elephants in the Forest Reserves, the Ministry requested and secured His Excellency’s approval to acquire and gazette 4,000ha of land in Itasin in Ijebu East LG. The acquired land currently houses a herd of Elephants, The Ministry has Commenced the process of takeover of the approved 4,000-hectare Wildlife Sanctuary at Itasin Community.

Bamboo Plantation: The Ministry established 5 hectares of Bamboo plantation at Ilaro Forest Reserve. This was done to reclaim some degraded parts of the Reserve.

Security Operations: Following the registration and identification of genuine farmers in Omo Forest Reserve, the Ministry carried out a successful Task force operation to rid Omo Forest Reserve of criminals.

Infrastructure Development: To ease log evacuation and for administrative convenience, the Ministry created Laagan Range. The range was carved out of Area J4 in Omo Forest Reserve. In addition to creating the range, a befitting building which serves as the office was constructed and furnished. Also, solar power supply system was deployed to provide power at the range.

XVI Reclamation: The Ministry reclaimed over 5,000 hectares encroached land within the State’s Forest Reserves. Part of the reclaimed land were allocated to investors for establishing Agro-forestry plantations.

xvii.

Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project Approval: The Ministry secured approval for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable use of low-land forest mosaic landscape in Ogun, Edo, Delta, and Ondo States. This project will guarantee ecosystem restoration and sustainability, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, improved livelihood and food security.

xviii. Internally Generated Revenue: The Ministry has achieved 95% of her revenue target for year 2024 as at October 2024. This feat was made possible through the leadership style of Engr. Taiwo Oludotun FNSE, the Hon. Commissioner for Forestry.

Governor Usman Ododo and The Desecration of His Oath of Office

By Nelson Ekujumi

On being sworn into office on the 27th of January, 2024 as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo swore with the Quran to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, since his assumption into office and with subsequent events surrounding his immediate predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who is presently on the run from the law, have exposed Governor Usman Ododo as a leader who is violating his oath of office and by extension, pushing to the back burner, the welfare and well-being of the good people of Kogi State.

On several occasions, Governor Usman Ododo has abused his office to assault the constitution in preventing the EFCC from arresting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the latest being his abracadabra visit to the EFCC office in Abuja, where he was pictured, holding hands with the wanted suspect and thus, misused his constitutional immunity to prevent a wanted Yahaya Bello from being arrested.

Sadly, we also recollect how the EFCC stormed the Kogi State Government lodge in Abuja on two separate occasions in April 2024 and on the 18th of September, 2024 with the intention of arresting Alhaji Yahaya Bello for questioning over corruption allegations while in office as governor after failing to honour EFCC’s invitations and how Governor Usman Ododo on both occasions prevented the arrest by leveraging on the immunity he enjoys as a sitting Governor.

As we write, former Governor Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC for failing to honour it’s summons to explain himself on issues surrounding the misappropriation of billions of Kogi tax payers’ money. In addition, ex Governor Yahaya Bello’s wanted person tag has been affirmed by the courts, though he has tried unsuccessfully to have it removed from his neck.

Fortunately, while Alhaji Yahaya Bello is on the run from the law, though temporarily, one is aware that some of his accomplices who partook in the alleged illegal and corrupt siphoning of the people of Kogi state’s money are presently standing trial for the crime of corruption and abuse of public office and misuse oftrust. In addition, some of the stolen funds have been traced to where they were lodged by Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

However, in the midst of the commendable efforts of the present EFCC administration to live up to it’s core responsibility of fighting corruption as mandated by the constitution, one is shocked and ashamed that the Kogi State House of Assembly which ought to be in the forefront of supporting the anti graft agency in it’s war against corruption for the collective interest of the good and long suffering people of Kogi State, is rather waging a parochial, self serving and anti people war against the EFCC for carrying out it’s statutory functions.

The Kogi State House of Assembly which ought to put the collective interest of the people of Kogi State as it’s topmost priority, which is the reason why they were voted into office, by their conduct so far, have proven to be enablers of corruption by waging a campaign of blackmail and calumny against the anti graft agency to hands off ex Governor Yahaya Bello, that the Kogi people’s money is not missing!

While we are embarrassed by this condemnable and anti-people conduct of the Kogi State House of Assembly in prioritising the interest of an individual far and above the collective good of the people of Kogi State, we are not surprised that they are following in the shameful, despicable and condemnable footsteps of the Delta state house of assembly in 2013 during the former Governor James Ibori saga, when they claimed that Delta state funds is not missing, that EFCC should leave him alone, even in the face of the incontrovertible facts of James Ibori attempt to bribe the then EFCC chairman now National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu with the sum of $15 million dollars which was deposited with the CBN as an evidence.

But while the show of shame by the Delta state House of Assembly as an enabler of corruption lasted, former Governor James Ibori was arrested by the authorities in London, prosecuted and jailed for corruption, only for the same shameless Delta state house of assembly to come back to public glare and demand for the return of the seized bribe money of $15 million from ex Governor and convict James Ibori to be returned to the state coffers that they previously mounted a campaign that it was not stolen from.

Tragically, it’s sad and unfortunate that in our democracy today from the Kogi State show of shame by Governor Usman Ododo and the Kogi State House of Assembly, we are now witness to the violation and abuse of the constitution by persons who ought to uphold the provisions of the constitution for the collective good that they swore to on oath; but have rather turned violators because of individual, personal, self-serving and corrupt interest, this is condemnable in it’s entirety.

But we must commend the EFCC under the present leadership for it’s professionalism and diligent conduct in the face of intimidation, provocation, campaign of blackmail and calumny to distract it from performing it’s constitutional duty. We urge EFCC to remain focused, law abiding and consistent to ensure that the war against corruption is fought to a logical conclusion with the Yahaya Bello case and others in tandem with the provisions of the law and the collective good of the people of Nigeria.

Nelson Ekujumi, is a good governance advocate and rights activist.

*Appreciating Betara’s Rare Leadership Disposition*

By Ali Adamu

The legislative arm of government is entrenched with the powers to make laws for good governance. Effective representation, however, goes beyond lawmaking. It demands a deep understanding of the people’s needs and a willingness to address them. Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, exemplifies this commitment, leveraging his parliamentary expertise to drive transformative change.

To Rt. Hon. Betara, parliamentary practices are about service to humanity. He believes that laws are made for people and therefore strives to ensure his diligent efforts cover tangible, measurable interventions that better the well-being of his constituents and society. Born on November 22, 1966, in Zarawuyaku Ward of Biu town, Biu Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Aliyu is a five-time lawmaker and accountant. He began his education at Biu Central Primary School in 1973, completing his First School Leaving Certificate in 1978. He then attended Biu Central Junior Day Secondary School and later Government Technical Secondary School, Benisheik. His exceptional leadership qualities and obedient disposition earned him respect and admiration, leading to his appointment as head prefect.

After obtaining his West African School Certificate in 1983, Rt. Hon. Muktar proceeded to Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, where he earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Business Administration in 1986. He later obtained a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Business Administration in 1992. As a pragmatic and foresighted statesman, Rt. Hon. Betara began his career in public service as an accountant with the Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFFRI) from 1986 to 1990, and later with Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) from 1993 until his voluntary retirement in 2006.

Initially, Rt. Hon. Betara didn’t plan to venture into politics. Instead, he considered starting a business with his savings. However, due to pressure and clamour from his people, he decided to represent them and become their voice. This marked the beginning of his political journey, which led him to become a member of the House of Representatives in 2007.

In 2007, he succumbed to their pressure and joined the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected to represent Biu/Bayo/Shani/and Kwaya Kursar Federal Constituency from where he has consistently and continuously represented them through the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and now 10th Assembly, with the current and immediate past in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A core nationalist, Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, consistent presentation and contributions both nationally and transnationally include interventions in human and natural disasters. For instance, he was among the first to copiously donate to the victims of the Borno flood disaster.

This benevolence stands him out not only as a bridge builder and crisis interventionist but also as a humane philanthropist who can sacrificially use his personal resources to not only meet the yearnings of his constituents but also be in synch and solidarity with those in dire need and affliction.

Aside this resourcefulness and the saying goes that, ‘charity begins at home’, he has among other things embarked upon the following hallmark projects; supply of medical equipments to Sir Mohammadu Sanusi General Hospital, Tokarawa and Yankaba Primary Health, provision of empowerment materials to youths and women of his constituency, provisions of fertilizer to farmers, provisions of grants to youths and women farmers, installation of solar light in communities in Biu.

A strong and formidable force in national politics, his successes, usefulness, and stalling achievements far outstretch his immediate constituency but have affected national life and policies.

Rt. Hon. Betara is instrumental in the effective implementation of a revised budget cycle from June to June to a more effective and efficient successful current budgeting system of January to January, the compliance of which has seen a zero failure rate in appropriation and enactment.

His involvement in national security based on his critical decision skills is next to none as it has seen to several mending of fences and brokered people amongst warring communities and parties. He was singularly responsible for the upscaling of defence equipment and empowerment and sustenance of military operations against the rising insurgency of book haram in northern Nigeria.

Amongst his other notable achievements are; the construction of over twenty health centres with the provision of ten ambulances, the construction of a mini stadium in Biu to facilitate Sporting and Sports related activities and peaceful coexistence, and the installation of five hundred solar-powered street lights, amongst others.
Indeed, he gainfully used his positions as Chairman Subcommittee on NDIC, Banking and Currency, Member House Committee on Interior, and Chairman House Subcommittee on Customs, Immigration and Prisons.

In the seventh Assembly (2012 -2015), he was the Chairman, House Committee on Army and 2015 – 2019 he was Chairman House Committee on Defence. In his last assignment as the Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Rt. Hon. Betara certainly has impacted Nigeria’s democracy and proved unequal and dexterous qualities.

Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara’s leadership as Chairman of the House Committee on FCT has been instrumental in enhancing infrastructure in Abuja. Through effective legislation, he has helped improve the budgetary allocation of capital, leading to significant developments. His commitment to the welfare and security of residents and natives is evident in his constant engagement with the minister, ensuring their needs are addressed.

As Chairman, Betara has played a crucial role in approving supplementary budgets for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), demonstrating his dedication to the city’s growth. Recently, he oversaw the adoption of an N288 billion supplementary budget for the FCTA, showcasing his ability to drive progress.

Little wonder then that in 2020, he was awarded the Democracy Hero’s Award for Best Performing Rep Member of the Year, and also the Award of Excellence by the North Eastern Zone of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in 2013. His bills on Defense Research and Development Bureau 2018, and the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Produce Enforcement of Export Standard remain one model Bills in the annals of modern-day Legislation, coupled with his wealth and responsibility of knowledge and experience, remains one of the reasons he commands so much respect amongst his colleagues.

In conclusion, Rt. Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, OON, embodies the essence of selfless leadership, compassion, and dedication to the betterment of humanity. Through his illustrious career, he has etched an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legislative landscape, leaving a legacy of transformative change that will endure for generations. As a champion of the people, a defender of the vulnerable, and a steadfast advocate for progress, Rt. Hon. Betara’s name has become synonymous with excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the noble ideals of public service. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring future leaders to emulate his exemplary qualities and pursue a life of purpose, driven by the pursuit of the greater good.

Adamu, a public affairs analyst, wrote this piece from Maiduguri.