CEPF-funded Afi Restoration Project Honours Boki Paramount Ruler, Women, Communities for Support

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Biakwan Light, a prominent Non-governmental Organization (NGO) implementing the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)-sponsored restoration of degraded areas of the famous Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary project in three Boki communities, has honoured HRM Atah Otu Fredaliine Nka Akandu, the Boki Paramount Ruler and the communities with special awards for the tacit support they gave the project.

At an elaborate event that took place in the Pavillion of the Paramount Ruler's palace in Olum on Friday, 25/03/2022, His Royal Majesty Akandu was awarded "Champion of Biodiversity Restoration" while Buanchor, Olum and Katabang communities were also respectively celebrated for related reasons. Buanchor pioneerired the declaration of zero logging in its territory, Olum followed suit in the course of the restoration project as Katabang produced the best organised women group.

To commemorate the significance of the event, the Paramount Ruler planted a tree while students of the Conservation Club of Comprehensive Secondary School, Buanchor performed playlets and recited poems around the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s annual International Day of Forests with the theme, Forests for Sustainable Production and Consumption".

The organises and participants all agreed that the three project communities in Boki LGA in Cross River State which prides itself as host to one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, have creatively moved against logging and rapid deforestation in the local government area as they urged indigenes to stop the act failing which the next generation will have no rainforest to inherit. Thus, the occasion captured how deforestation affects all people, present and future generations, and climate change.

The Convener, Mr. Oru Peter Bette delivering a speech

In his speech, the Convener, Mr. Peter Oru Bette charged all other Boki communities to frown at the menace of deforestation and also put a stop to logging (timber) activities. He stated that the three Indeginous communities have already joined the movement against logging, pointing out that.the tree planted by the paramount ruler was a symbol of saying ‘yes’ to tree planting and ‘no’ to indiscriminate logging.

Many dignitaries attended including some Clan and village Heads in Boki where in attendance to stand and support the movement, alongside, community leaders such as Town Council Chairmen, and Women leaders.

Those also present were Her Royal Majesty Mrs. Faith Akandu,, wife of the Paramount Ruler; Dr. Martins Egot, Executive Director, Development Concern who was the Special Guest of Honour, Lady. Helen K. Agbor, President, Katabang Women Conservative Foundation, Secretary to the Boki Traditional Rulers' Council, Pastor Ezekiel Apah; and Mr. Emerald B. Ojong, Communications/M&E Manager of Biakwan Light.

Apart from the strong presence of Eco Guards and Students from Buanchor Comprehensive Secondary School, and Mr. Donatus Ofre chanted pro-conservation/anti-deforestation songs and portry.

For more information—

Email-Peterbette4@gmail.com.

website-bialight.org.ng