Nigerians have been warned against deliberate acts of exterminating bees as its decline in population poses a significant threat to the ecosystem.
The warning was issued on Tuesday at the 2025 World Bee Day celebration by the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Abdullahi Ango.
Ango, who is also the Chairman Technical Committee, of the FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, was represented by Mrs Anne Ijeoma, Acting Permanent Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development.
He noted that the theme is particularly apt as it speaks to the relevance of bees in our nutrition.
He said: “This year’s theme, “Bee Inspired to Nourish Us All,” is apt, as it encourages collective efforts and participation in creating a supportive environment for bees to thrive.
He said that scientific evidence has shown that bees are indispensable to human survival, pollinating over 75 per cent of food crops and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers and ecosystems.
Ango said: “Yet, despite their indispensable role, bees face existential threats, ranging from habitat destruction and harmful pesticides to the escalating impacts of climate change.
“Beyond their ecological importance, apiculture or beekeeping, stands as a vital commercial venture with immense potential.
“Honey, beeswax and other by-products, represent significant sources of income and employment, particularly in rural communities which are blessed with abundant forest resources.
He added that this initiative not only empowers youths and farmers but also demonstrates the Secretariat’s practical commitment to sustainable apiculture and environmental conservation.
“Our goal ultimately, is to promote pollinator-friendly practices that will safeguard bee populations and consequently, food security,” Ango promised.
Earlier, in a welcome speech, FCT Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Mrs Caroline Opara, noted that the World Bee Day was to promote beekeeping, which is called apiculture, as a sustainable livelihood and environmental conservation practice.
He said: “Also to engage schools, youth groups, farmers and forestry stakeholders in pollinator-friendly practices.
“Another objective of having this collaboration is to foster partnership and collaboration among government agencies, NGOs and the private sector on bee conservation initiatives.
“Be it all, apiculture as the case may be, embodies the project’s core vision of sustaining non-timber forest products that are conserved by diversity while empowering communities,” she said.
The Conservator-General (C-G), National Park Service (NPS). Dr Ibrahim Goni noted that bees are nature’s tireless workers-pollinators of more than 75 per cent of the world’s food crops, contributors to biodiversity, and custodians of ecological balance.
Goni, who was represented by Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G), Oladipo Cornelius, frowned that despite their significance, bee populations are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, diseases, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
He noted that: “The National Park Service, as a frontline institution in biodiversity conservation in Nigeria, views pollinators-including bees-as critical allies in sustaining our protected ecosystems.
“The National Park Service under our mandate provide secure habitats for wild bees and other pollinators, supporting natural regeneration processes in forests, savannahs, and wetlands,” Goni assured.
On his part, Director, Department of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment Dr Ama Moses who was represented by Chief Forest Superintendent, Mr Okunuga Mathew urged participants to safeguard the environment, promote biodiversity and food security by saving the bees.
Michael Olugbode
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