By Bisola Adeyemo
The FCT minister, Dr Ramatu Tiamuyu Aliyu has urged Nigerians to desist from destroying bees’ habitat which may lead to the reduction of the pollution of bees in the country.
Ramatu made this comment during the commemoration of 2021 World Bee Day on Thursday, organised by the FCT Agricultural Development and Rural Secretariat.
The theme of the day was ‘Bee engaged: Build Back better for bees.’
Aliyu in her keynote address, said, “The significance of this day cannot be overemphasised, as the researchers indicated that bees pollinated 80% of plants and 90% of cash crops.
“ We all need to appreciate bees for the crucial service to human nature and participate in global solidarity efforts wherever possible because protecting these creatures ensures our wellbeing.
“Similarly, the market for bees produce such as honey is huge from cosmetics, medicine, conventional race and pharmaceutical industries.
“ The demand for organic honey and other herbal products that contain honey continue to increase as the demands of the products keep increasing.
“Bee farmers association, secretariat through the forestry development has been providing support towards the development of the sector.
“The secretariat has also made provision on 2021 budget on procurement of bee farming equipment that will be given to farmers this season soon as the procurement processing is concluded.”
The minister recalls that the FCT administration has through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has organised various training programmes to expose the farmers to modern technologies and techniques in the production.
NatureNews gathered that about 50 members were sponsored to participate in the training to be able to interact and learn from their experienced pairs from another part of the world.
“In line with the theme of this year, the existing collaboration with the FCT association and bee farmers will be strengthened to sensitizing the populace of the importance of bee to human survival as well as their abundant potential that exists in the sector.
“ We shall be opening our doors for private sectors in participation and collaboration in agriculture, as well as enhancing our farmers to modern bee keeping equipment.
“Women and adults will be empowered, engaged and encouraged to organise into clusters and train to take up beekeeping as a source of livelihood , and there will be enough production to boost the economy and their families as well.
“They will not be only employed but employers of labour.”
While commending the efforts of the FCT Agriculture Rural and Development secretariat, Dr. Aliyu urged everyone to take it as collective responsibility in protecting the bees habitat by desisting from harmful environment practice as illegal filling of trees, bush burning and misuses of chemical.
“Let be engaged towards increasing the bee population and enhancing food security.” she added
While speaking earlier, Mr. Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, Director, Administration and Finance, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development said the secretariat is very much encouraged for the passion shown for the grassroots.
“On this day, stakeholders are expected to embark on series of activities to show their commitment to the realisation of these objectives mainly through public enlightenment programs and practices,” he added
NatureNews reports that World Bee Day is a global event set aside by the united nation with the recognition of important roles that bees play to the society and substantial of life.
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