Jobs/Appointments
Tanzanian Heads UN Convention on Biological Diversity
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, a national of the United Republic of Tanzania in East Africa, has been appointed as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
She is a lawyer based in Montreal, Canada and she takes on her new role after more than a decade in leadership positions at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNDP) – and at a crucial time.
She has published several articles related to international environmental law, compliance and enforcement of conventions and developed, among others, a number of multilateral environmental agreements negotiation tools, handbooks and guidelines currently used by UNEP in its capacity-building programmes.
By her appointment, Elizabeth Mrema becomes the first woman from Africa to lead the intergovernmental body.
She will oversee the creation of a global biodiversity agreement for the next decade. It, therefore, means she has a mighty task ahead of her, leading countries as they negotiate new biodiversity targets.
The biological diversity was created by a UN treaty, signed into force by nations in 1992, and helps to set global targets to conserve biodiversity.
The previous global biodiversity targets, signed in 2010 and called the Aichi targets, are widely agreed to have failed to stop species loss.
Some scientists are now renewing calls for a single target to halt species extinction. But others worry that an extinction target would neglect other important goals of the agreements, such as ensuring that benefits from biological resources are shared.
“One could say that I have been appointed at a bad time for biodiversity, considering that the whole world is just emerging from, or still in, lockdown,” she says. “But at the same time, I see it as a major opportunity, as biodiversity is being discussed more than ever before.”
The new coronavirus, which originated in animals before it spread to people, has also brought renewed calls to stop the trading of wildlife, provoking long-simmering tensions between those who want to conserve species, and those pushing for their sustainable use.
There is greater awareness of the impact that human activities can have on nature, and of the connection between human health and biodiversity.
The interference, through deforestation, agricultural expansion, livestock intensification and habitat fragmentation, has exposed wild animals and brought them into closer contact with people, which has resulted in the spillover of pathogens and zoonotic diseases, human-to-human transmission through trade and tourism, and the explosive pandemic currently in the world, explains Elizabeth Mrema.
But the coronavirus pandemic has brought these issues to the fore and has emphasized discussions about how to prevent future pandemics.
Closing wet markets and banning wildlife trading totally would negatively affect communities who depend on wild animals. The consumers and buyers of wild animals are not poor people; they are the affluent communities in the cities. A total ban would also open the door to illegal trade in wildlife.
“Instead, we need more hygienic practices in wet markets that continue to operate, and regulated wildlife trade, within the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
“We need to ensure the sustainable consumption of species for those communities who rely on this, while also curbing illegal trade.
“It is a delicate balance. Countries cannot deal with these problems on their own. We need international cooperation,” she added.
The current biodiversity targets have largely failed. The reasons for those failures are now well-known, and there is a need building on those lessons into the draft global biodiversity framework.
Unlike the previous goals, the major difference this time is that all stakeholders, including youth, business and indigenous groups have contributed to various iterations of the draft.
The parties are still the decision-makers who will finally adopt the framework, but they have realized that they need the engagement of other groups during the negotiations and in implementation.
It has to involve environmental ministries and departments, and this time, health, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, planning and finance ministries are getting involved.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has formally announced Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, more than two years since the throne was vacant following the death of the last Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said Prince Owoade, after thorough consultations and divination, was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.
According to the Commissioner, a statement to this effect had been issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement put to rest all the social and legal bickerings that ensued since the demise of the previous occupier of the exalted seat in Yorubaland.
Mr Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating this momentous occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Commissioner prayed that his reign would bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.
Business Post reports that insiders say there is some discontent as Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was initially selected by the Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers, to be the next ruler.
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, a member of the Owoade-Agunloye family, is 47 years old. He is a trained mechanical engineer.
He has an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University after he attained a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland.
Before his sojourn to the United Kingdom, he has some education in Nigeria, attaining his Higher National Diploma (HND) also in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic, Ibadan and his National Diploma from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and his Secondary School from Baptist High School, Saki.
His coronation will happen in the coming weeks.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Mr Ayo Adeonipekun has been appointed as the new Registrar and chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).
He is taking over the position from Mr Josiah Akerewusi, who retired after a decade of meritorious service, according to a statement.
“This is a critical role that requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the capital market.
“Adeonipekun possesses these qualities, and we believe he will transform the institute into a world-class certification entity,” the chairman of the Council at CIS, Mr Oluropo Dada, said.
Mr Adeonipekun is expected to guide the organisation to higher heights with his over 25 years of extensive multidisciplinary experience in leadership, finance, people and performance management, as well as corporate planning and administration.
Before now, he has served in various top management positions in leading organisations, including Marina International Bank (now Access Bank), Crossword Securities Limited, Sterling Bank, First City Monument Bank Plc, Susu Microfinance Bank, and MBL Financial Services, among others.
He was once the chief executive of a funds/portfolio manager licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Reliance Capital Limited.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Adeonipekun qualified as a Chartered Stockbroker in March 2006 while working at Crossword Securities Limited.
He also became a Chartered Accountant in May 1997 and was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 2013.
Additionally, he is a Certified Microfinance Banker (CIBN-MCP), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a trading license holder with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, and a Registered Capital Market Operator/Sponsored Individual with the SEC.
The CIS chief boasts a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Yaba College of Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s in Finance, both from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and currently a doctoral candidate (PhD Finance) at the same institution.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO Aviance) has announced the appointment of Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun as its new chief executive, with effect from January 1, 2025, following the retirement of Mr Indranil Gupta.
Mr Gupta concluded his tenure as the company’s CEO on December 31, 2024, marking the end of an era that saw growth under his leadership.
The company’s announcement, delivered via a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, confirmed the board’s approval of Mr Olumekun’s appointment.
He brings over three decades of leadership experience, which will help steer NAHCO through its next phase of growth. His career at the company includes key roles such as Group Executive Director of Corporate Services, where he played an instrumental part in driving the company’s 2019–2023 strategic plan.
This plan resulted in a 300 per cent increase in profitability. He brings his experience in business development and commercial strategy to bear.
His previous tenure as Acting Managing Director and Executive Director of Corporate Services contributed to the development of NAHCO’s operational success and long-term strategic direction.
Mr Olumekun also led the company’s efforts in driving new business opportunities during his leadership of the Commercial and Business Development sectors in 2019.
Since retiring from his active role at NAHCO in 2022, he has continued his involvement in the company as a non-executive director on the boards of its subsidiaries, helping guide their growth.
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