Natural disasters such as wildfires, storms, and earthquakes had caused $131 billion of damage worldwide in the first half of 2025.
This is the second-highest total for a first-half period since 1980, according to German reinsurer Munich Re.
The California wildfires alone caused an estimated $53 billion worth of damage in January 2025
The California wildfires alone caused an estimated $53 billion worth of damage in January, making them the costliest fire disaster on record, according to Munich Re.
In general, the U.S. was hit particularly hard, with numerous severe storms and tornadoes pushing total losses to $92 billion, representing 70 per cent of global damages.
The deadliest event was a March 28 earthquake in Myanmar, which claimed 4,500 lives.
Scientists at Munich Re say weather-related natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming.
Europe avoids major disasters except the Swiss landslide.
Europe was spared major disasters and saw comparatively modest losses of around 5 billion dollars.
Still, Tobias Grimm, Chief Climatologist at Munich Re, warned against complacency.
“It was luck that Europe avoided major weather catastrophes in the first half of the year.’’
One exception was a May landslide in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, where a rock and ice avalanche buried the village of Blatten and destroyed 130 houses.
This has caused $500 million in estimated damages.
Munich Re said thawing alpine permafrost due to climate change is increasing geological risks in mountain regions.
Of the $131 billion damage total, 80 billion dollars was insured, both numbers well above the inflation-adjusted average for recent decades.
Only the first half of 2011, marked by Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, saw higher overall losses.
The Federal Government has commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for its outstanding engineering achievements and its significant investment in developing young Nigerian talent.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, lauded the Refinery for its dual focus on world-class infrastructure and exceptional investment in human capital during an official visit to the state-of-the-art facility in Lagos.
Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, in a group photograph with Quality Assurance Officers during the minister’s visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos, at the weekend
Speaking during a tour of the refinery, the Minister expressed admiration not only for the vast scale of the physical infrastructure, describing it as “bricks, mortar, and pipelines of extraordinary ambition”, but also for the calibre of talent operating it.
“We are not just appreciating the scale of the infrastructure: the bricks, mortar, and pipelines,” the Minister said. “We are equally impressed by the investment in human capital. It is deeply inspiring to see young Nigerians, many of whom have never left the country, operating world-class equipment with remarkable skill and professionalism.”
The Minister, a senior university lecturer, highlighted the significance of such a development in the context of national capacity-building. “As a lecturer myself, I take great pride in witnessing their excellence in engineering. It is nothing short of exceptional,” she added.
She also praised Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and the visionary behind the project, for his continued commitment to industrial transformation in Nigeria. “Listening to Alhaji Dangote speak about this project is always a source of inspiration. This is not just a refinery – it is a bold statement of what is possible. This is Lagos, Nigeria, and there is truly nowhere else in the world with a facility of this kind at this scale.”
Vice President, Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, highlighted the world-class capabilities of the 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) Dangote Petroleum Refinery, during a presentation to the Minister.
According to Devakumar, the refinery produces Euro-V quality petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and polypropylene, meeting 100% of Nigeria’s domestic demand for refined petroleum products, with surplus available for export. He emphasised that the refinery incorporates the latest technologies to ensure environmental compliance while delivering clean, globally competitive fuels.
He noted that the refinery includes a fully self-sufficient marine terminal for crude oil offtake and product loading, as well as an integrated steam and power generation system with a 435MW capacity – enough to supply the entire electricity demand of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, which covers Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti.
“We are one of the very few companies in the world to have executed both a petroleum refinery and a petrochemical complex directly as an EPC contractor,” he said. “We sent engineers for overseas training and employed around 60,000 skilled Nigerians during construction, offering them valuable experience in various aspects of construction, testing, and commissioning.”
Devakumar added that many of the Nigerian engineers, technicians, and others trained by the company are now working as expatriates not just across Africa, but as far afield as the United Arab Emirates, contributing to Nigeria’s foreign remittance inflow.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have been widely commended for their commitment to hiring and nurturing Nigerian engineers. Most recently, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), led by its Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, praised the company for its efforts in developing young engineering talent.
Similarly, the League of Engineering Bodies in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), expressed admiration during a visit to the facilities. The delegation lauded the active engagement of Nigerian engineers in the construction, commissioning, and operation of the plants.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the largest single-train refineries globally, has been hailed as a game-changing project set to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, reduce import dependence, and stimulate economic growth.
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have called for urgent policies and framework to check carbon offsetting in the region.
The call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Niger Delta Regional Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Carbon Offset on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State.
Carbon emission
According to them, there is a need for an urgent action to be taken to address the challenges facing the region.
The dialogue brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional leaders, private sector actors, academia, development partners, and community-based groups.
The communique identified several key issues that needed to be addressed in order to promote carbon offsetting initiatives in the region.
According to them, the issues include absence of policies and frameworks specifically designed to promote carbon offsetting initiatives in the region.
The communique also identified lack of awareness at the grassroots level regarding the concept, benefits, and relevance of carbon offsetting to local communities and the environment as well as a critical gap in political will.
The communique said that this had continued to hinder development and implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting carbon offsetting in the region.
The stakeholders highlighted several recommendations to address these challenges.
According to them, the enactment of regional laws and policies will help address carbon emissions and promote effective carbon offsetting strategies in the Niger Delta.
The stakeholders also recommended that the inclusion of youths, women, and persons with disabilities must be actively included in community-level discussions and decision-making processes related to carbon emissions and environmental governance.
They also urged that carbon emissions and environmental sustainability should be integrated into school curricula at all levels to foster early awareness and responsibility.
The stakeholders pledged to work to build strategic synergies with government at all levels to secure the necessary political will for the implementation of carbon offset initiatives.
The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to working together to advance the outcomes of the dialogue.
They pledged to collaborate with government agencies, CSOs, and other stakeholders to promote carbon offsetting and environmental sustainability in the region.
They also pledged to improve synergy in support of relevant government agencies, CSOs, and departments responsible for ensuring enforcement of carbon offsetting policies and initiatives.
Some of the stakeholders who spoke to NAN emphasised the need for urgent action to be taken to address the situation.
Prof. Festus Mbalisj of the Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education, University of Port Harcourt, said the local solution climate resilience in the Niger Delta region was agro-ecology.
Mbalisi also stressed the need for the Federal Government to be serious with the enforcement of the dateline for gas flaring.
According to him, government has been shifting deadlines since 1984 and now deadline has been shifted to 2030.
”Though there are sanctions for defaulters but it is as good as there is no fine.
”The fine is encouraging the multi-national companies to flare more gas, but when there is stringent fine the oil companies will not prefer to pay.
”They will now do the exploitation in line with global best practices with technology that will not flare,” he said.
He also stressed the need to hold oil companies accountable to clean up the Niger Delta region.
The National Conflict and Policy Analyst for Search for Common Ground, Mr. Andy Nkemneme, envisioned a future where the Niger Delta region would be peaceful, developed, and environmentally sustainable.
He said that the region had long been plagued by violence and conflict, hindering its development and affecting the lives of its people.
”Search for Common Ground, funded by the European Union, has been implementing a projects aimed at preventing violence and conflict in the region.
”As part of this project, a stakeholder dialogue was convened to discuss the topic of carbon offsetting in the Niger Delta.
“The event was designed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the findings of research on carbon offsetting in the region,” he said.
Nkemneme said the research highlighted the potential for carbon offsetting in the region , particularly in the area of gas flaring.
”The region has significant opportunities for offsetting gas, which could be sold in the market to generate revenue for environmental development.
“However, the research also emphasised the need for sustainable practices, such as reforestation and the use of renewable energy sources to protect the environment.”
He said that by working together, stakeholders could identify solutions to the region’s challenges and create a better future for its people.
The stakeholders meeting was organisised by an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), Search for Common Ground (SFCG), and its consortium partners.
The partners are Democracy Network (SDN), and Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).
Kano State Government has officially launched its Climate Change Policy, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, green infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Delegates at the official launch of the Kano State Climate Change Policy
The policy, which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025, provides a strategic framework to guide the state’s environmental governance and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, July 29, in Kano, Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf described the policy as “a major milestone” in the administration’s vision for “a clean, green and resilient Kano.”
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Umar Farouk, said the policy was a “veritable investment for future generations” and a key step towards positioning Kano as a sub-national leader in climate governance.
“In our resolve to reposition Kano as a progressive sub-national actor, we have developed and signed into law a comprehensive climate policy framework for coordinated action,” he said.
Yusuf said the policy is supported by a Climate Action Plan focusing on clean energy transition, sustainable land use, green transport, climate finance, and community resilience.
He said implementation was already underway, citing ongoing solarisation of streetlights and public buildings to reduce energy costs and improve public safety.
Yusuf also announced a tree-planting campaign targeting five million trees across the state in 2025, aimed at combating desertification, improving air quality, and protecting biodiversity.
“As a people-focused administration, we believe climate action must be inclusive,” the governor said.
He added that the policy prioritised public awareness, youth engagement, and school-based environmental education.
Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the State Climate Change Steering Committee, its Secretariat, and Technical Working Groups responsible for policy implementation and monitoring.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, described the launch as both symbolic and historic.
“This launch represents a bold and clear declaration of our collective resolve to confront the climate crisis head-on,” he said.
Hashim noted that the policy provides a strategic roadmap for mitigation and adaptation efforts in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and transport.
He said the document reflected broad stakeholder input, including youth voices, expert recommendations, and gender-sensitive perspectives.
Hashim said the government had also unveiled two new legal instruments: the Kano State Environmental Pollution Control Law and the Kano State Environmental Pollution and Waste Control Regulations 2025.
“Published in both English and Hausa, the laws aim to improve accessibility, ensure compliance, and empower authorities to manage pollution, waste, and public health risks.
“These laws send a strong message that environmental impunity will no longer be tolerated in Kano,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of technical partners, including the British High Commission and the Policy Execution Support (PES) Programme.
In a keynote address, Mr. William Robinson, Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission, described the policy as a strategic tool for environmental protection and economic growth.
“This policy is not just a document, it is a declaration of intent, a roadmap for action, and a symbol of leadership,” Robinson said.
He noted that Kano faces severe climate risks such as drought and urban flooding, but has shown strong potential for climate leadership in northern Nigeria.
Robinson called for stronger partnerships among ministries, civil society, and international agencies, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kano in three priority areas:
“Strengthening climate governance unlocking access to climate finance. Promoting green initiatives such as the Waste-to-Wealth Programme.
“Policies like this can catalyse investment, empower communities, and drive green economic growth – if supported through effective implementation and collaboration,” he added.
Robinson concluded with a call for global cooperation, noting that “climate change knows no borders.”
In a rare collective intervention, more than 60 global experts publish open letters demanding a binding UN plastics treaty grounded in science, justice, and bold political will
With the final round of UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty fast approaching, a group of over 60 leading scientists from around the world has issued an urgent call for governments to agree on ambitious, enforceable action to tackle plastic pollution, such as reducing plastic production and prioritising human health.
Filipino green activists from the EcoWaste Coalition appeal to government negotiators to aim for an ambitious global legally-binding agreement that will protect public health and the ecosystems from plastic chemicals and waste pollution, and advance the right of every person and community to a toxics-free environment
The letters, published on Tuesday, July 28, 2025, in Cambridge University Press journal Cambridge Prisms: Plastics in the run-up to the resumed session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), warn that the plastics crisis has become a defining environmental, health, and social justice issue of our time.
“This is not just a call for action, this is the scientific community bearing witness,” said Professor Steve Fletcher, Editor-in-Chief of Cambridge Prisms: Plastics and Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute. “We’ve watched the evidence pile up for decades. This treaty is a test of whether the world is prepared to govern plastics in a way that reflects the scale and urgency of the crisis.”
The authors argue that the stakes at INC-5.2 could not be higher: this is the world’s best opportunity to secure a binding agreement that tackles plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle.
The open letters provide a coherent evidence-based roadmap for treaty negotiators. Key demands include:
Legally binding targets to cap and reduce plastic production. Phase-out of toxic additives and chemicals in plastics.
Global health safeguards to protect human health. Structural inclusion of affected communities in treaty design and implementation – especially Indigenous Peoples, informal waste workers, and fence line communities.
Independent scientific oversight insulated from corporate lobbying and greenwashing.
Robust financing and compliance mechanisms to ensure treaty enforcement and support for low-and middle-income countries.
Many letters warn that low-ambition countries and industry lobbying risk derailing progress. The politicisation of science in treaty negotiations is another central concern raised in the letters.
Several contributors warn that without the meaningful inclusion of those most affected by plastic pollution, the treaty will fall short. They call for the structural involvement of Indigenous Peoples, small island states, women, young people, informal waste workers, and residents of pollution hotspots, not as afterthoughts, but as key voices in setting the agenda and shaping implementation.
Professor Max Liboiron, Department of Geography, Memorial University, Canada, said: “The current draft of the Global Plastics Treaty falls short by excluding Indigenous Peoples from decision-making roles while incorporating their knowledge in ways that are disconnected from their rights. This is not simply a call for “inclusion”; it is a call for governance infrastructure.”
Professor Tony Walker, School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Canada, said: “Subsidies and inadequate pricing of externalities have a major role in sustaining the current linear plastic economy, and thus preventing a needed transition towards a more circular economy, which focus on reducing consumption of plastics, phasing out single use plastics and provide a pathway towards a more regenerative and restorative plastic economy.”
The letters highlight the mounting evidence that plastic pollution is a health crisis. Microplastics and nanoplastics have been found throughout the human body. These exposures disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Peoples, waste workers, fence line communities, women, and children, groups who are least protected by regulation and often excluded from decision-making forums.
Dr Cressida Bowyer, Deputy Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, said: “There is clear and growing evidence that plastic poses serious risks to human health. Yet the approach to health protection in the treaty still hangs in the balance. In order to operationalise the global plastics treaty objective to “protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution” the treaty must directly address human health impacts in the core obligations of the treaty.”
The authors call for cumulative risk assessment, exposure monitoring, and transparent chemical regulation. They remind negotiators that the costs of inaction are not abstract, but can be counted in cancers, reproductive harms, and respiratory conditions.
Susanne Brander, Associate Professor, Oregon State University, USA, said: “Incorporating strategic and robust global controls on hazardous chemicals in the plastic treaty is essential to protect human and environmental health, reduce societal costs, and ensure safer and more sustainable plastic chemicals and products. Chemicals of concern are currently intrinsic to plastics and largely unregulated.”
Others argue that trade remains a largely overlooked yet indispensable element in shaping an effective and equitable agreement. Trade, spanning plastic feedstocks, resins, products, and waste, forms the connective tissue of the plastics economy and must be embedded in the treaty’s architecture.
Professor Maria Ivanova, Northeastern University, USA, said: “To be effective, the global plastics treaty must address the real world architecture of the plastics economy, where trade is the connective tissue. At INC-5.2, negotiators must seize the opportunity to design a treaty that is both environmentally ambitious and structurally sound. Trade must be reimagined as a tool for transformation. If trade is the connective tissue of the plastics crisis, it must also be part of the cure.”
An ambitious treaty has backing from over 100 countries. Yet INC-5.2 arrives after prolonged delays, consensus deadlock, and obstruction by a handful of low-ambition states. The letters argue that the treaty’s credibility and effectiveness now hinge on political courage, not scientific uncertainty.
“The scientific consensus is clear,” added Professor Fletcher. “The only question is whether governments will respond. This treaty could be transformative but only if it avoids the traps of voluntary commitments and techno-fixes. This is the world’s last chance to act boldly.”
The Ilaje Nation – ancient, resilient, and river-kissed – now stands at the trembling edge of extinction, not by war or pestilence, but by the silent, swelling rage of the Atlantic Ocean. Once adorned with miles of uninterrupted coastlines, thriving fishing settlements, and proud ancestral homes, Ilaje Land in Ondo State is slowly, tragically drowning.
The remains of a building wrecked by ocean surge in the Aiyetoro community of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State
With every crashing wave and receding shoreline, a piece of Nigeria’s coastal heritage is lost. What was once a bastion of livelihood and culture is now becoming a watery grave for homes, histories, and hopes.
This devastation is not a distant theory or the alarmist imagination of environmental crusaders. It is a real and present danger. From Ayetoro – that famous floating city built by faith and engineering – to towns like Mese, Idiogba, Gbagira, and Awoye, Ilaje communities are facing what geologists term rapid coastal regression: the coastline is retreating by as much as 30 meters annually. Entire villages are swallowed overnight, with no ceremony, no compensation, and often, no return.
The sea has become both metaphor and monster – relentless, unprovoked, and unappeased. Children go to bed on land and wake up surrounded by water. Schools and churches crumble into the Atlantic. Cemeteries vanish, denying generations even the dignity of remembrance. It is not just land that is eroding – it is identity.
Where is the Outrage? Where is the Urgency?
This unfolding catastrophe has received neither the national outrage it deserves nor the global emergency classification it demands. Yet, the evidence is undeniable. According to climate vulnerability indices, Ilaje is among the most climate-endangered coastal belts in sub-Saharan Africa. The geography is under siege from rising sea levels, tidal surges, saline intrusion, and ecological collapse. Agriculture is dying. Fishing routes are shifting. Groundwater is turning brackish. Poverty is deepening. Youth are fleeing. Despair is becoming institutional.
And still, the silence from the corridors of power is deafening.
Successive administrations – both state and federal – have treated Ilaje like a footnote. Palliative interventions, when they come, are cosmetic at best, corrupt at worst. Erosion control contracts become phantom projects. Jetty promises become broken echoes. No master plan. No international partnerships. No coordinated resilience strategy. The people are left to build sandbags with their bare hands – to pray and perish.
The Double Tragedy: Apata Obe in Exile
Amid this environmental genocide is the long-ignored humanitarian crisis of Apata Obe – a historic community under the Ugbo Kingdom. Over two decades after the tragic Ilaje-Ijaw intertribal conflict, the people of Apata Obe remain forcibly displaced from their ancestral homeland, living in silent exile within their own state. Despite numerous peaceful appeals and efforts for return and reconciliation, they remain locked out of their birthright – lands now desolate, untended, and void of dignity.
It is no longer a matter of if but when these citizens, driven by frustration and desperation, will resort to self-help. Their patience is fraying. Their youths are restless. Their elders, exhausted. And their dignity, assaulted daily by official indifference. It is time the government of Ondo State, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, took decisive steps to resolve this long-standing injustice – not merely as a political necessity but as a moral obligation. The displaced of Apata Obe are ready to return. They want peace, not provocation. They seek justice, not revenge.
What will history say of us – and of you, Excellency – if this cycle of exclusion continues unbroken?
A Call for Conscience and Courage
The time has come to pierce the conscience of power and shake the apathy of the world. Governor Aiyedatiwa – himself an Ilaje son – must now rise above the constraints of party timelines and political convenience. He must lead the charge for a Climate Emergency Declaration for Ilaje Land, backed by measurable investments, donor collaborations, and sustainable shoreline defense projects. And he must spearhead the repatriation and reintegration of Apata Obe – not just for peace, but for posterity.
To do otherwise – to govern while Ilaje drowns and Apata Obe remains exiled – is to betray both legacy and justice.
This is not merely about environmental rescue. It is about cultural survival, economic justice, and strategic national security. Let us not forget: Ilaje communities sit atop vast oil reserves, host critical fishing routes, and represent the largest coastal ethnic nationality in southwestern Nigeria. To lose Ilaje – or to let her fracture further – is to weaken Nigeria’s coastal integrity.
A Moral Imperative for the World
To the global community, Ilaje is your frontline. Climate change knows no borders. The oceans we ignore today will knock at your own shores tomorrow. The UN, EU, World Bank, and climate justice movements must rise with us. Ilaje is not a footnote – it is a flashpoint. This is where adaptation must meet action. This is where silence must yield to solidarity.
The world rallied for the Amazon. It rose for the Maldives. It wept for Jakarta. Ilaje must not be left behind. Her coastlines may be drowning, but her voice must not be.
Let the Sea Not Win
Let history record that Ilaje cried out – not as helpless victims, but as a people demanding visibility, justice, and dignity. Let it be known that a community stood against the tide, not with weapons, but with will. And let it also be recorded that leaders with vision answered the call, not with excuses, but with courage.
Ilaje is drowning. Apata Obe is exiled.
But they do not seek pity.
They seek policy. They seek protection. They seek return.
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental advocacy organisation, has expressed concern over the recent catastrophic flooding that devastated several communities in Jos, Plateau State, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State
In a statement endorsed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all who have suffered losses as a result of the disaster.
“We stand in solidarity with affected communities and call for immediate humanitarian support and long-term sustainable solutions,” he submitted.
While flooding in parts of Nigeria has become a seasonal threat, what remains unacceptable is the persistent lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warning signals by relevant government agencies at both federal and state levels, Nwafor stated, adding that the flooding in Jos is not merely a natural disaster but also a consequence of systemic negligence and poor environmental governance.
He noted: “It is alarming that despite repeated alerts from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasting high flood risks in 2025, little was done to preempt or mitigate the impacts in vulnerable areas like Plateau State. The absence of coordinated early warning dissemination, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and unregulated developments along flood plains are clear indicators of institutional failure.
“FENRAD strongly faults the Plateau State Government and relevant federal agencies for their inertia and poor disaster risk management framework. The lack of political will to implement climate adaptation strategies and enforce environmental regulations has left many communities defenseless in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.”
The group called on the Plateau State Government to:
1. Establish a functional Early Warning and Rapid Response System in collaboration with national agencies and community stakeholders.
2. Review and enforce urban and environmental regulations, especially in flood-prone zones.
3. Engage in sustainable drainage and infrastructure development to reduce flood risks.
4. Invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures, including public awareness, ecological restoration, and community-based disaster preparedness.
“We also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to expedite relief efforts, ensure equitable distribution of aid, and begin long-term recovery planning that includes rebuilding with resilience.
“FENRAD remains committed to advocating for environmental justice, sustainable development, and accountable governance. We will continue to monitor the situation and push for policy reforms that protect both people and the planet,” stressed the group.
Daily sponge bathing is a widespread habit. However, dermatologists warn that using sponges particularly loofahs and synthetic mesh types more than two to three times a week can harm the skin and increase infection risk.
African net bath sponge
Skin experts caution that sponges, if not properly cleaned and dried, can harbour harmful microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and mold. These can cause irritation, rashes, and even serious infections.
The topic has sparked debate. While some defend the practice, others share cautionary tales.
Mrs. Amidu, a businesswoman, shared that while sponge use hasn’t seriously affected her, some of her relatives; particularly her grandmother; have experienced negative effects. “Lately, I’ve also felt itchy after using a sponge,” she said.
Miss Oyindamola Abu, who sells wines, said she had to stop using sponges due to itching.
“Each time I bathe with a sponge, especially the normal ones, my body itches terribly. When I stopped using it and just used soap and water, the itching disappeared. But once I resumed, it got worse.”
According to her, she limits sponge use to occasional exfoliation.
African traditional bath sponge
Others, however, insist that sponge use is necessary based on their daily work.
Mr. Iyiola, a driver, in an interview emphasised that mechanics, bricklayers, and carpenters get really dirty in the course of their work, stressing that water alone can’t clean their bodies, so sponges are essential.
He added, “It’s easy for office workers in AC to skip sponges, but people who sweat and get stained need them. I use a sponge every day – I can’t do without it.”
Mr. Tope Opeyemi, a commuter, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I actually feel lighter and more refreshed after using a sponge.”
Whether for or against, the conversation about sponge bathing continues. Experts advise moderation, but many say the decision ultimately depends on personal skin type, lifestyle, and hygiene preferences.
As the varied testimonies suggest, it’s important for individuals to assess their needs, understand potential risks, and make informed choices about their hygiene practices.
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation friend of the month, Joseph Lekealem, a dedicated conservation leader who has spent decades working to protect Cameroon’s wildlife and forests. As the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameroon, Joseph’s work plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable coexistence between people and nature. In this feature, Joseph shares insights into his career journey, his passion for conservation, and the critical work being done to protect wildlife and habitats in Cameroon
Mr. Joseph Lekealem at APAC Congress Kigali
Could you tell us a bit about your current work?
I have the great pleasure of serving as the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. In my role, I oversee wildlife and conservation activities at both the central level and across 36 protected areas in Cameroon. This includes coordinating management plans for protected areas, managing human-wildlife conflicts, overseeing the ivory stockpile, and working closely with government institutions, NGOs, civil society, and local communities. I also ensure that Cameroon fulfils its commitments under key international wildlife and conservation conventions.
Can you share a bit about your background?
I graduated from the University of Dschang in 1996 with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife (Ingénieur des Eaux et Forêts). After my studies, I joined the Government Civil Service, where I’ve served ever since, working in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Prime Minister’s Office, and now in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. Over the years, I’ve participated in several specialised training programmes in countries such as the United States and Botswana, covering topics like wildlife crime investigations, ivory identification and stockpile management, and One Health issues.
I’ve also served as Cameroon’s National Focal Point for several key programmes and conventions, including the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme and agreements under AEWA and CMS. Additionally, I’ve helped coordinate strategic documents and management plans for protected areas, anti-poaching strategies, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and the conservation of species like elephants, lions, giraffes, parrots, and hippopotamuses. Throughout my career, I’ve held positions such as Chief of Service, Sub-Director, Research Officer, and now Director.
What inspired your passion for forest and wildlife conservation?
I grew up in the Mweh community of Lebang in Cameroon’s Southwest Region, where conservation was an integral part of our culture. Our traditional systems strongly emphasised sustainable natural resource management and the protection of sacred forests and cultural sites. My passion deepened during my student internship in 1994 at the Limbe Botanic Garden as part of the Mount Cameroon Project, where I worked on fauna and flora surveys, engaged with local communities, and wrote field reports. That hands-on experience truly sparked my lifelong dedication to conservation.
What are some highlights from your career so far?
Looking back on my career, there have been so many rewarding milestones. I’ve had the privilege of leading the development of management plans for over 15 protected areas, each one a step toward safeguarding Cameroon’s incredible biodiversity. One of my proudest achievements was establishing Cameroon’s National Ivory Stockpile Management System, complete with operational procedures that set a new standard for transparency and accountability.
I’ve also been deeply involved in resolving human-wildlife conflict and driving anti-poaching efforts, while building capacity by training ecoguards, local communities, and government officials. Empowering people to take ownership of conservation has been especially fulfilling, seeing communities actively participate in managing their wildlife resources is truly inspiring.
Beyond our borders, I’ve worked to strengthen transboundary cooperation with countries like Chad, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria, recognising that wildlife knows no boundaries. And on a global scale, I’ve helped ensure Cameroon’s effective participation in key international conventions, while also drafting strategic documents to tackle wildlife crime and protect flagship species. Each of these moments reflects my commitment not just to protecting wildlife, but to building a future where conservation and community thrive side by side.
What advice would you give to the public on helping to conserve wildlife?
I would encourage people to support conservation agencies, work closely with local communities, collaborate with government ministries, and help promote transboundary cooperation. Most importantly, we need sustainable financing mechanisms to keep these initiatives running long-term.
Human-elephant conflict is a growing challenge. What solutions do you recommend?
We need a human-wildlife coexistence strategy and action plan, better land-use planning to reduce conflicts, and less reliance solely on technical mitigation measures or compensation. Addressing the root causes through better planning and coexistence strategies is essential.
Are you optimistic about human-elephant coexistence in Cameroon?
The Government has taken this issue very seriously, establishing an inter-ministerial committee to address it holistically. I truly believe coexistence is possible with the right strategies in place.
In a significant step towards fostering awareness and action on climate issues, the International Climate Change and Development Institute (ICCDI) recently conducted an enlightening workshop in Ibadan, Nigeria, focused on educating young lawyers and activists about climate justice.
Participants at the ICCDI enlightening workshop on climate justice in Ibadan
The initiative aimed to empower the next generation of legal professionals and advocates to become effective agents of change in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The workshop was designed with specific goals in mind, such as:
Enhancing Legal Knowledge: To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate laws, policies, and their implications, particularly within the Nigerian context.
Skill Development: To equip young lawyers and activists with essential advocacy skills, enabling them to communicate effectively and mobilise their communities for climate action.
Networking Opportunities: To create a platform for participants to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with like-minded individuals committed to promoting climate justice.
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including environmental lawyers, policymakers, and seasoned activists, who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussions.
Some of the key highlights included:
Insightful Presentations: Experts shared valuable insights on Nigeria’s climate policies, the role of international treaties, and how young lawyers can leverage these frameworks to advocate for environmental justice.
Interactive Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including mock trials and advocacy training, which helped them apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Community Case Studies: Real-life examples of successful community-led climate initiatives were presented, illustrating how grassroots movements can influence policy and promote sustainable practices.
Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed enthusiasms about the knowledge they gained and the practical skills they developed.
Oluwabusayo Amoran, a lawyer, noted, “The workshop has not only informed me about climate justice but has also inspired me to take concrete actions in my community.”
Building on the success of the Ibadan workshop, ICCDI plans to roll out additional educational programmes in Abuja, focusing on various aspects of climate justice and sustainability.
These initiatives will include follow-up sessions, online resources, and opportunities for participants to engage in community projects.
The ICCDI’s workshop in Ibadan represents a crucial investment in the future of climate advocacy in Nigeria. By empowering young lawyers and activists with the necessary tools and knowledge, ICCDI is nurturing a new generation ready to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.
This initiative not only strengthens the capacity of individuals but also contributes to building resilient communities capable of advocating for a sustainable future.
By Rukayat Odebiyi, Director of People’s Development, ICCDI Africa
