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Udeme Ufot to chair QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

Michael Simire
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Udeme Ufot to chair QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit

Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG, has announced Udeme Ufot as Chairman of the inaugural QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit.

Udeme Ufot
Udeme Ufot

Ufot is the Group Managing Director of SO&U, one of Africa’s foremost marketing communications groups.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday, July 4, 2025. It follows the recent confirmation that the summit will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Themed “Financing as Catalysts for a Thriving Creative Economy,” the summit will bring together key figures in the creative space—including industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and emerging talents – to discuss ways to boost the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Olumide Iyanda, Chief Executive Officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and Convener of the summit, said Ufot’s career achievements and support for the creative economy make him an ideal choice.

“The summit will explore innovative funding solutions, fostering partnerships between creatives and investors, and provide tools for effective financial management. It will also serve as a space for collaboration between creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive sustainable growth,” Iyanda said.

He recalled Ufot’s long-standing relationship with QEDNG, dating back to the platform’s launch in 2014. According to him, Ufot’s guidance and encouragement helped shape QEDNG’s direction and identity.

“Mr Ufot’s position as chairman will underscore his role as a thought leader and champion of Nigeria’s creative industry. His leadership and insights will inspire participants to pursue innovation and excellence, reinforcing the importance of strategic collaboration. It will also highlight his pivotal contributions to the advancement of the creative sector in Nigeria,” Iyanda added.

Ufot began his career in 1984 at Insight Communications, where he rose to the position of Deputy Creative Director (Art). In 1989, he joined CASERS as Creative Director. Just six months later, he co-founded SO&U, which has since become one of Nigeria’s most respected advertising agencies.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has also completed programmes at the Swedish Institute of Management and the Lagos Business School.

Over the years, Ufot has held several leadership roles in the industry. He served as President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

He also chairs the Board of the Policy Innovation Centre, sits on the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and co-chairs its Policy Commission on Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creative Industries and Sports (THECS).

Ufot is committed to developing future industry leaders. He mentors young professionals and lectures at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he chairs the advisory board.

He is a past President of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association and former Board Chair of LEAP Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on youth leadership and entrepreneurship. He also serves on the board of Special Olympics Nigeria.

In 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the corporate sector.

Udeme Ufot is married to Dorothy Udeme Ufot, SAN, and they are blessed with two children.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit is open to a broad audience, including artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, advertisers, academics, and financial institutions. It is expected to be a landmark event for collaboration, innovation, and investment in Nigeria’s creative economy.

How Nigeria can accelerate gas development – Shell

Michael Simire
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How Nigeria can accelerate gas development – Shell

Nigeria’s premier gas distribution company, Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), has identified development of infrastructure and regulatory and fiscal stability as key drivers for the development of Nigeria’s gas resources.

Shell Gas
Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas, Ralph Gbobo…during a panel session at the 24th NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition in Abuja

“Major investments are required to develop large scale infrastructure along the gas value chain (pipelines, gas processing plants, gas distribution networks) as well as human capacity development,” SNG Managing Director Ralph Gbobo said on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at a panel session on “Accelerating gas development for domestic and global energy needs” at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja.

A stable and transparent regulatory and fiscal regime is also essential to creating a predictable and secure operating environment which enhances investor confidence. Ralph stressed the need for deployment of technology to enhance “the efficiency, sustainability and growth of the domestic gas sector.”

He said: “Technology-driven advancements such as remote data gathering systems, remote monitoring, real-time data analytics, digital solutions, autonomous Operations systems, smart metering and monitoring, predictive analytics systems will play a significant role in improving the efficiency, sustainability and growth of the domestic gas sector, and enhancing its attractiveness to investors.”

Commenting on the operations of SNG, Ralph said the company, which was established in 1998, is developing new gas distribution networks in Oyo and Bayelsa states, while also expanding its systems to cater for more industries in Ogun, Rivers and Abia states.

He said the milestones recorded by Shell proved the value of partnerships and collaboration towards the development of Nigeria’s gas resources, as this can “aggregate investment capital, facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building, enhance skills and build expertise, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s domestic gas sector.”

In a related development, Shell sponsored a dinner at Nigeria Oil and Gas as part of its support for the event. In remarks read by  the Vice President Gas and Commercial, Rohan D’ Souza: Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Marno de Jong, described the annual conference “as a notable meeting point for policy makers, industry leaders and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to share ideas on critical issues facing the oil industry.”

Marno said: “Shell has been part of the NOG story and is Diamond sponsor of this year’s event in line with our commitment to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, dating back to our presence in the country some 60 years ago.”

RDI, Foodjustice train govt officials on planetary health diet

Michael Simire
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RDI, Foodjustice train govt officials on planetary health diet

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Germany-based Foodjustice have trained officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Lagos State ministries of health, environment and agriculture on mainstreaming the concept of Planetary Health Diet (PHD) into government policies.

RDI
Participants at the training programme in Lagos

The training, which was held at the Excellence Hotel in Lagos, was in response to what RDI and Foodjustice said was the rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to poor nutrition in the African continent.

Speakers at the event included Andrea Arango Angarita (Ph.D.) of the Mexican National Institute of Public Health, Mishel Unar Munguía, Head of the Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Mexico, Percival Agordoh of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana and Dinah Stratenwerth of Foodjustice. 

In his welcome, Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, explained that Planetary Health Diet is a scientifically backed dietary pattern designed to be healthy for individuals and sustainable for the planet, with emphasis on plant-based foods and reduction of consumption of red meat and processed foods. 

Jakpor noted that PHD reflects the intersections between what we grow, the ecosystem under which they grow and the positive outcomes when we consume them.

He lamented that while the clamour for adoption of this dietary pattern continues to grow globally, “Africa is largely missing in the scheme of things even as the continent grapples with the devastating impacts of malnutrition and the health challenges associated with consumption of unwholesome diet. As you all may already know, Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant cause of deaths in Africa.

“In Nigeria NCDs account for about 30% of annual deaths and studies have shown that they are responsible for more illnesses and deaths than infectious diseases.”

In the year 2020, NCDs were responsible for 617,300 deaths in Nigeria, with 22% of these being premature deaths of persons between ages 30-70, he added, even as he called for the opening of pathways that would engender networking and ignite policy level intervention by the departments of government to promote planetary health diet.

Dinah Stratenwerth of Foodjustice explained that the training was conceived after the successful creation of a simulation game by the two organisations to introduce PHD to German students and Nigerians.

She stressed the importance of PHD to children and adults alike even as she noted that policy makers are key to the realization of the dream of a healthy citizenry hence the need for the Lagos training.

Andrea Arango Angarita (Ph.D.) of the Mexican National Institute of Public Health said globally people have continued to suffer from failure by governments to implement Planetary Health Diet.

Angarita, who spoke virtually, urged countries to compare notes as she highlighted measures that Nigeria can learn from the 2023 Mexican Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Guidelines (MHSDG). She noted that the document that defines dietary patterns in Mexico, was aimed at protecting population health, reducing environmental footprint and respecting Mexican food traditions.

She said that research shows that if the Mexican population fully adopted the MHSDG, it would achieve: “31.9% fewer total deaths from chronic diseases (34.6% reducing UPF); 29.6% fewer premature deaths before age 75 (32.5% reducing UPF); Approximately 89,000 deaths prevented and 43,000 premature deaths; Adopting the guidelines could result in over 700,000 years of life saved, mainly through reducing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.”

In her intervention, Mishel Unar Munguía, Head of the Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Mexico, explained that unhealthy diets and malnutrition are among the top 10 risk factors contributing to global disease burden.

“Given the harmful environmental impact of today’s food systems and concerns about their sustainability, there is an urgent need to promote healthy and sustainable diets.

“Healthy and sustainable diets are dietary patterns that promote all dimensions of individual health and well-being; they exert low pressure and environmental impact; and are accessible, affordable, safe, equitable, and culturally acceptable.” Munguía stated.

In his presentation Percival Agordoh of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana, said that the current food systems are not only harming health, but also pushing the planet to its environmental limits.

He added that the concept of sustainable eating “emphasises food choices that are healthy for individuals and beneficial for the environment, promoting both human and planetary well-being.”

According to him, Planetary Health Diet includes ‘Fruits and vegetables, Whole grains, Legumes and nuts, Animal products (meat, dairy, eggs).’

Speaking on the importance of PHD in children, Dr. Makoyawo Olayinka noted that PHD supports optimal growth and development in children, builds better immunity and improves learning and cognitive ability of children.

“To achieve this goal, family-level intervention and school meal programmes play a pivotal role.” Makoyawo said, adding that the effort should be supported by “educational initiatives promoting balanced meal planning, the efficient use of plant-based protein sources and strategies to introduce sustainable dietary practices early in life.”

The highpoint of the training was the unveiling of the document – The Concept of the Global Framework Convention on Planetary Health Diet: A Simulation Game for People Aged 15 and Over, a joint work by RDI and Foodjustice.

World Zoonoses Day: Wild Africa urges action against bushmeat trade to safeguard Nigerians from future pandemics

Michael Simire
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World Zoonoses Day: Wild Africa urges action against bushmeat trade to safeguard Nigerians from future pandemics

As the world marks World Zoonoses Day on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Wild Africa is calling for urgent and consistent action to reduce the risk of future pandemics by curbing the illegal bushmeat trade, expediting the passage of the new wildlife bill, and protecting natural habitats.

Bushmeat market
A bushmeat market in Nigeria

Zoonotic diseases, also known as zoonoses, are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. They include Ebola, Mpox (also known as Monkeypox), Lassa Fever, and COVID-19 – all of which have affected Nigeria in recent years. According to the World Health Organisation, a staggering 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, with 71.8% of these emerging from wildlife.

In Nigeria, the illegal bushmeat trade, particularly in endangered species like pangolins, bats, monkeys, and snakes, persists in open markets and on roadside stalls.

While bushmeat is considered a source of animal protein in remote communities, its increasing demand in urban areas, such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, is a cause for concern. During past outbreaks like Ebola and Anthrax, federal and state governments temporarily cracked down on bushmeat markets. But with waning public attention and inconsistent enforcement, traders and buyers often return to business as usual.

“World Zoonosis Day is a reminder that protecting wildlife is protecting ourselves. By embracing the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health, we can break the chain of zoonotic diseases. I call on policymakers, communities, and individuals to join hands in preserving Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, halting illegal bushmeat consumption, and investing in sustainable alternatives for those who depend on it,” said Dr. Mark Ofua, the West Africa Representative at Wild Africa.

Zoonotic disease transmission happens through direct or indirect human-animal interaction (animal bites, scratches, faeces), the consumption of animal products and their environments, including natural, cultivated, built (i.e., abattoirs) and commercial environments, such as wet markets. Although many zoonotic transmissions happen between humans and domestic animals, or including livestock, the majority, up to 71.8%, of zoonotic diseases arise from wildlife species. In fact, the most devastating pandemics in human history were all caused by zoonoses from wildlife.

In recent years, Nigeria has experienced or been vulnerable to numerous zoonotic diseases, including:

  • Mpox: 3,771 suspected cases, 1,086 confirmed in Nigeria since 2017.
  • Yellow Fever: 589 suspected cases in the first four months of 2024 alone.
  • Anthrax: Outbreak in neighboring Ghana killed 97 animals and infected several people.
  • Lassa Fever: Endemic in Nigeria, transmitted via rodents.
  • Marburg Virus: Recent outbreaks in West Africa underscore the need for surveillance.
  • Bird Flu: Reported across West Africa; can spread from wild to domestic birds and humans.

This World Zoonosis Day, experts are sounding the alarm: human-driven actions, such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and the bushmeat trade, are fueling zoonoses, not only endangering human lives but also imperiling wildlife and compromising the ecosystems we all depend on.

While Nigeria has made progress recently in protecting endangered species by introducing the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which has passed its third reading and will now move to the Senate for further consideration, more needs to be done to support the bill for the president’s approval and its enforcement as a law.

World Zoonoses Day is observed every July 6 to commemorate the day Louis Pasteur successfully administered the first rabies vaccine in 1885, a milestone in the prevention of zoonotic diseases. But experts say education and enforcement, not just vaccines, are our frontline defenses.

Wild Africa implores the Nigerian populace to cease the sale and consumption of bushmeat, joining the concerted effort against it. The non-profit is running an awareness campaign across Nigeria, utilising TV, radio, print media, billboards, and social media to inform the public that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is highly interconnected and that we must protect wildlife to protect ourselves. 

BATN Foundation commissions solar-powered borehole tó end 30-year water crisis in Kano community

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BATN Foundation commissions solar-powered borehole tó end 30-year water crisis in Kano community

 “For 30 years, we fetched water from far places, paying N100naira for a jerrican of water that wasn’t even clean,” says Mallam Abdullahi Garuba, a longtime resident of Yanfiki community. 

“Sometimes we hide the water from our visitors because it was too dirty to offer them. Today, we have water and not just water, but clean, here in our village.” 

solar powered borehole

For the people of Yanfiki, a quiet rural village nestled in Kano State, June 24th, 2025, will never be forgotten. After more than three decades of lack of access to portable drinking water, a miracle of a 20,000 litres daily water source is born. 

On that day, joy flowed like the very water that began to stream from five new taps in the heart of Yanfiki. The solar-powered borehole, donated by the BATN Foundation, was officially commissioned, and handed over to the Yanfiki community. This wasn’t just the commissioning of a water facility, it was the birth of a new infrastructure, dignity, and hope. 

The commissioning ceremony, held in the heart of the rural community, marked the official handoverof the 20,000-litre solar-powered water facility, a project initiated and donated by the Foundation in its commitment to delivering sustainable solutions to underserved communities in Nigeria. 

The community gathered in their hundreds to witness what many described as a historic event. Emotions ran high. Men, women, and children danced, prayed, and cheered as clean water burst forth from the new taps.; it was the beginning of possibility they long hoped for. 

Gracing the ceremony were dignitaries whose presence added meaning to the occasion. Among them were: Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, Honourable Commissioner of Water Resources, who applauded the initiative and reaffirmed government support for rural infrastructure, Engineer Yusif M. Inuwa, Director of Water, who emphasized the technical integrity of the project, Hashimu Sulaiman, Chairman of Gari, Wakili Bashir Wada, Representative of the Magajin Garin Kano who blessed the project on behalf of the traditional institution, Danlami Mu’azu Danja, Director of Personnel at the Local Government, Alhaji Nasiru Wada,Board director BATN, Foundation, General Manager, BATN Foundation Oludare Odusanya, Project Manager, BATN Foundation Adetola Oniyelu, Media representatives including Muhammad Nur (NAN) and Ibrahim Musa were present to share the story with the world and Others in attendance were Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Kazaure, Hajiya Hasiya Sabi’u, and Dr. Abdulraheem Mudashi, Zonal Director, National Environmental Standard & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). 

In the heart of the celebration, a heartfelt speech was delivered by Alh Nasiru Wada – Board Director BATN Foundation on behalf of the Foundation, Through the deployment of solar-powered borehole, we are not only ensuring clean water access but also promoting eco-friendly, renewable energy solutions that support our climate goals.The 20,000-litre capacity water facility, supported by Four 400W solar panels, features a water management kiosk, five dispensing taps, a submersible pump, a manual hand pump for sustainability in the event of an extended overcast, and a protective fence. But beyond the infrastructure, what truly stood out was the ownership spirit the Foundation instilled in the people.“This is your project,” they said. “Own it. Maintain it. Let it serve not just you, but your children and grandchildren. Let no child skip school again because of water. Let no mother fear sickness from dirty streams.

”And the people of Yanfiki responded. They formed a local water committee before the end of the day. Elders blessed the taps. Children splashed their feet. Women smiled, many of them remembering how far they had once walked to fetch water from unsafe sources.

“We never thought this would happen in our lifetime,” added Mallam Abdullahi. “But today, Allah has smiled on Yanfiki. And we are forever grateful.” 

The event concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, prayers, and a collective commitment to ensuring that the facility is properly maintained.  

This initiative is one of several water access projects the BATN Foundation is implementing across rural Nigeria as part of its broader mission to drive equitable development, improve rural livelihoods, and foster health and environmental resilience.

By Ajibola Adedoye

BATN Foundation, SwagCo flag off Maize Micro-Enterprise Project to empower Ekiti farmers

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BATN Foundation, SwagCo flag off Maize Micro-Enterprise Project to empower Ekiti farmers

In a landmark move to boost food security and rural livelihoods, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in partnership with SwagCo & Odua Investment company has officially launched the Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers Project in Oke-Ako, Ekiti State. 

The initiative is designed to empower over 100 smallholder farmers in and around the region through enhanced access to inputs, sustainable agricultural practices, and market access.

BAT Nigeria

The flag-off ceremony held on June 17, 2025, was graced by a distinguished gathering of public and private sector leaders, community representatives, and agricultural stakeholders. The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Niyi Adebayo, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to agricultural development as a pillar of economic transformation. He reiterated the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation and lauded the BATN Foundation and its partners for their strategic intervention. “Ekiti is ready for investment and partnership in agriculture. We encourage more collaborative efforts that prioritize the empowerment of our farmers and the sustainability of our food systems,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, described the initiative as “a transformative journey” that goes beyond ceremonial event. “This project is anchored on a simple but powerful vision: to boost maize productivity, promote climate-smart practices, and enable sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. We believe smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development but drivers of it,” said Mr. Odusanya.

As part of the program, participating farmers will receive improved maize seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and greater resilience to changing climate conditions. They will also benefit from targeted agronomic training and extension services designed to embed smart, sustainable farming practices into their daily operations. 

The Foundation also acknowledged the crucial roles played by its technical partners. SwagCo, praised for its innovation in agricultural enterprise, developed the framework that will guide the implementation, while Westlink will serve as the on-ground execution partner ensuring efficient delivery and measurable impact. The Odu’a Investment Company was also commended for its strong commitment to regional development through agricultural empowerment. “This collaboration is a testament to what is possible when the public sector, private enterprise, and development organizations work hand-in-hand. Together, we are sowing seeds of transformation,” added Odusanya.

Addressing the smallholder farmers directly, Odusanya said: “You are the true champions of this project. Your hands shape our food systems.. Your participation and dedication will catalyze agricultural transformation not only in Oke-Ako, but across Ekiti State.”

The GMD of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, and the Chairman of SwagCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami, both expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact on the region, while reaffirming their commitment to supporting inclusive agribusiness development in the southwest.

In attendance were esteemed dignitaries including the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluade; Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulraham Yinusa; Independent Director, Odu’a and Technical Committee Member, BATNF, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON; Chairman of SwagCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami; Managing Director of SwagCo, Dr. Adewale Onadeko, Project Manager, BATNF – Mr Adetola Oniyelu and the Regent of Oke-Ako, Kabiyesi Mrs. Adebayo, representatives of the Ekiti State University, amongst others.

The Oke-Ako community leaders expressed their gratitude, with the Regent of Oke-Ako, Ikole Kabiyesi Mrs. Adebayo, affirming the community’s full support for the initiative and its alignment with the community’s economic and development aspirations.

The project is expected to scale over the coming years, opening new opportunities for farmer-led micro-enterprises, youth engagement in agriculture, and value chain development.The program concluded with ceremonial distributions of starter packs to selected farmers and a symbolic flag-off of field activities. Community members, traditional leaders, and beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, hailing it as a lifeline for local farmers and a catalyst for economic resilience.

The flag-off concluded with a renewed call for sustained investment in rural enterprise and inclusive partnerships that uplift local communities and promote agricultural innovation.

By Ajibola Adedoye

NBSAP: A welcome step toward food sovereignty, biosafety

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NBSAP: A welcome step toward food sovereignty, biosafety

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) commends the Federal Government for endorsing the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). In June 2025, Nigeria officially approved its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, NBSAP, 2025-2030, aiming to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

According to the Nigerian government’s statement, the NBSAP fully aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF), with a focus on halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030. The revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, NBSAP, has been adopted as a comprehensive government policy with 23 national targets, each aligned with the corresponding global biodiversity targets and goals. https://von.gov.ng/nigeria-validates-national-biodiversity-strategy-action-plan/

Nnimmo Bassey
Nnimmo Bassey

Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, stated that it is a vital step toward protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity and advancing environmental justice.

“We are especially encouraged by NBSAP’s firm stance on the regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which aligns with our long-standing advocacy for biosafety and food sovereignty. In a time when the indiscriminate adoption of genetically engineered crops is increasingly being pushed by multinational interests, NBSAP rightly cautions that unregulated GMO use could be catastrophic to our environment, health, and sustainable development.”

Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes and Lead on Hunger Politics, noted that “the Strategy’s support for traditional plant breeding, non-transgenic biotechnologies, and the fair sharing of benefits from biological resources reflects a welcome policy shift. It affirms the rights of smallholder farmers and communities to control their seeds and food system, putting the power back in the hands of people.”

HOMEF urge the government to back this with action by halting GMO approvals pending a biosafety audit, reviewing the National Biosafety Management Agency Act 2015 as amended in 2019, in line with the National Biosafety Framework, investing in agroecology, and supporting community seed systems.

HOMEF says remains committed to ensuring Nigeria’s biodiversity thrives, free from genetic pollution and corporate control.

HEDA applauds proposal to make existing Right to Clean Environment justiciable under fundamental human rights

Michael Simire
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HEDA applauds proposal to make existing Right to Clean Environment justiciable under fundamental human rights

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading environmental justice and sustainable development organisation, has commended the proposal for a constitutional amendment to include the Right to a Clean Environment as a fundamental right in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, specifically under Chapter Four, which deals with fundamental human rights.

HEDA
HEDA has commended the proposal for a constitutional amendment to include the Right to a Clean Environment

According to Sulaimon Arigbabu, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, “The significance of this proposal cannot be overstated. By making the Right to a Clean Environment a fundamental human right under Chapter Four, it will become justiciable, allowing individuals to seek redress in court for any breach of this right by the government or private entities.”

Currently, the right to a clean environment is enshrined in Chapter Two of the Constitution, but its non-justiciable nature has rendered it unenforceable in court. The proposed amendment seeks to insert a new section 33A in the Principal Act, recognising the right of every person to live in a clean, safe, and healthy environment, free from harmful pollution, degradation, and hazards.

This right includes access to information about environmental conditions, participation in decisions that affect the environment, and holding those responsible for environmental harm accountable.

HEDA believes that the Right to a Clean Environment is intricately linked to other fundamental human rights, including the right to life, dignity, and livelihood.

Arigbabu added, “Without a clean environment, the right to life cannot be guaranteed, as access to clean air, water, and land is essential for human survival. Similarly, the right to human dignity cannot be achieved in an environment that is polluted and degraded.”

Furthermore, a clean environment is crucial for the enjoyment of other rights, such as the right to food, fishing, and agriculture. Without a safe and healthy environment, these rights become meaningless.

Arigbabu noted, “What is the right to life if we don’t have access to grow our food because our land has been polluted? The right to life would be rendered meaningless without a clean environment.”

HEDA commends the lawmakers for proposing this amendment and urges all stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support this proposal and work towards its enactment.

The organisation believes that this amendment will be a significant step towards ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all Nigerians.

ICCDI enlightens cub journalists, activists on climate justice

Michael Simire
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ICCDI enlightens cub journalists, activists on climate justice

The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, organised a two-day workshop tagged “Media for Climate Justice”, an event dedicated to raising awareness about climate-related issues and the role of media in shaping public discourse in Lagos.

Participants at the event

In his remarks, Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI-Africa, said: “Climate justice is a framework that recognises the interconnectedness of climate change and social inequality. It emphasises that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable communities, often those who have contributed the least to the problem.”

Idowu stressed that the main objectives of the event is to amplify the voices of residents of marginalised communities by ensuring their stories and perspectives are heard and also promote solutions through innovative and sustainable practices. 

In his paper presentation titled “The Intersection of Climate Change, Social Justice, and the Media”, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre, noted that there is need for climate change information because it will help promote public engagement and advocacy leading to more informed decision making by shifting towards eco-friendly choices in daily activities.

Arigbabu said the media helps project ideas for solution by shaping how the people understands climate change, how they identify duty bearers and how they demand accountability.

He however admonished the participants of the workshop to prioritise scientific consensus over fringe views, make use of voices and visuals emanating from the communities as well as collaborating with other media platforms and NGOs.

In his remark, David Lanre Messan, the Chief Venture Builder, opined that there is need for climate advocates, media leaders, and changemakers to equip themselves with actionable frameworks and advanced strategies for storytelling that drives behavior change, policy momentum, and grassroots action across Africa.

Messan, in his paper presentation titled “Story Telling for Change: Crafting Compelling Climate Narratives and Effective Communication Strategies”, submitted that story telling in climate justice matters a lot because “data alone doesn’t move people; stories do, apart from this, narrative taps into emotion, fosters empathy, and inspires action”. 

He said: “A well-crafted story turns abstract risks into personal stakes, so the role of a media professionals is to connect carbon budgets to everyday lives.”

The award winning story-teller urged participants to adopt the P.A.C.E. Method to build scalable stories. According to him with P.A.C.E. Method, writers should focus their narratives on Problem, Action, Consequence and Envision.

Other speakers that took turn to address participants at the workshop included Khadija M-Williams who spoke on “The Role of Media in Climate Advocacy” and Mayowa Adebote who delivered a speech on “Using Digital Media for Climate Activism”.

The two-day event continued on Thursday with upcoming journalists, activists, and community leaders in attendance.

By Ajibola Adedoye

We developed action plan to reverse decline of vultures in Nigeria – Director of Forestry

Michael Simire
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We developed action plan to reverse decline of vultures in Nigeria – Director of Forestry

In order to address the decline in the population of vultures in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has developed National Vulture Conservation Action Plan (NVCAP) – a national framework aimed at reversing the trend through coordinated policy, research and community-based action.

Vulture
L-R: Mr. Adedamola Ogunsesan, Director, Technical Programmes, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Mr. Liu Yuan, Programme Officer, United Nations CITES, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Alhaji Shaba Malkudi, President, NANTMP, Prof. Augustine Ezealor at the Workshop on Identifying Barriers on the Option of Plant-Based Alternative to Vulture Use

Dr. Moses Ama, Director of Forestry, Federal Department of Forestry, who made this known on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Lagos at the two-day workshop on “Reducing the Demand for Vultures in Traditional Medicine Practices In Nigeria”, noted that the vulture – the nature’s most vital scavengers – is now at the brink of extinction, primarily due to belief-based use in traditional medicine, poisoning, and illegal trade. 

Speaking through Bosede Olukanni, Deputy Director, Federal Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ama noted: “Nigeria is blessed with a rich array of wildlife species, each contributing to the delicate ecological balance that sustains life. Among these, vultures hold a unique and irreplaceable role as nature’s clean-up agents, preventing the spread of deadly diseases through the efficient disposal of animal carcasses.” 

According to him, “Six of our vulture species are listed as Critically Endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), including the Hooded Vulture and White-backed Vulture. This disturbing trend not only threatens biodiversity but poses serious public health risks and undermines our international conservation commitments.

Part of what NVCAP stands to address according to the Director of Forestry is “creation of nationwide awareness in form of education, and sensitisation campaigns, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework – once enacted, the Endangered Species Protection and Conservation Bill 2024 will provide tougher penalties and modern tools to combat wildlife crimes, including the illegal vulture trade as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration in form of partnerships with law enforcement agencies, NGOs, traditional institutions, and international bodies which have been scaled up to ensure a whole-of-society approach to this challenge,” he stated. 

In his welcome address, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General, NCF, noted that human beings are at the top of the pyramid of the ecosystem. 

He said: “All of these things that nature has provided is for our benefit at the end of the day. There is need for us to protect the ecosystem from collapsing, if that ecosystem collapses, because we are at the top, our fall will be higher and it will be more painful. That is why we need to be concerned about what is happening to our species, especially the vultures.” 

Prof. Augustine Ezealor, in his paper presentation titled “More Than Scavengers: The Impact of Vultures on Ecosystems and Public Health”, disclosed that vultures are more than scavengers. According to him, there are only 23 species of vultures worldwide, 11 in Africa and 7 in Nigeria, hence the need to religiously protect them and prevent them from going into extinction.

Ezealor, who is a Professor of Ornithology, highlighted some of the services provided by vultures to include: “Sanitation and Disease Pest and Vermin Reduction, Cultural and Spiritual Symbolism, Environmental Nutrient Cycling, Traditional Medicine among others” 

Key threats for vultures, according to Ezealor, are “Hunting for Food, Unregulated Use in Traditional Medicine. Poisoning, Cultural Charge and Poverty Driven Exploitation and Nest Destruction (during construction and urbanization).

In his remarks, Alhaji Shaba Maikudi, National President, National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), commended NCF for the vision and commitment in bringing traditional medical practitioners together to discuss the issue which, according to him, is both timely and vital to the barriers of the use of land and the use of animal structures, at least in health care conservation and cultural preservation. 

He opined that the gathering is not just a workshop, but also a confirmation to the fact that traditional medicine is not obsolete but is a pillar of sustainable health care and potential solutions to the global medical and ecological challenges in our roots and the state-wide environment at the grassroots level. 

“As traditional medical practitioners, we believe we cannot do that without a solution, we must work hand-in-hand with the policy makers, researchers, conservation and international bodies to create a sustainable ecosystem for traditional medicine to thrive,” he submitted. 

The workshop also witnessed presentation from Yuan Liu, representative from Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) who presented a paper on “History of Demand Reduction and the Role of the CITES Guidelines in the Protection of Threatened Species”.

By Ajibola Adedoye

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