The Good Deeds Day, Kwara Chapter, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Ilorin, distributed and planted trees across schools in Kwara State.
Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge
Some of the benefitting schools include Taoheed Secondary School, Forte Credence International School, St. Anthony Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School and ECWA Secondary School, Ganmo.
Speaking to newsmen during the tree-planting exercise, Mrs. Funmilayo Osiegbu, the team Lead of the Coalition, said that the tree planting drive was part of the activities of the coalition in commemorating 2025 Good Deeds Day.
She explained that the group targets to plant 1,000 tree across schools in Kwara, adding that the initiative was being done in phases.
Osiegbu stated that the Good Deed Day is globally celebrated in April but shifted to June due to some circumstances.
“The reason for having the tree planting drive is to be able to fulfill the United Nations SDGs 13 and 15 on climate change.
“This is to sensitise our children on the effects of climate change. There are many things that are affecting the environment right now.
“We have the Ozone layer being depleted because of pollution. There are plastics causing lots of degradation,” she said.
Osiegbu, who is also the Executive Director, Bundles Care Support Initiative, pointed out that sensitising children on tree planting in schools was crucial to fostering environmental awareness and responsibility.
According to her, the tree planting drive also includes educational talks, demonstration of how to plant trees and its importance to the earth and survival of human and animals.
She added that the trees being planted would help improve the quality of the environment within the schools, provide food in the form of fruits from the trees, provide shelter and beautify the schools.
The team lead of the Coalition emphasised that the initiative would encourage afforestation and combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
In his remarks, Dr Lateef Olagunju, the Secretary General, National Commission for UNESCO, Nigeria, commended the Coalition for the initiative on tree planting across Kwara schools.
Olagunju, represented by the UNESCO Desk Officer of the Kwara Ministry of Education, Mr. Odedeji Taiye, said the programme highlights the importance of kindness, generosity, and community service.
According to him, tree planting is a perfect way to demonstrate these values, as it benefits our environment, our communities, and future generations.
“By planting trees, we are not only beautifying our surroundings but also reducing carbon footprint.
“Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. they also support biodiversity, and provide habitats for various species,” he said.
The Head Boy, ECWA Secondary School, Ganmo, Olamilekan Akinola, expressed pleasure on the tree planting drive in his school.
He promised to encourage other young students to plant trees in order to save the planet earth from degradation.
Also in his appreciative remarks, Dr Steve Timilade, the Principal of ECWA Secondary School, lauded the Coalition and pledged to continue to educate the students on the importance of planting trees in their communities.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says the continent is grappling with a double public health crisis as cholera and mpox cases surge across multiple countries.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
The development has prompted urgent calls for coordinated action and increased investment in health infrastructure.
Dr Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of the Africa CDC, said this on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during the weekly webinar media briefing.
According to Kaseya, Africa now accounts for 60 per cent of all global cholera cases and a staggering 93.5 per cent of global cholera-related deaths reported as of May.
He said that the agency’s latest situation report warned that children remain the most vulnerable group, representing nearly half of all cases and over one-third of deaths.
“At the same time, mpox is rapidly spreading, with Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and Burundi collectively responsible for 94 per cent of confirmed cases reported during epidemiological week 21.
“Sierra Leone alone contributed 53 per cent of the continent’s new confirmed mpox cases in that period,” he said.
According to him, the numbers are deeply concerning.
“We are not only seeing more widespread transmission, but also significant gaps in surveillance, vaccination coverage, basic water and sanitation services, which are exacerbating both cholera and mpox outbreaks,” he said.
He said that the report highlighted Angola, South Sudan, the DRC and Sudan as the four hardest-hit countries, accounting for 85 per cent of Africa’s total cholera cases and 92 per cent of its deaths.
“In these countries, access to safe water and sanitation remains alarmingly low, with open defecation rates reaching up to 73 per cent in some rural areas.
“Children are bearing the brunt, with up to 47 per cent of all reported cases and 37 per cent of cholera deaths occurring among those under 15 years,” he said.
Kaseya called for the formation of Presidential Task Forces in affected countries to oversee multi-sectoral responses.
He said that there should also be emergency water and sanitation interventions, robust surveillance systems, and sustained funding for vaccine procurement.
He said that mpox, once considered a localised zoonotic disease, is now spreading to previously unaffected regions, including Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo.
“Ethiopia recently reported its first confirmed death from the virus, an infant, as of May 31.
“In the DRC, low testing coverage, just 27 per cent, continues to obscure the true scale of the outbreak,” he said.
He said that Sierra Leone reported over 3,100 confirmed mpox cases this year, with a positivity rate of 93 per cent in some districts, suggesting the outbreak is being vastly under-reported.
Despite ongoing vaccine distribution efforts, Africa remains short of critical supplies.
While over 726,000 doses of the mpox vaccines have been administered so far, he said that the continent required 43 million doses of oral cholera vaccine annually, far above the 26 million doses received in 2024.
He said that efforts were underway to close this gap.
“Manufacturing facilities are being developed in South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, but they will not be fully operational until 2027.
“These emergencies will not wait for us to catch up. We need decisive political commitment, financial investment and a united continental response to protect the health of our people,” he said.
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus, which spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact.
It causes fever, rash and body aches, and while usually mild, it can be severe in vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae.
It spreads through contaminated food or water and causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration, which can lead to death if untreated.
It thrives in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, making it a major threat during outbreaks and emergencies.
Africa could save $3-5 trillion (an average of $150 billion annually) by transitioning to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, new analysis has revealed. This shift would deliver not only the cheapest energy, but also unlock millions of new jobs, accelerate development, and dramatically improve energy access.
Renewable energy
The research, “African Energy Leadership: The Case for 100% Renewable Energy”, was commissioned and led by Power Shift Africa, with the technical modelling led by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS-ISF).
The report was launched on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Bonn Climate Conference (SB62).
It models a 100% renewable energy scenario across the continent, and shows that building a fully renewable energy system would cost significantly less than continuing with fossil fuels, saving $3-5 trillion by 2050, and producing fuel cost savings of over $8 trillion – more than double (2.2x) the additional investment required to go 100% renewable – offering a rare alignment of climate, economic, and development goals.
Africa’s renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind, is more than sufficient to meet the continent’s long-term energy needs. Achieving 100% renewable energy and making Africa’s contribution to keep warming below the 1.5°C temperature limit would require about 3,500GW of installed renewable energy capacity by mid-century, or less than 1% of Africa’s vast renewables potential. Most of this 3,500GW would come from solar photovoltaics, supported by wind, energy storage, and modernised power grids.
The shift to clean energy would not only reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports, which trap the continent in a vicious debt cycle, but also create 2.2 million more energy sector jobs than the business-as-usual scenario. A 100% renewable energy pathway would support 5.4 million energy jobs by 2050, compared to just 3.2 million under current fossil fuel focused trajectories. Crucially, it would do so while achieving universal access to modern, affordable energy, and supporting sustainable industrialisation.
Yet, this future is not guaranteed. Structural barriers such as debt burdens and limited access to grants, finance, and sharing of technology and patents, are holding Africa back. The report warns against false solutions, especially the push for expanded fossil fuel infrastructure under the guise of development, noting that these short-term fixes could lock the continent into stranded fossil fuel assets and deepen its dependence on volatile global markets.
Instead, the report calls for a people-centred approach to development that prioritises energy sovereignty and regional industrialisation. It urges international action to cancel unjust debt and overhaul the global financial system, alongside scaled-up public climate and development finance. It also advises African leaders to embrace decentralised energy systems and embed energy planning into broader government development agendas.
Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director, Power Shift Africa, says: “Africa has a golden opportunity to lead the world in the clean energy revolution. Our continent is blessed with abundant natural resources in the form of endless sunshine, strong winds, vast hydropower potential, and rich geothermal reserves. Embracing a 100% renewable energy system is not just about tackling climate change; but building a resilient, self- sufficient Africa. Clean energy means reliable electricity for our communities, fewer power shortages for our industries, and a reduction in the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels.”
Prof. Dr. Sven Teske of UTS-ISF and scientific lead for the research, says: “Africa has great untapped potential to provide energy for everyone and to supply the required energy for its transition to a middle-income continent. Renewable energy can provide reliable and secure energy demand for all the industries of a growing economy, from heavy industries to services; from residential to commercial buildings; and can supply electricity for transport and food production.”
Currently, nearly half of all Africans, or 720 million of them, live more than 10km from a power line, with many relying on polluting, inefficient fuels like charcoal and wood for cooking. The report argues that expanding decentralised, off-grid renewable energy solutions, such as stand-alone grids and electric cooking technologies, can provide a faster, cheaper route to universal energy access.
Electric cooking, for example, has emerged as a viable and transformative alternative to traditional biomass, which currently accounts for around 70% of Africa’s energy used in cooking and heating. Transitioning to clean electric cooking by 2050 would yield massive health, environmental, and economic benefits, but it will require targeted policies, consumer incentives, and infrastructure investment.
The researchers note that Africa leapfrogging the fossil fuel era and jumping straight to clean energy is not only possible, but also strategically advantageous. The continent has a minimal amount of fossil infrastructure, meaning it can skip the dirty energy systems of the past and move straight to modern, decentralised renewables. Solar alone has a theoretical potential of over 480,000GW.
By 2050, a 100% renewable energy system would require only 2,615GW of installed solar PV and 625GW of wind power, just a sliver of what’s technically available. And this transition would use less than 1% of Africa’s total landmass, despite the huge uptick in electrification and energy use that development will bring.
The findings confirm that a clean energy future is not just technically feasible, but is also the cheapest, healthiest, and fairest route for Africa’s development. Renewables like solar and wind are fast to deploy, increasingly modular, and now the most cost-effective forms of power generation.
The report also presents highlights from more detailed energy transition pathways which were modelled for six African countries (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Malawi, and Tunisia). Further, the report outlines the key principles for a new African energy vision, including African ownership of energy strategies, integration of energy into broader development planning, and a clear policy focus on phasing out fossil fuels in favour of renewables.
Ali Mohamed, Kenya’s Specia Envoy for Climate Change: “A renewable energy revolution in Africa will create millions of jobs, empower local economies, and ensure energy access for every African, including those in the most remote areas. Climate change disproportionately affects Africa, even though we contribute the least to global emissions. By switching to renewables, we protect our lands, secure our future, and become a beacon of sustainable development for the world. This transition is not only necessary, but it is also Africa’s chance to define its own energy destiny and emerge as a leader in the fight against climate change.”
Fatuma Hussein, Deputy Director, Power Shift Africa: “The report confirms what many of us in the continent believe in; that a just transition to a 100% renewable energy future for Africa is not only technically achievable, but also economically and socially transformative. By harnessing our abundant wind and solar potential, we can rapidly close the energy access gap for over 600 million Africans, create millions of decent jobs, and drive a new model of people-centred and climate compatible development. This is about more than clean energy; it’s about transforming Africa’s future and reclaiming our power, our economic prosperity, our resources, and our narrative.”
As world delegations meet at the 62nd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Subsidiary Bodies (SB 62), the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially joined the group of countries participating in discussions on the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts
The Caribbean country becomes the 17th nation to join this global effort to advance a new global treaty to phase out fossil fuel extraction swiftly and equitably. The move underscores the country’s commitment to climate resilience, energy sovereignty, equitable development, and a just transition for all.
Colincia Levine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, stated: “The opportunity that this initiative provides is both timely and strategic. For Saint Kitts and Nevis, a small island state boldly advancing towards energy sovereignty and climate resilience, this partnership offers a meaningful platform to further shape global dialogue and action, grounded in the lived realities of vulnerable yet determined nations.
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with fellow forward-leaning nations, like us, who are navigating the complexities of development while committing to a managed and equitable transition away from fossil fuel dependency. Because ultimately, it is you, it is me, it is us, it is we, together forging a shared future beyond fossil fuel dependency.”
The announcement was made at the Third Senior Officials Meeting of the nation-states participating in discussions on a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, held in Bonn a few days before the start of the UN Talks. Representatives of the participating nations gathered to discuss strategies for advancing the proposed Treaty. The meeting attracted observers from governments in Africa and Asia, signaling growing international interest in a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the third Caribbean nation to officially participate in discussions around a Treaty. Like its other fellow Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the nation is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of marine ecosystems. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture, is increasingly threatened by these climate risks.
Additionally, while Saint Kitts and Nevis has made strides in renewable energy development, it remains almost entirely dependent on fossil fuel imports, which strain public finances and – coupled with debt constraints – hinder its ability to invest in the transition to renewable energy, despite its strong commitment to do so.
By participating in the global effort to pursue negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Saint Kitts and Nevis is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to clean energy. The proposal aligns with the country’s energy target outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, and its broader commitment to the Paris Agreement. This move also opens doors for international cooperation and access to climate finance, critical for building resilience, the energy transition and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Gillian Cooper, Political Director of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, welcomed the support: “Saint Kitts and Nevis’ support is not just a symbolic gesture – it’s a strategic and courageous act of leadership, which also shows a powerful signal of the growing momentum behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. This decision reflects the urgent reality faced by small island developing states, who are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to the crisis.
“By stepping forward as the 17th nation to join this global effort, Saint Kitts and Nevis is not only advocating for its own survival but also setting an example for other nations to prioritise people and planet. This is a critical moment to accelerate international cooperation, and we hope this move will inspire others to join and commit to a just transition for all.”
The Senior Officials meeting was the first of the official 2025 cycle of participating nations. They discussed plans for future convenings of Senior Officials and Ministers in September and at COP30 in November. Participating countries discussed pathways for a Treaty, including a possible dedicated process to focus on the negotiation and development of a Fossil Fuel Treaty in 2026. They also discussed ways to advocate for a Treaty and advance diplomacy with other countries at SB 62, COP30 and in other multilateral and bilateral spaces.
Momentum is growing behind the call to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty. In addition to the 17 participating nation-states, the initiative has also been supported by 135 cities and subnational governments, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, over 1 million individuals including 101 Nobel laureates and 850 elected officials, 37 Indigenous communities from the Amazon, Kenya and India, 4,000 civil society organisations and 3,000 scientists.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Newly constructed CN2 Collector Road Connecting Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi District to Katampe District
Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) and other roads, in Abuja on Thursday, June 19, 2025, to celebrate his second year in office.
The road, from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi District to Judges Quarters in Katampe District, and other roads within Katampe, were constructed by the FCT Administration.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, the president said that his administration would continue to invest in critical infrastructure.
He identified key areas to include roads, bridges, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare.
According to him, infrastructure development is not an expenditure, but a good investment for the people.
“I assure you that we are committed to making sure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
“This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens.
“We believe that infrastructure development is critical to national growth and development.”
Tinubu commended the FCTA Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike and his team for prioritising infrastructure delivery.
He urged the residents of Mabushi, Katampe, and surrounding areas to protect and preserve the roads while using them.
On his part, Wike said that the construction of the roads was flagged off in October 2024 for completion in 12 months.
He, however, said that the contractor, CGC, was able to deliver the roads in about nine months due to its capacity to deliver quality projects, and in time.
The minister said that the roads would not only improve mobility and interconnectivity but improve the economies of the areas.
He particularly said that prices of land in the areas would significantly increase, which would be beneficial to landowners.
Wike attributed the successes being recorded in the delivery of infrastructural projects in the FCT to the continued support of Tinubu.
Earlier, Mr. Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the project was executed by CGC and was flagged off in October 2024.
Dauda said that the CN2 road was a dual carriageway of two lanes each while the other roads were single carriageway.
He added that road projects were executed to provide infrastructure and open up the Katampe District for development.
The Federal Government, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) through its flagship Initiative on Climate Action and Nutrition (I-CAN), and others have convened to integrate climate resilience and nutrition for sustainable food systems.
Stakeholders at the National Consultation on Climate and Nutrition Integration in Abuja on Thursday
This is geared toward achieving improved health outcomes in the country.
The I-CAN framework, launched at COP27 by the Government of Egypt alongside partners like WHO, FAO, UNEP, and GAIN, offers a global model to bridge the policy divide between climate and nutrition.
A study on climate and Nutrition Integration by GAIN was also presented at the National Consultation on Climate and Nutrition Integration in Abuja on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
The report centred around Evidence Generation, Stakeholders Mapping and Policy Landscape Analysis in Nigeria.
Dr Faniran Sanjo, Director, Social Development Department, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said that the study being presented fitted into government efforts to review the National Food and Nutrition Policy.
Sanjo is also the National Convener, Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria.
“It will also help us to address the challenges in our food system, from the point of planting to the dining table, because it is at the dining table that we are mostly looking at the nutrition.
“If climate action is actually giving serious attention, all those things that are affecting nutrition, that are affecting our food system, will definitely be taken care of.
“We are looking up to a robust National Food and Nutrition policy, which the ministry is coordinating with all relevant stakeholders, both at the national and sub national levels of governance,” he said.
Mrs. Ladi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Head of the Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted government’s efforts in implementing policies aimed at promoting nutrition and food security nationwide.
Bako-Aiyegbusi said that the National Policy on Food and Nutrition, National Health Promotion policy and others being implemented nationwide were aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the population.
She said that these policies also addressed the impact of climate change on health, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, amongst others.
According to her, through these policies and strategies being implemented, the government has been able to scale-up nutrition interventions and improve food security, health outcomes, and overall sustainable development.
Dr Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, stressed the urgent need to align Nigeria’s climate and nutrition policies in a coherent, actionable framework.
“Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it is also a nutrition crisis.
“The need to align climate resilience with nutrition outcomes has never been more urgent,” he said.
Mr. Obinna Igwebuike, Co-Founder and CEO, Sawubona Advisory Services, presented the Nutrition Integration: “Evidence Generation, Stakeholders Mapping and Policy Landscape Analysis in Nigeria”.
Igwebuike said that climate change had severely impacted food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
He said that the study showed that over 33 million Nigerians were projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, while over 30 per cent of children under five were currently stunted.
He stressed the need for the urgent implementation of actionable framework that would strengthen Nigeria’s resilience to climate shocks while improving nutrition outcomes.
Oher stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to address the climate-nutrition nexus.
They expressed commitment to building a mission-driven approach to sustainable, climate-resilient nutrition systems in Nigeria, as part of global efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the immediate closure of Oko-Oba Abattoir over environmental violations and inappropriate operational practices.
Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, on an inspection of the Oko-Oba Abattoir
Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this while speaking with journalists after an inspection tour of the abattoir on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Lagos.
Wahab, who expressed disappointment about the situation of the abattoir, admonished the operators for defying regulations.
He, however, appealed to communities to take ownership of their neighbourhoods.
“We got a very strongly worded petition with reference to the state of Oko-Oba Abattoir and got a concurrence petition again from the Ministry of Agric and Food Security.
“They requested that the Ministry of Environment should intervene urgently with respect to the environmental degradation of that facility.
“So, we came this morning, and It’s very heart-wrenching what we saw there. Humans are now occupying tents built purposely for animals.
“The operators have also defied regulations, and they have chosen to be law unto themselves. They slaughter animals, discharge waste into the public drainage system, and it’s just unacceptable,” he said.
He added that the ministry would take a drastic, firm, and decisive action until they were able to comply with the minimum standard.
“The next step is, we are going to take a very drastic, firm and decisive action until they are able to comply with the minimum standard but we have to be very decisive in the next few hours. It’s a catastrophic thing to happen,” he said.
Wahab, who said the ministry would close down the abattoir, noted that they were not working in silos but rather with the Ministry of Agriculture.
“We are the same government. We are not working in silos. I am glad this major complaint came from the Ministry of Agric.
“This system is settled by laws. There are regulations for the abattoir. You can’t choose to defy and go your own way.
“Once we start the enforcement, we are also going to ensure we have the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) there.
“But this is beyond LASEPA. The Lagos Waste Management Authority must have a main station there,” he said.
Wahab who also visited Johnathan Coker Road, along Agege area of the state, expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of infrastructure orchestrated by some mid rants.
He disclosed some individuals had been found chiselling iron rods from bridges and drainage systems funded by taxpayers.
“These infrastructures cost the state huge resources. We can’t build and still police them daily,” he said.
He called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to take ownership.
“The three CDA chairmen here today must step up. It’s your community. Protect what is yours,” he urged.
Wahab also decried residents’ refusal to pay for waste services preferring to dump refuse indiscriminately.
He affirmed that the government was actively prosecuting offenders caught in the act and would not relent in its efforts to enforce environmental laws across the state.
“Our laws are clear. You generate your waste, pay for it. No more freeloading. We are also grateful that many Lagosians are beginning to take ownership and whistle-blow on violations.
“It’s a gradual process, but we’re making progress,” he added.
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, received 119 stolen artefacts from the Government of the Netherlands.
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II
Oba Ewuare attributed the successful return of the artefacts to divine intervention, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhamadu Buhari for their supports and commitment.
He said that both Tinubu and Buhari ensured that the artefacts were not looted for another round.
“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to enable them re-loot our artifacts,’’ he said.
Oba expressed gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for working with them, adding that the gesture had reawakened the courage and morale of Benin people.
He also praised the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his efforts in retrieving the artefacts.
Oba Ewuare used the medium to urge the youths to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
He emphasised that the return of the artefacts was a testament to the power of determination and prayer.
He prayed with the officials of the commission, while hoping that more artefacts be returned in the future.
Earlier, the Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, stated that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are working tirelessly to ensure more return of stolen artefacts.
Holloway noted that the 119 artefacts were the largest number so far received of several stolen artifacts.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, pledged to collaborate with the federal government to improve the storage system for the artefacts.
The state promised to build necessary facilities to preserve the items.
The General-Director of Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, explained that the artefacts were looted; noting that the Netherlands has a policy to return what does belong to them.
She noted that there were more collections in Europe, but they were not under their jurisdiction.
The $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been hailed as a symbol of industrial revolution, driving Nigeria’s economic emancipation.
President/CE, Dangote Industries Ltd (DIL), Aliko Dangote; Coordinator, Technical Committee of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for Sale of Crude and Refined Products in Naira Initiative, Maureen Ogbonna; Vice President, Oil and Gas, DIL, Devakumar Edwin, look on as Assistant Quality Assurance Officer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery Laboratory, Nwankwor Favour Alex, shows samples of products from the refinery during the visit of the Technical Committee to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant, Lekki, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
This commendation was made by the Technical Committee of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for sale of crude and refined products in naira initiative during a tour of the facility on Tuesday.
Coordinator of the OSS Technical Committee, Mrs. Maureen Ogbonna, who led the delegation, described the refinery as a breath of fresh air, impacting virtually every sector of the economy.
“This refinery touches all our lives. There’s scarcely any sector unaffected. From pharmaceuticals to construction, food to plastics, this project is transformational. God has used the President of the Dangote Group to liberate Nigeria. I see this as the beginning of an industrial revolution,” she said.
Noting that, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of achieving full domestic sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning Nigeria as a major global exporter, the committee is committed to eliminating regulatory, operational and logistical barriers that hinder the smooth supply and sale of domestic crude oil and refined products in naira.
Reflecting on the scale and sophistication of the facility, Ogbonna, who had visited during construction and more recently alongside the leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority, expressed continued awe at its execution.
“It is truly mind blowing that one man could envision and execute such a project. As we toured the refinery, we thought we had seen everything until we reached the laboratory. That lab alone is an institution. I don’t know of any institution in Nigeria or even globally that boasts such a laboratory for petrochemical,” she said.
Applauding the engineering feat, Ogbonna urged Dangote to remain focused and undeterred by detractors, emphasising that the project is a global achievement, not a personal enterprise.
“We feel truly honoured to have been warmly received by the President of the Dangote Group and his team. My advice to him is: do not be discouraged by critics. He was never self centred. Despite the obstacles, he was driven by a vision for Nigeria’s future, reaching far beyond Africa,” she added.
In response, Aliko Dangote applauded the technical committee for its role in supporting the implementation of President Tinubu’s laudable Naira-for-Crude initiative. He commended the positive impact of the naira-for-crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, noting that it has led to a reduction in petroleum product prices, eased pressure on the dollar, and ensured the stability of the local currency, among others.
However, he noted that due to a shortage of domestic crude oil, the refinery has increasingly relied on imports from the United States to meet its needs in recent months.
Dangote stressed the importance of bold investment in strategic sectors as a key to industrialisation, revealing that building the refinery required extensive infrastructure development, including a world-class, self-sufficient marine facility capable of accommodating the largest vessels globally. He assured the delegation of the refinery’s commitment to national development.
Designed to process a wide range of crude types including African and Middle Eastern grades as well as US Light Tight Oil, the refinery has the capacity to meet one hundred per cent of Nigeria’s domestic demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation jet fuel, with a surplus available for export.
A vast majority of people believe governments must tax oil, gas and coal corporations for climate-related loss and damage, and that their government is not doing enough to counter the political influence of super rich individuals and polluting industries.
Carbon tax
These are the key findings of a global survey -including responses from South Africa and Kenya – which reflect a broad consensus across political affiliations, income levels and age groups.
The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to raise at least $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035.
The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries.
Sherelee Odayar, Oil and Gas Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa, said: “In Africa, people are feeling the heat – literally – and they’re done footing the bill for disasters driven by record fossil-fuel profits. This survey sends an unmistakable message: our governments have a popular mandate to make oil, gas and coal corporations pay their fair share for the floods, droughts and hunger they’ve helped unleash. A polluter-pays tax would turn dirty profits into clean investments for frontline communities, and that’s the climate justice Africa has been calling for.”
Ali Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Kenya, said: “African Leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, which among others, calls for a global carbon taxation regime, including levies on fossil fuel trade. Kenya co-chairs the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce, which brings together a coalition of willing countries to design and implement progressive levies that reflect the true cost of pollution.
“The principle is simple, sectors profiting from the increasing greenhouse gas emissions that cause the destructive climate change, must be taxed to support climate impacted vulnerable communities in Africa and other developing world, adapt and recover from the devastating losses and damages being suffered so frequently.”
Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, said: “These survey results send a clear message: people are no longer buying the lies. They see the fingerprints of fossil fuel giants all over the storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires devastating their lives, and they want accountability. By taxing the obscene profits of dirty energy companies, governments can unlock billions to protect communities and invest in real climate solutions. It’s only fair that those who caused the crisis should pay for the damage, not those suffering from it.”
Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said:“Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis.
“Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.”
The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that – instead of piling the costs on ordinary people – governments make oil, gas and coal corporations pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.
The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.
The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.
The survey’s findings reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.
