Uganda on Saturday, April 26, 2025, declared the end of the Ebola disease outbreak, less than three months after the virus was confirmed in the capital Kampala.
Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda
During this outbreak, 14 cases, 12 confirmed and two not confirmed through laboratory tests (probable), were reported. Four deaths, two confirmed and two probable, occurred. Ten people recovered from the infection. A total of 534 people were identified as having been in contact with the confirmed and probable cases and were closely monitored.
The last confirmed patient was discharged on March 15, 2025, triggering the 42-day countdown to officially declare the end of the outbreak, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
This was Uganda’s second Ebola outbreak in less than three years. It was confirmed on January 30, 2025. The country’s long-standing experience in managing outbreaks enabled a fast, coordinated, and effective response.
With support from WHO and partners, the Ministry of Health activated national coordination structures, deployed rapid response teams, strengthened surveillance systems and established treatment units. Border health measures, particularly in Kampala and at points of entry, were reinforced to prevent cross-border transmission.
WHO mobilised more than 130 national and international staff to support the response in the areas of case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, and case management. More than 1500 samples were tested with WHO providing logistics, training and quality assurance to ensure biosafety.
WHO also facilitated the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams and anthropologists to reduce stigma, build trust and work with affected communities, which was critical in driving behaviour change.
“This outbreak challenged us in new ways. It touched both urban and rural communities across the country and unfolded against the backdrop of significant global funding constraints,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. The response demonstrated Uganda’s long-standing leadership in tackling public health emergencies. As WHO, we are extremely proud to have supported these efforts every step of the way.”
The Ebola strain that has been contained in Uganda is of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype. This strain is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. In past outbreaks, SVD killed four in 10 of the people infected.
Despite the absence of licensed countermeasures against this species of Ebola, candidate vaccines are in various phases of clinical trials. Within four days of the government’s declaration of the outbreak, a randomised clinical trial for vaccine safety and efficacy using the ring vaccination approach was launched. In addition, the administration of Remdesivir treatment under the Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Experimental Interventions (MEURI) protocol was initiated.
“Uganda’s leadership and resilience were crucial in containing this outbreak,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. From day one, WHO worked hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health, deploying expertise, providing essential supplies, and ensuring every suspected case was investigated. The people of Uganda have shown extraordinary resolve.”
Although the outbreak is over, the Ministry of Health, with continued support from WHO and partners, will continue investing in surveillance, survivor care, and preparedness to ensure Uganda remains safe.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and haziness across Nigeria from Sunday, April 27 to Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Thundery weather
In its weather outlook released on Saturday, April 26 in Abuja, NiMet forecasted moderate dust haze over Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Kano, Yobe, and Jigawa states.
It also predicted isolated thunderstorms in parts of Adamawa and Taraba states throughout the forecast period.
“In the North-central region, NiMet expects partly cloudy skies in the morning with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening hours over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Benue States.
“The South is likely to experience morning thunderstorms in parts of Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states, with thunderstorms expected later in the day in several southern states.
“On Monday, NiMet anticipates sunny skies across the northern region, with morning thunderstorms in parts of Taraba and Adamawa states.
“Thunderstorms are expected to extend to Kaduna, Bauchi, and Gombe states later in the day.
“In the North Central region, morning thunderstorms are likely over Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue states, with thunderstorms forecasted for the afternoon/evening in various parts of the region.”
In the South, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Edo states, with thunderstorms expected later in the day over several southern states.
On Tuesday, NiMet forecasted sunny skies with patches of clouds in the north, with morning thunderstorms in parts of Adamawa and Taraba states.
“Thunderstorms are expected later in the day over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba states.
“The North Central region is expected to see partly cloudy skies in the morning, with thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and Niger states.
“In the southern region, morning thunderstorms are likely in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa states, with thunderstorms predicted later in the day in several states.”
NiMet urged the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas with expected thunderstorms.
It also advised people in the North to be cautious, as dust particles could be suspended in the air.
Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning.
Residents were encouraged to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, available on their website at www.nimet.gov.ng.
In a small village of Unguan Kanawa, Tankarau, Dutsen-Abba Ward, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, a tragic reality has sparked a life-saving transformation.
Polio vaccination in Adamawa State
Many residents in the village had lost their children to measles due to their resistance to vaccination.
This true call confession cane to the fore on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Kaduna at a medical outreach organised by the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board with support from UNICEF.
A cross section of the residents of the community said at the event that after witnessing the devastating effects of the disease, they were now embracing immunisation.
The medical outreach is in commemoration of the African Vaccination/World Immunisation Week which holds from April 24 to 30.
Its has the theme: “Vaccination for all is Humanly Possible”.
The field visit to the village was meant to be an opportunity to monitor executive supervision of the ongoing polio campaign.
It was also to observe and document the impact of mobile outreaches in a zero-dose ward/LGA.
One of the residents, Saudatu Safiyanu, said she lost four children out of six to measles and others to severe fever.
She added that whenever medical teams for vaccination of any kind visited the village, they shied away and hid their children.
Safiyanu said her husband was totally against vaccination.
She said she pleaded with her husband to let their children get immunised but he refused.
Safiyanu recalled: “One day, some of the medical teams came for another vaccination in the village which my husband still refused to let the only two surviving children we have to be immunised.
“I then spoke to one of the officials to talk to my husband, which he did and my husband agreed.
“Since then, my only surviving children are healthy and have not been critically ill to a point that we loose hope or even think of death.
“The vaccinators usually come to our village to persuade and plead with us to bring out our children for immunisation, only few houses comply.
“I observed that those complying are having healthy children who don’t usually fall sick.”
According to her, the refusal is always from the men, adding that the women were always willing to give their children for Immunisation.
“Every mother wants to see her child healthy.
“You could imagine the pain of loosing four children after the whole suffering of carrying them for nine months each in the stomach, and then giving birth to them and they die,” the traumatised mother lamented.
Also, Adamu Musa of the same village, who lost two children to death, said they all died of measles.
Musa said he never believed in the vaccination thinking it was an evil plot against the rural children.
He, however, said he has now been much aware of the benefits and now allows all his children to be immunised.
He urged all men in the village to be informed and avail their children for the immunisation, emphasising the positive health changes he has seen on his surviving children.
The Village Head of Unguan Kanawa, Tankarau, Dutsen Abba Ward, Nasiru Yunusa, said two third of the villagers were avoiding all the kinds of vaccination being brought to them.
He, however, said with constant enlightenment and awareness, the villagers have now accepted the vaccination, decrying that only few of them were yet to do so.
“Those houses that were very stubborn, unfortunately got hit by measles which result to deaths.
“Now, we also have children that are on admissions because of the measles,” Yunusa lamented.
He urged the villager to to accept all the different vaccinations that the government and its partners bring to the people.
He again emphasised that they were not harmful, but aimed at ensuring healthy children and the society.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the outreach, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kaduna, Dr Gerida Birukila, stated the importance of the week, adding that they were also engaging in polio vaccination.
She said that the community had 100 per cent refusal for vaccination three years ago.
“As you have observed for yourself, there is now a serious measles outbreak.
“Several children have never been immunised, and as a result, they are suffering from measles.
“In one family of nine, they have already lost two children and others are still sick.
“So, it is very important for the community to immunise their children,” she said.
Birukila lamented that under the backdrop of vaccine shortages, they were trying to find vaccines for measles.
“There is a shortage in the country, and it is really important that we secure predictable vaccination supplies for the children.
“We are facing many challenges, mainly parental refusal due to lack of belief in immunisation,” the UNICEF top-notch official lamented.
She, however, said through interventions by the community, religious leaders and the government, the community had started accepting immunisation.
Birukila stated that the government was also supporting other services like healthcare to ensure that the community was well supported.
She appealed to parents, community, religious and traditional leaders, the government as well as partners to encourage the uptake of immunisation in order to save lives.
Birukila hoped that predictable funding for vaccination and immunisation would continue.
Also, the Director, Disease Control, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Hamza Ikara, emphasised intensifying routine immunisation to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates nationwide.
He lamented that many children in Ungwan Kanawa had fallen victim to measles due to.the lack of immunisation or missed vaccinations, largely due to parental refusal and non-compliance.
Ikara said that efforts were underway to strengthen surveillance, conduct re-vaccination, and sensitise household heads, securing men’s consent for vaccinations.
“Teams will visit the community today to vaccinate the children.
“The goal is to quickly stop the measles outbreak in the community and across the local government area through vaccination and outreach efforts,” he said.
The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA) has inaugurated a house-to-house polio vaccination campaign to protect children from the debilitating effects of the poliovirus.
The campaign marks the commemoration of the Integrated 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) and African Vaccination Week (AVW).
While inaugurating the campaign on Saturday, the Kogi Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adeiza, emphasised that vaccines save lives.
He highlighted that the key objective of the campaign was to increase immunisation coverage and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Dorcas Enehe, Adeiza urged parents and caregivers to welcome vaccinators and ensured their children were protected through vaccination.
The commissioner stressed that the campaign was focused on prevention, protection, and the collective future of Kogi’s children, urging everyone to work together to keep polio out of the state.
Earlier, Dr Musa Muazu, Executive Director of KSPHCDA, emphasised the importance of immunisation in saving lives and building healthier communities.
He explained that the campaign, which was scheduled to run from April 26 to 29, targeted children, aged 0 to 59 months, with the aim of ensuring that no eligible child was left unvaccinated.
Muazu also lauded the efforts of frontline health workers, community mobilisers, partners, and volunteers who had made the campaign possible.
He reiterated the importance of ensuring equitable immunisation, stating that no child should miss out on vaccines due to their location or background.
Representatives from partner organisations such as WHO, UNICEF, and NPHCDA reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every eligible child in Kogi State was vaccinated.
Traditional leaders, including the Ohiegba of Mozum, HRH King Bukar Khalid, also pledged support to encourage the community to ensure full participation in the vaccination effort.
The Wife of Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu, has called on women and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in the fight against poliomyelitis and other immunisation campaigns.
Aliyu made the call on Saturday during her visit to communities in Dange/Shuni, Sokoto South, and Sokoto North local government areas as part of the ongoing national round of the polio immunisation campaign.
She stressed that the campaign was a critical public health initiative aimed at protecting children under five years old from the debilitating effects of polio and other preventable diseases.
She also called on local communities and health workers to collaborate with the government in overcoming challenges in reaching underserved areas.
Aliyu reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of women and children.
She lauded the efforts of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, the Ministry of Health, and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHDA).
She also acknowledged the contributions of other development partners for their dedication to improving child health in the state
“Every dose of vaccine administered is a step closer to eradicating polio from our villages, states, and the entire nation,” she stated.
In addition, the State Commissioner for Health, Mr. Faruk Umar, emphasised the importance of collective commitment to eliminate polio in Sokoto.
He appealed to parents and traditional leaders to support the campaign, underlining the devastating impact of polio on children and the significance of immunisation.
Umar reassured the public of the political will to improve healthcare services in Sokoto and urged parents to ensure their children received the vaccination.
The national campaign was launched in Dange/Shuni on Friday.
The event was attended by notable figures including UNICEF Chief of Field Sokoto State Office, Mr. Michael Juma; UNFPA Programme Officer, Ms. Gloria Enueze; and officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Also present at the launch were Dr Larai Tambuwal, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHDA), and other stakeholders dedicated to improving public health in Sokoto.
The Kano State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners on Saturday flagged off the 2025 polio immunisation campaign in the state.
Flagging off the exercise in Warawa Local Government Area, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf said the exercise was aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and protecting children from the life-threatening disease.
Kabir-Yusuf, represented by his Deputy and Chairman, Task Force on Immunisation, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, said the resurgence of polio was a serious concern that must be tackled with urgency.
“We will not relent until Kano is completely free from the virus,” he said.
He added that the government, in collaboration with its development partners, would intensify efforts to ensure that every eligible child was reached during the exercise.
The governor urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination, stressing that the vaccine was safe, effective and free.
Kabir-Yusuf also commended health workers and development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dangote Foundation and other BN partners for their continued support.
Michael Banda, the UNICEF Senior Education Manager and Officer-in-Charge, Kano Field Office, said Nigeria remained central to global efforts to stop the transmission of circulating variant polio viruses.
He described Kano as a high-priority state, adding that strong leadership at all levels was crucial to ensuring that every child received life-saving vaccines.
“As the world marks Immunisation Week, it is important to reflect on the impact of vaccines, which have saved over 150 million lives globally in the past 50 years,” he said.
Banda noted that recent global funding cuts posed serious threats to immunisation progress, making unified local action more important than ever.
He said that the oral polio vaccine remained safe and effective, having reduced global polio cases by 99.9 per cent, but warned that just one case could trigger an outbreak.
“To eliminate it, every child under five must be reached in every round of immunisation,” he said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said the campaign would target children under five across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He said thousands of trained personnel had been deployed to conduct house-to-house vaccination to ensure no child was left behind.
Also speaking, the 14th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, commended the state government for launching the exercise in Warawa LGA.
Sanusi, represented by the District Head of Shanono, Dr Lamido Sanusi, urged parents to present their children for the oral polio vaccine, describing it as safe, effective and vital to global efforts to eradicate the disease.
Kano was declared polio-free in 2020 but has recently recorded new variant cases, prompting renewed efforts to contain the disease.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the Bauchi State Government has mobilised traditional rulers to ensure massive 2025 polio vaccine uptake and compliance in the state.
Speaking during the monitoring of the vaccination exercise in Ningi Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office, Bauchi, lauded the Emirs for actively participating in the advocacy of the polio vaccine uptake in the state.
Represented by Mr. Eki George, UNICEF’s Social Behaviour Change Specialist, Rafique acknowledged that the role the traditional rulers would play to ensure massive vaccine compliance and uptake could not be overemphasised.
“It is a welcome development to see our royal fathers taking up the leadership role in leading our communities to do the right thing.
“We are indeed very grateful as we have sought for their roles in this campaign and here they are with us to ensure that our children are all vaccinated.
“We appreciate the presence of the traditional rulers during these monitoring exercises and this will definitely encourage and boost the uptake of the polio vaccine, especially by the non-compliance people in the state.
“This is a campaign where we want to ensure that all the zero dose children in the state receive the life-saving vaccine as well as ensure that the parents especially fathers continuously give consent for their children to be vaccinated,” she said.
Rafique expressed UNICEF’s readiness to support all the LGAs, the communities and the state at large in ensuring that all the qualified children are vaccinated and kick out polio from the state and Nigeria in general.
Also speaking, Alhaji Othman Usman, Emir of Dass, said that the traditional institutions in the state were very committed to ensuring that polio was completely eradicated in Bauchi State this time around.
The First Class Emir, who is the Chairman, Bauchi State Emirate Councils Committee on Health (BASECCOH), said the traditional rulers would be fully involved in the mobilisation of communities, especially the non-compliance for the vaccine uptake.
“There are many communities here that are very known for non-compliance of the polio vaccine and that is why I and the Emir of Ningi have decided to visit the communities by ourselves.
“We are here to sensitise the people of these communities to ensure that the health workers can be able to access each and every household to be able to vaccinate all the eligible children in these communities,” he said.
The Emir also explained that they had been working closely with some Malams and Imams who had been resisting the vaccine in the past, adding that they have all accepted it.
“It’s a very good effort and In-Sha-Allah, we are going to see successes because the issue of resistance is now being taken care of.
“Even the Imams that were resisting to some extent before are now with us and one of them just did a symbolic vaccination of some children,” he said.
The Emir of Dass was accompanied by the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Haruna Danyaya and some religious and community leaders.
The Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ADPHCDA) has launched a polio vaccination campaign targeting no fewer than 1.4 million children, with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking at the 2025 National Immunisation Day celebration in Malkohi, Yola South LGA, on Saturday, the State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said the aim of the exercise is to protect the lives and future of children.
Fintiri, who was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Mijinyawa, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, said healthcare is one of the priorities of his administration.
He called on traditional leaders to encourage parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination during the campaign to eradicate polio from the state.
Fintiri urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the campaign’s success.
In her address, UNICEF Chief of the Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, also appealed to parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign as a final opportunity to eradicate polio.
She said UNICEF is working closely with the state government to improve the wellbeing of children in the state and the country at large.
She stressed that the vaccine is safe and effective, and called for the support and acceptance of the people.
Dr Yusuf Abdulkareem, Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Adamawa, urged parents to take every immunisation exercise seriously to boost the immunity of children, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Abdulkareem also called on the government to intensify efforts in the fight against malaria in the state.
Alhaji Zubairu Mustapha, District Head of Yola South LGA, appreciated the contributions of partners in the health sector and assured full loyalty to the state government in efforts to improve healthcare.
He further pledged to intensify efforts in sensitising their subjects towards promoting the wellbeing of their children.
By Sani Idris, Stephen Adeleye, Habibu Harisu, Muhammad Nur Tijani, Olaide Ayinde and Ibrahim Kado
At sunrise and sunset many Ghanaian households strike the match to burn charcoal or wood to heat water and prepare meals.
Biofuel clean cooking stove
Behind the familiar crackle of flames lies a glowing crisis: household air pollution, deforestation, and the rising cost of traditional fuels.
As Ghana seeks cleaner, safer alternatives, bioethanol fuel is emerging as a game-changer in the clean cooking revolution.
A Renewable Flame
Bioethanol is a renewable, alcohol-based fuel produced through the fermentation of organic materials like sweet sorghum, cassava peels, maize stalks, sugarcane molasses, and food waste.
When burnt in clean cookstoves, it emits little to no smoke, offering a healthier and environmentally friendly cooking solution.
“Bioethanol offers a triple win – for the environment, public health, and energy access. It is one of the most scalable solutions to Ghana’s clean cooking challenge,” says Benjamin Boakye, the Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy in a recent study.
A Country in Need of Change
Seven out of 10 households in Ghana rely on solid fuels such as firewood and charcoal for daily cooking, according to data by the Ghana Statistical Service.
This practice is not only a leading cause of indoor air pollution—linked to respiratory illnesses, especially among women and children—but also a major driver of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, says Dr Emmanuel Y. Tenkorang, an Associate Professor at the Department of Environment, Governance and Sustainable Development, the University of Cape Coast.
“We found out that most homes use charcoal and the danger is that some homes do not have kitchens. In most cases, it is just the corridor that has been converted into a cooking area, using thick plastic to cover so often the fumes easily travel to the main house,” he adds.
According to the Ghana’s Ministry of Health, indoor air pollution is responsible for more than 18,000 premature deaths annually.
The country loses about 135,000 hectares of forest every year, much of it to fuelwood extraction.
“Switching to clean fuels like ethanol could drastically reduce these losses while improving lives,” notes Prof. Tenkorang.
A 2023 study by the Energy Commission estimated that Ghana has the potential to produce over 200 million litres of bioethanol annually from agro-waste alone – enough to supply clean fuel to nearly five million households if harnessed effectively.
The Untapped Potential of Bioethanol Production
A quiet transformation is taking root in Ghana’s clean energy sector as researchers and local partners work to establish sweet sorghum as a reliable raw material for bioethanol production.
After months of agronomic trials and feasibility assessments, the initiative has successfully identified suitable sweet sorghum varieties and is now preparing to construct a dedicated 81-litter per day bioethanol refinery to convert the crop’s sugary stalks into clean cooking fuel.
Led by the Ecolinks in collaboration with researchers and private sector actors, the project marks a significant step toward reducing dependence on wood fuels and promoting locally sourced renewable energy.
“The main focus for last season was to test the crop under different climatic conditions. We had a good outcome because even in the midst of the dry spell which affected cereals especially maize. The sweet sorghum did great,” Mr. Isaac Seidu Atayure, a project Officer at Ecolinks, says.
For this cropping season, the team is opening it up to farmers and testing additional varieties from Advanta international and ICRISAT.
A viable sweet sorghum variety that grows well in southern, middle and northern Ghana has been identified.
“The project will be operating on two models; one is to cultivate sweet sorghum on our production sites and the other is to engage Out-growers to grow sweet sorghum for us to buy. The initial phase is to develop 4000ha under both models to feed our refinery,” says Mr. Atayure..
“Sweet sorghum is an excellent feedstock for bioethanol production and unlike cassava it is not a stable food crop. Our model allows farmers to grow their food crops while ensuring a regular supply of feedstock for our refinery. We see sweet sorghum as a new revenue source for farmers to tap into,” he says.
Government welcomes initiatives that will explore the potential in bioethanol which include that of Eco links.
Mr. Seth Mahu, the Renewable Energy Director at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, tells the GNA that the government supports biofuel production and adequate provision has been made for its development in the country.
Aside from it being a substitute for clean cooking, he says the country has made provision for biofuel to be blended with conventional fuel to reduce the carbon level and make it viable
Mr. Mahu explains that a national biofuel policy is being developed, with stakeholder consultations already conducted in some regions to guide feedstock choice, production standards, land use, and ensure food security is protected.
Persons with deep knowledge in the sector like Mr. Benjamin Boakye, say the potential is huge but manufacturers and governments must heighten research on the most efficient ethanol-based cookstoves to replace the existing ones with design and operational flexibility challenges.
Mr. Johnson Penn, Chief Executive Officer of EcoLinks, is also suggesting to the government to provide incentives, including tax exemptions on bioethanol fuel and stoves, to make clean cooking solutions affordable and accessible for low-income households.
For now, the flame is small – but with the right support, it could light the way for millions of Ghanaians toward a healthier, greener tomorrow.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to include critical voices in national climate change policy formulations.
Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC
Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC, made the call at the opening session of the Post COP29 Review Meeting held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Abuja.
The meeting was organised by the NLC Climate Change, Green Jobs and Just Transition Programme with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Ugboaja, represented by Mr. Ismali Bello, Assistant General Secretary, NLC, said such critical voices include the trade unions, women, youths, employees of labour and persons living with disabilities, among others.
He said that such inclusion would help address the problem of climate injustice happening in the country.
“The truth is that we cannot be complaining of climate injustice at the global arena and be perpetuating the same at the national level through the shutting out of critical voices in the development of national climate change policies for our country.
“I must remind us that as trade unions, we feel a sense of loss at the denial of the key demands made by the working class and even some slips in major wins secured at previous COPs and COP29.
“This includes the situation of workers and their communities as the epicentre of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP).
“In the processes leading up to COP29 especially the subsidiary bodies meetings, the emphasis on workers and their communities was subsumed under the general blanket of a people centred Just Transition.
“Well, the point is not lost. Even under the canopy of a people-centred Just Transition, we maintain that workers, their families and communities are the major people under consideration,” Ugboaja said.
He, however, said that climate change was a workplace phenomenon as most of the emissions happen in and around its corridors, adding that workers were also at the frontline of climate change impact and ruin.
Ugboaja added that this meant that workers through their trade unions must be around the driving seat of climate change policy formulations and actions at all levels as it’s action and associated response measures toll heavily on workers.
“Anything contrary would be an adventure in ghost chasing and grand greenwashing.
“It is on this note that we call for the review of the process for the development of the Just Transition Guidelines for Nigeria,” Ugboaja said.
Ms Inviolata Chinyagarara, ILO Senior Specialist Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), in her remarks said that the workshop aimed at enhancing trade union advocacy for and contributing to a just transition and green jobs at local, national and international levels.
She said ACTRAV had been clear on the following key messages which were also a call to action for trade unions; for Trade unions to play an effective part in the Just Transition.
According to her, building trade unions’ capacity to navigate uncertainty and change, adapting to changing dynamics in the labour markets and changing needs of workers, and positioning themselves strategically for the future is crucial.
“The voice of workers and their trade unions need to be at the centre of just transition and green jobs policy dialogue.
“It is, therefore, crucial for trade unions to build requisite capacities to influence policy makers to develop and consider integrated policy systems.
“This is to ensure policy coherence on how climate and employment goals must go hand in hand. Indeed, this workshop is timely, and it is aimed at scaling up ongoing trade union interventions,” she said.
Similarly, Girzo Adamu, Director, Special Duties and Projects, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the Federal Government was committed to the achievement of the Just Transition Guidelines.
“I want to assure you that the Just Transition Guidelines is about to be 80 per cent delivered.
“I want to encourage you all not to give up on the demands of labour in the inclusion the Just Transition Guidelines.
“Because we were so touched that labour issues were left behind in Just Transition Guidelines and even the consultant accepted the mistake,” he said.
Dr Peter Tarfa, a consultant on climate change, urged the NLC to participate in the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0, for climate action plans due for 2025.
He said the NDC is the road map that every country uses for its climate actions.
On the upcoming Climate Change Conference (COP) in Brazil, Tarfa advised labour to put in place work plans before attending the conference.
He also said that proper research should be done for the agenda setting, kind of negotiations that should be push forward among others.
At a high-stakes virtual summit on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva brought together 17 national leaders from major economies and climate-vulnerable countries. The goal was to accelerate global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which will be hosted in Brazil.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (on screen) addresses world leaders at a virtual meeting on climate action. Photo credit: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
The meeting was part of a joint mobilisation strategy by the two leaders to strengthen global action under the Paris Agreement and build momentum for stronger national climate plans to be announced in 2025.
The two-hour session held behind closed doors included China, the European Union, the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and small island developing States.
Mr. Guterres described it as one of the most diverse meetings of national leaders focused exclusively on climate for some time, carrying a powerful unifying message.
“As we heard today, the world is moving forward. Full-speed ahead. No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution”, he declared at a press briefing afterwards.
New national commitments
He said many leaders pledged to deliver ambitious new climate plans, formally known as National Determined Contributions (NDCs), as soon as possible in what he called a “strong message of hope”.
Guterres announced that President Xi Jinping confirmed during the meeting that China’s updated NDCs would cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases – a clarification he described as “extremely important” for climate action.
He added that these pledges provide a vital opportunity to chart a bold path for the next decade and most importantly, help speed up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables.
‘Economic opportunity of the century’
Renewable energy production is “the economic opportunity of the century,” he said, describing it as the “pathway out of climate hell.”
“The clean energy sector is booming – creating jobs and boosting competitiveness and growth worldwide…Science is on our side and economics have shifted.”
The UN chief noted that prices for renewables have fallen dramatically, offering “the surest route to energy sovereignty and security, ending dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuel imports.”
Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, global projections for warming have declined, from over 4°C this century to 2.6°C if current plans are implemented.
But that still falls short of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – the goal agreed in Paris by nations and endorsed by climate scientists.
The Secretary-General urged leaders to submit national plans that align with that target, cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, and signal a full commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Strategic mobilisation
According to a senior UN official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss background prior to the meeting, Wednesday’s summit was “just another step” in the important effort to sustain political momentum during a pivotal year for combating climate change.
The group of invitees, the official said, was “small but representative,” including major economies, regional powers, former COP hosts, and climate-vulnerable nations.
“This is a really important year,” the official said, pointing to the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the upcoming deadline for countries to submit new climate plans.
“This meeting is about reminding leaders that climate remains a key priority – that collaboration and multilateralism still matter.”
A senior Brazilian official who also took part in the background briefing said the UN climate summit in Belém will move beyond negotiations to focus on implementation, transparency, and delivery. “We have already negotiated enough…now the world wants to see action – results, examples, solutions.”
The official also stressed that demonstrating tangible outcomes is essential for restoring trust in multilateralism.
“We want to prove that multilateralism is not only about negotiating documents,” they said, “but about making them real.”
Call for justice and finance
Mr. Guterres underscored the need to direct far more support to developing countries, which face the most severe impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions.
“Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming – and the Pacific islands are seeing faster sea-level rise – even while the global average itself is accelerating,” he said.
He called on countries to deliver a credible roadmap to mobilise $1.3 trillion per year for developing nations by 2035, double adaptation finance to $40 billion this year, and increase contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund created at COP28.
No let up on climate action
The Secretary-General also announced a high-level UN event in September – just weeks ahead of COP30 – to assess progress on climate plans and finance.
The message was clear, according to Mr. Guterres. “We cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.”
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, embarked on an eco-friendly environment and vehicle emissions reduction campaign to enlighten residents on the benefits of clean energy through a road show.
Mr. Toyin Aremu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, sensitising Lagos residents at Ojuelegba under-bridge
The intiative tagged, “EcoMove Lagos 2025‘, is a week-long campaign aimed at advancing sustainable transportation and environmental responsibility across the state.
It is driven by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation with the theme: “EcoMove: Connecting Communities, Reducing Emissions, The Role of Public Transportation in Achieving Sustainable Goals.”
The road show, which started from Oshodi to Mushin, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Oyingbo, CMS and Ikoyi, ended at Lekki phase One.
Speaking at the road show, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Toyin Aremu, said the initiative, the first of its kind, was powered by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and being executed by the Ministry of Transportation.
“This initiative is to promote eco-friendly environment. As a government, we prioritise healthy living of people most especially Lagos residents.
“That is the reason we came up with this initiative and we are throwing more light on how people should support what government is doing in terms of eco-friendly environment,” he said.
Aremu said the campaign would support the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative of the Federal Government and help in vehicle emissions reduction.
“We are trying to promote the use of CNG and the electric vehicle so that we can have no emission in the state.
“This will also be of benefit to Lagos residents in terms of healthy living and cost reduction.
“My advice to drivers and other stakeholders in the transportation sector is that there should be collaboration in this aspect. There is the need to engage people in terms of how they promote the environment.
“Drivers are advised to always pick up passengers at designated parks and prioritise their safety by obeying traffic rules and regulations,” he said.
He disclosed that the campaign would be a continuous initiative.
At Ojuelegba under-bridge, Aremu appreciated all the traffic officers comprising the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps, Vehicle Inspection Service and the Nigeria Police for their efforts in making Lagos an eco-friendly environment.
He encouraged residents to prioritise the use of government owned mode of transportation to support eco-friendly environment and reduce traffic gridlock on the roads.
“Government cannot do it alone, we need the support of all Lagos residents, all drivers, conductors, mechanics, all professionals, to reduce vehicle emissions and encourage environmental safety,” he said.
Also, the Coordinator of EcoMove Lagos, Mr. Suraj Adebakin, described the state as a cosmopolitan city.
Adebakin said the initiative would help in making Lagos the biggest economy in Africa.
“In doing this, we need to consider our health, resources and this programme is geared towards achieving reduced carbon emission and make people to take advantage of the federal and state governments initiative on CNG powered vehicles.
“The initiative will add value to our people by making sure that many of our youths get the requisite training in fixing and managing technologies that will help this eco-friendly initiative move further,” he said
He said the programme started with a clean-up at mechanic villages followed by medical outreach in motor parks where drugs and clinical test were conducted on drivers and others. “Today, we are showcasing the synergy between LASTMA, road safety and others, creating the bond for building a better society,” he said.
Filipino environmental justice organisation, BAN Toxics, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, joined the 13th advocacy “Fun Walk” in celebration of Autism Awareness Month in Daet, Camarines Norte, highlighting the urgent need to protect children and the general public from exposure to toxic chemicals and waste.
BAN Toxics joined the ARNP 13th advocacy “Fun Walk” in celebration of Autism Awareness Month
Carrying the theme “Uplifting Children with Autism Through Unconditional Support is Our Lifetime Legacy,” the Fun Walk was led by the Daet-based Autism Recovery Network of the Philippines (ARNP), in partnership with local government units, various institutions, and the private sector.
According to BAN Toxics, there is increasing scientific evidence suggesting that ecological exposure to toxic chemicals, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to a higher risk of autism in children, with ongoing studies continuing to strengthen this connection.
“Some of the available studies, including more recent ones, identify toxic chemicals present in everyday items – such as heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium, as well as chemicals found in plastics like phthalates – that contribute to the risk of autism,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer at BAN Toxics.
Dizon added that these toxic chemicals can be found in a variety of everyday items.
“For example, lead and mercury are often present in paints, some imported toys, and electronics. Arsenic and cadmium can be found in contaminated water, food, and even some clothing or jewelry. Chromium, commonly used in industrial products, can also be present in some household cleaning agents and paints. Meanwhile, phthalates are frequently used in plastics and are found in items such as food packaging, vinyl flooring, cosmetics, and personal care products like shampoos and lotions.”
According to the Autism Society Philippines, one in 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum, which translates to about 1.2 million people.
This year’s 1.5-kilometre Fun Walk was attended by around 1,500 participants who assembled at the Freedom Park of the Provincial Capitol. The walk passed through the inner streets of the town and continued along the main roads to Barangay Bagasbas.
“There is still so much work to be done in raising public awareness and understanding of autism,” said ARNP President and Founder, Marilou Lagdameo Park. “Through activities like the Fun Walk, we hope to foster a more compassionate and informed community, one that embraces children with autism and supports them with the unconditional care they deserve.”
Among the highlights of the festivities was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between BAN Toxics and ARNP to promote awareness on the potential impact of toxic substances on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, and to support affected families through joint campaigns, community education, and advocacy for safer, toxics-free environments.
Prior to the Fun Walk, BAN Toxics and ARNP conducted a few other awareness activities such as the webinar on the importance of diet and food sensitivities in patient with autism on April 11, and a Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Programme (TFSP) seminar on April 25, 2025, at the Hope Science Technology and San Isidro Elementary School in Daet on April 28.
TFSP is an initiative by BAN Toxics aimed at creating safe and healthy learning environments for children by addressing toxic chemicals and waste in schools, homes, and communities. The program focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of toxic substances and promoting the use of sustainable, safer alternatives.
Part of this initiative is the group’s Safe Toys for Kids Campaign, which calls on the government to step up regulation on the presence of toxic chemicals in toys and ensure that products marketed to children are properly labeled, tested for safety, and free from hazardous substances.
“As we continue to raise awareness and strengthen partnerships, we hope to build a future where every child – especially those with developmental conditions like autism – can grow, learn, and thrive in safe and healthy environments, free from toxic threats,” the group said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, on Friday, April 25, 2025, led an inter- agency team on a tour of Dangote Refinery in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Lagos State Government and Dangote Refinery officials during the tour
The Commissioner, who spoke recently during the tour, said that its aim was to assess physical planning related issues in the facility and give appropriate advice.
“Our presence here today with other Lagos State MDAs underscores the importance the government accords the Lekki corridor, whose development must be well coordinated in line with the state’s blueprint,” he said.
He added that the preparation of two Development Plans, Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan and Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan, to address the needs of the axis, was in recognition of the important growth pole that the area is fast becoming.
He said that Dangote Refinery was a very significant investment in Lagos State, whose smooth operation for an orderly and sustainable environment was the watchword of the State Government.
Considering the impacts of the refinery and its proposed gantry on Dangote Road, Olumide advised on the application of integrated transportation planning and the maintenance of physical planning standards.
A gantry is a bridge-like overhead structure with a platform supporting equipment such as a crane, signals or cameras.
He explained that the involvement of other MDAs in the tour would facilitate inter-agency collaboration, promote a comprehensive understanding of the refinery’s impact, and support informed decision-making for future development.
Earlier, the CEO Dangote Projects and other management staff of the organisation briefed the delegation on the mode of operation of the Refinery.
MDAs involved in the tour were Office of Physical Planning, Office of Infrastructure, Office of Surveyor-General, Ministry of the Environment (Office of Drainage Services), LASIMRA, Lands Bureau, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Transportation.
From drought-fueled wildfires in California to catastrophic floods in New England, it’s difficult to deny global warming is creating a spiralling climate crisis.
Now, a new study squarely points the finger at those largely responsible.
Damage as a result of global warming can come in the form of wildfires, crop damage and extreme weather events like floods and storms. Pictured, damage after a tornado moved through Greenfield, Iowa, Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Scientists at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire say just 111 companies have cost the world a whopping $28 trillion (£21 trillion) in climate damage since the early 1990s.
At the top of the list is oil company Saudi Aramco, which is responsible for $2.05 trillion in global economic losses from intensifying extreme heat.
Also culpable are Russian energy company Gazprom (responsible for about $2 trillion in losses) and American oil and gas giant Chevron ($1.98 trillion in losses).
Others in the top 10 list are fossil fuel burners ExxonMobil, BP (British Petroleum), Shell, National Iranian Oil Co., Pemex, Coal India and the British Coal Corporation.
Without these offenders, the “climate catastrophe” likely would not be happening, the experts say.
“We argue that the scientific case for climate liability is closed,” said study author Justin Mankin, climate researcher at Dartmouth College.
Energy companies such as Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, Chevron ExxonMobil and BP extract fossil fuels from the Earth such as oil and gas.
When these fossil fuels are burnt to harvest their energy, they release vast quantities of planet-warming gases into the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide and methane.
But the damage as a result of this global warming – in the form of wildfires, crop damage and extreme weather events like floods and storms – has a huge financial cost.
This new study links emissions from some of the trillion-dollar fossil-fuel companies with specific damages linked to climate change.
It’s possible due to an increased availability of climate and socioeconomic data, plus methodological advances in “climate attribution science” – a form of modeling that allows scientists to track the effects of climate change almost in real time.
Results show extreme heat linked to carbon dioxide and methane from the 111 companies cost the world economy $28 trillion from 1991 to 2020.
Around a third of total losses ($9 trillion/£6.7 trillion) were attributable to the five top-emitting firms – Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, Chevron, ExxonMobil and BP.
Emissions linked to Chevron, the highest-emitting investor-owned company in the data, likely caused up to $3.6 trillion (£2.7 trillion) in heat-related losses over the period, the team report.
Pollution from Chevron, for example, has raised the Earth´s temperature by 0.045°F (0.025°C).
According to the researchers, more than half of the 111 companies are based in the US – but the US, as well as Europe, see “milder costs from extreme heat” compared with South America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
They also figure that every 1 per cent of greenhouse gas put into the atmosphere since 1990 has caused $502 billion in damage from heat alone – so not including costs incurred by other extreme weather such as hurricanes, droughts and floods.
The team compare the liability of fossil fuel companies today to the damage caused by pharmaceutical and tobacco companies in the 20th century.
In fact, the team think it will soon be possible to successfully sue big companies for damaging the climate.
Already, local and national governments have directly sought compensation from fossil fuel companies, but many of these actions are being challenged or slowed in court.
This is partly due to the difficulty in showing that specific climate impacts occurred because of any one company’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The research firm Zero Carbon Analytics counts 68 lawsuits filed globally about climate change damage, with more than half of them in the United States.
“Just as a pharmaceutical company would not be absolved from the negative effects of a drug by the benefits of that drug, fossil fuel companies should not be excused for the damage they’ve caused by the prosperity their products have generated,” added Callahan.
The study, published in Nature, answers a question first posed in 2003 of whether science could ever link an individual firm’s emissions to climate change.
“Over 20 years later, we find the answer to be yes,” said Professor Mankin, who directs the Climate Modeling and Impacts Group at Dartmouth.
“Our framework can provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
“This should help courts better evaluate liability claims for the losses and disruptions resulting from human-caused climate change.”
Michael Mann, a University of Pennsylvania climate scientist who wasn’t involved in the study, thinks there are many other climate variables unaccounted for.
So, the numbers that Callahan and Mankin came up with are probably a vast underestimate of the damage the companies have really caused, he said.
