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78th World Health Assembly concludes amid historic outcomes, consequential highlights

Michael Simire
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78th World Health Assembly concludes amid historic outcomes, consequential highlights

The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), the annual meeting of World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Member States, came to a close on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as health leaders lauded vast accomplishments and global solidarity.

World Health Assembly
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (L) delivers his report before delegates during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2025. Photo credit: VCG

The Assembly, WHO’s highest decision-making body, convened from May 19 to May 27, under the theme “One World for Health”. Member States considered approximately 75 items and sub-items across all areas of health, engaging in lively debate and adopting consequential resolutions to improve health for all.

“The words ‘historic’ and ‘landmark’ are overused, but they are perfectly apt to describe this year’s World Health Assembly,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and the approval of the next increase in assessed contributions, along with the numerous other resolutions that Member States adopted are a sign to the world that we can achieve cooperation in the face of conflict, and unity amid division.”

World’s first pandemic agreement: equity for all

On May 20, Member States adopted the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement. The moment was met with heartfelt applause, celebrating over three years of intense negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, comprising WHO’s Member States.

The adoption of the Agreement is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard the world from a repeat of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Agreement aims to enhance global coordination and cooperation, equity and access for future pandemics, all while respecting national sovereignty.

Over the next year, Member States will build on the Resolution, by holding consultations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS), an annex to the Agreement which would enhance equitable access to medical advancements.

Sustainable financing: protecting the future of global health

In a changing financial landscape, Member States united to protect WHO’s critical work by approving the second 20% increase in assessed contributions (ACs). By 2030–2031, ACs will make up 50% of WHO’s core budget, providing more predictable, resilient, and flexible funding.

The Assembly’s commitment to sustainable financing did not stop there; at a high-level pledging event during WHA78, health leaders pledged at least $210 million for WHO’s Investment Round, the fundraising campaign for the Organisation’s global health strategy for the next four years (the Fourteenth General Programme of Work). In addition to the $1.7 billion already raised for the Investment Round, these pledges mark a significant step toward sustainable financing of WHO. Since launching in May 2024, the Investment Round has attracted 35 new contributors – moving WHO closer to the broader donor base envisioned in the Director-General’s ongoing transformation agenda.

Action for health: major decisions and resolutions

WHA 78 was steadfast in addressing ongoing health issues and adaptable in targeting threats and conflicts. The accomplishments of the Assembly spanned many areas of health as Member States 

  • adopted a new resolution highlighting the global health financing emergency;
  • endorsed first-ever resolutions on lung and kidney health, highlighting the upcoming UN General Assembly focus on noncommunicable diseases;
  • adopted a new resolution on science-driven norms and standards for health policy and implementation;
  • adopted a new target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040; 
  • adopted an innovative resolution to promote social connection with growing evidence linking it to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of early death; 
  • adopted a resolution for a lead-free future;
  • adopted a resolution to address rare diseases, protecting the over 300 million people globally who live with one of more than 7,000 rare diseases;
  • agreed to expand the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to tackle the digital marketing of formula milk and baby foods; 
  • adopted a resolution to accelerate the eradication of Guinea worm disease.

The Assembly adopted other resolutions on digital health, the health and care workforce, medical imaging, nursing and midwifery, sensory impairment, and skin diseases, among others. Two new official WHO health campaigns were established: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and World Prematurity Day.

Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response

The World Health Assembly also discussed WHO’s work in health emergencies. Over the last year, WHO responded internationally to 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries and territories, including global outbreaks of cholera and mpox – a public health emergency of international concern – as well as multiple humanitarian crises. Working with over 900 partners across 28 health clusters, WHO helped provide health assistance for 72 million people in humanitarian settings. Nearly 60% of new emergencies were climate-related, highlighting the growing health impacts of climate change.

During the Assembly, Member States

  • considered matters pertaining to WHO’s work in health emergencies and commended the Organisation’s leadership in this space;
  • noted the Director-General’s report on implementation of the health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) framework and expressed their support for the strengthening of the global architecture;
  • considered the health needs of people in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territory;
  • noted the Director-General’s report on progress made in implementing the International Health Regulations (2005); and
  • approved a resolution to strengthen the research base on public health and social measures to control outbreaks.

Mexico’s new National Climate Strategy a roadmap to prosperity, economic stability – Stiell

Michael Simire
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Mexico’s new National Climate Strategy a roadmap to prosperity, economic stability – Stiell

Remarks of UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell during the presentation of Mexico’s National Climate Strategy on Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Mexico
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, speaking during the presentation of Mexico’s National Climate Strategy. Photo credit: Miguel Ángel Gutiérrez

This National Climate Strategy is much more than a policy document.

I see it as a declaration of national determination: a blueprint to turn climate ambition into real results that strengthens Mexico’s economy and businesses, and continues to raise the Mexican people up.

It is a roadmap to Mexican prosperity, social development, and economic stability for the next decade.

What’s especially powerful about this strategy is its grounded in the real world of modern Mexico – in the real social and environmental needs of big cities and communities across this extraordinary country.

Because when we talk about climate action, we’re ultimately talking about strengthening resilience and boosting opportunities: in homes, farms, schools, and small businesses.

A strong plan – be that your National Climate Strategy, or Mexico’s forthcoming Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement – is not just about cutting planet-heating pollution, it’s also about livelihoods, resilience, and building prosperity.

It’s about shielding rural farmers from drought.

Climate plans must also be about powering remote villages with solar energy, and ensuring clean air in cities which will slash health costs for governments and households.

Creating well-paid jobs, driving growth and innovation, tackling poverty, and building a more equitable, sovereign and prosperous Mexico.

And this strategy has the power to do just that.

It reflects Mexico’s commitment to inclusive development.

So from just energy reforms that strive towards universal electrification, to rural solar projects, clean public transport, and climate-smart agriculture – this is climate action that puts people and communities first.

The clean energy transition is now a 2 trillion-dollar global market.

In my visits this year to other major economies – the EU, India, China, Brazil, Nigeria – it is very clear the global renewable boom will keep growing.

With the right policies and a bold new climate plan, Mexico can become a magnet for sustainable investment and innovation.

You have all of the ingredients: abundant renewable resources, a dynamic workforce, and a clear national vision.

But ambition alone isn’t enough.

To succeed, implementation must be coordinated and inclusive.

That means aligning national policy and local priorities.

It means involving all sectors, empowering subnational governments, Indigenous communities, and civil society with the tools, finance and knowledge they need to act.

Mexico has a golden opportunity to ensure that climate action benefits all sectors: across agriculture and rural areas, energy, healthcare, transportation, improving the quality of life of all citizens.

At UN Climate Change we also have a special role to play – helping to translate your action, into wider global progress.

Because no country can fight climate change alone. That’s why we urge you to build on this strategy and to submit a strong Nationally Determined Contribution.  It is entirely in the interests of all Mexico’s people, businesses and economy to do so.

The stronger the NDC, the bigger the benefits that will flow to Mexico. This kind of clear policy direction will attract even more investment, making Mexico a crucial hub for the clean energy economy, and a top ten global economy.

We stand ready to support your work.

So friends,

Let this launch be the signal: that climate action in Mexico will be bold, inclusive, and relentlessly focused on getting real-world results.

Thank you – and congratulations on this important step forward.

Food security: Nigeria secures $134m loan facility from AfDB – Minister

Michael Simire
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Food security: Nigeria secures $134m loan facility from AfDB – Minister

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has secured a loan facility of $134 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to help farmers boost seeds and grain production in the country.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made this known at the unveiling of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming in Calabar, Cross River State.

Kyari explained that, with the reintroduction of the national dry season farming to boost year-round agricultural production, the loan would be handy as well as guarantee national food security in the country.

He said that the initiative was under the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project.

He noted that the federal government had declared an emergency on food production to enable all Nigerians get easy access to quality and nutritional food at affordable rates.

The minister also said that the government plans on using the agricultural sector for national economic revival through increase in the production of some staple food crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava during both the dry and wet season farming.

He added that no fewer than 107,429 wheat farmers have been supported under phase 1 of the 2023/2024 dry season, and 43,997 rice farmers under the second phase of the 2023/2024 dry season.

He explained that, recently, government supported 192,095 rice, maize, sorghum/millet, soya bean and cassava farmers under the 2024 wet season across the 37 states, including the FCT.

He said that Cross River was leading 16 other states in wheat production, adding that more than 3,000 wheat farmers have been listed to benefit from the support to grow the grain.

Kyari said this informed why the federal government was partnering with the state to kick-start the maiden wheat production and enlisting them among states commencing the current 2024/2025 dry season farming.

”In the 2024/2025 dry season farming, the project is targeted to support 250,000 wheat farmers across the wheat-producing states with subsidised agricultural inputs.

”250,000 hectares of land will be cultivated with an expected output of about 750,000 metric tonnes of wheat, which is to be added to the food reserve to reduce dependence on the importation of the product, and also increase domestic consumption.

“The programme will also provide support to 150,000 rice farmers under the second phase to cover all the 37 states, including the FCT, with an expected output of about 450,000 metric tonnes,” Kyari said.

On the agriculture mechanisation programme, the minister disclosed that the Economic Council received a briefing and approved the Greener Hope Agric mechanisation consortium, which is a 10-year programme totalling $1 billion in investments.

He said that the consortium was expected to set up 1,000 agro centres with service providers across the country.

He also said that the centres were also expected to engage about 600,000 youths, providing 2,000 tractors yearly for the next five years.

The minister further said that the government had commenced the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to Nigerians at subsidised rates of N40,000 per 50-kilogramme bag, adding that the exercise would be carried out across the country.

“It is expected that with the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes (1,000 trucks of 30MT) each of this important staple food into Nigeria’s food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other close food substitutes and alternatives,” he said.

Kyari emphasised that the ministry’s presidential priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda was to boost agriculture to achieve food security, enhance infrastructure, and improve transportation as growth enablers.

“We are also focusing on improving governance for effective service delivery,” he said.

 The minister also revealed that the ministry, in response to ginger blight disease in some parts of the country, had put in place an initiative for tackling ginger blight attack by disbursing N1.6 billion to support affected ginger farmers in Kaduna and Plateau states.

Kyari said that a ginger master plan was developed to facilitate self-sufficiency and promote exports for foreign exchange earnings.

He added that in response to a Presidential directive, the ministry released to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the Federal Government Strategic Food Reserve for distribution.

He said the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains had been delivered to all the states, as well as 20 trailers of rice per state.

He also said that the ministry carried out the fortification of crops with vitamin A micronutrients to enrich the content and health value of food commodities.

On pest control, the minister said the ministry conducted an aerial control operation to mitigate trans- boundary pest challenges.

“We supported 107,429 wheat farmers with inputs resulting in output of 474,628 metric tonnes,” he said.

By Doris Esa

NEMA begins flood containment, preparedness campaigns in Edo, Taraba

Michael Simire
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NEMA begins flood containment, preparedness campaigns in Edo, Taraba

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has begun the 2025 flood preparedness and response campaign in Edo State to address risks and related hazards.

NEMA
Participants at the 2025 flood preparedness and response campaign in Edo State

Speaking at the event in Benin on Wednesday, May 28, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said that flooding had devastated many families and communities in the country.

Represented by Mr. Kenoma Ojuedere, the Head, Benin Operations, Umar called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of flood containment plans.

She said that recent flooding had resulted in loss of lives, means of livelihood, and infrastructure, costing billions of naira in damages.

“Many Nigerians have suffered injuries and lost life savings due to unmitigated flood incidents and associated secondary hazards annually,” she said

She cited the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, and provided insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios.

The NEMA boss said that the agency had developed a climate-related risk management implications, preparedness, and mitigation action plan for 2025 based on the flood predictions.

“As part of our early warning system, we have identified disaster risk management implications and mitigation strategies for communication to communities at risk during the rainy season.

“We urge public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs, school children, and youth organisations to leverage early warning tools to support NEMA’s efforts.

“Our identified disaster risk management implications include delayed onset of rains, earlier cessation, shorter growing seasons, above-normal rainfall, and severe dry spells.

“These implications are expected to impact sectors such as disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, energy, telecommunications, water supply, power generation, education, security, and the environment,” she said.

Umar said that NEMA had developed disaster mitigation strategies such as capacity building for local responders, simulation exercises, rainwater harvesting, and adherence to predicted rainfall onset before planting.

“Other strategies involve irrigation as an alternative water source for agriculture, livestock vaccination, effective contingency prepositioning of basic family needs, and risk transfer where necessary,” she said.

She urged residents of flood prone communities to clear the drainages, avoid dumping refuse on natural waterways, develop evacuation plans and strengthen community-based information sharing and safety surveillance.

Umar explained that beyond the stakeholders’ engagement, NEMA teams would visit communities at risk of floods to disseminate early warning messages with the support of SEMAs and volunteers.

Also speaking, Mr. Jerry Idahosa, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), thanked NEMA for choosing Edo as a focal point for the second phase of the nationwide campaign.

He said that the campaign had reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment towards a resilient, proactive, and people-centered disaster management framework.

Similarly, NEMA has inaugurated the 2025 National preparedness and response campaign on flood disaster and related hazards in Taraba State.

The campaign has as its theme “Strengthening Community Resilience for Flood Risk Reduction in Nigeria”.

Hajia Zubaida Umar, Director General, NEMA, while inaugurating the campaign in Jalingo in Wednesday, said the initiative focused on proactive community-based disaster risk reduction

Represented by Mr. Abbani Garki, Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Umar identified early warning systems for early action as well as coordinated emergency responses.

She noted that the Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) respectively, had provided NEMA with valuable insights into rainfall pattern and flood scenarios for the year.

She said that this was through the rainfall and flood forecasts contained in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).

The director general said that in view of the above, the agency had developed the 2025 Climate Related Risk Management Implication, Preparedness and Mitigation Actions.

According to her, this will serve as a guide to reduce the impacts of floods during the year.

Umar said that NEMA had also developed disaster mitigation strategies which include capacity building of local emergency responders and simulation exercises.

Others, she said were rain water harvesting, adherence to predicted rainfall onset before planting by farmers, irrigation as alternative source for agriculture among others.

She called on stakeholders and communities to remain vigilant and actively participate in local preparedness efforts as the 2025 rainy season unfolds.

In her remark, Dr Echuse Audu, Executive Secretary, Taraba Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), described the stakeholders meeting as a strategy in collaboration towards response to flood disaster.

Audu identified logistic challenges as major problem facing quick response to disasters but added that Gov. Agbu Kefas was providing the agency with needed funds in responding to disasters.

According to her, the governor is passionate whenever it comes to saving of lives.

Key participants at the meeting include representatives from federal and state agencies, security outfits, and humanitarian organisations, among others.

By Nefishetu Yakubu and Martins Abochol

Nigeria’s Wildlife Protection Bill passes third reading

Michael Simire
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Nigeria’s Wildlife Protection Bill passes third reading

The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 has successfully passed its final and third reading in the House of Representatives in Nigeria and is now set to be sent to the Senate for concurrence.

House of Representatives
The Nigerian House of Representatives in session

The historic Bill enhances Nigeria’s response to serious and organised wildlife trafficking, and introduces stricter penalties for wildlife crime. It provides investigators with greater authority to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence-led operations.

It also seeks to empower judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets while also promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties.

The sponsor of the Bill, Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, said: “This Bill sends an unambiguously clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the use of its borders for trafficking of illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales and ivory, to foreign markets. By modernising our laws, we want to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the ecological and economic value of our biodiversity.”

Nigeria has emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets. The West African country has been linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales seized globally between 2016 and 2019.

Environmental organisations have lauded the Bill’s progression, highlighting its potential to help tackle illegal wildlife trade.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director, stated: “The steady progress of this bill is a testament to Nigeria’s firm commitment to strengthening wildlife governance, combating wildlife trafficking, and positioning itself as a leader in conservation. The lawmakers and leadership of the House of Representatives deserve commendation for their vision, dedication, and commitment to this crucial step towards protecting Nigeria’s environment and its wildlife.”

Mary Rice, Executive Director of London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA UK), welcomed the progress made through this third reading, saying: “EIA commends the work of Nigeria’s lawmakers in continuing to support this important legislation, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to ensuring regional security and tackling the scourge of international trafficking networks.”

Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa (WA), added: “This is a great step forward for Nigeria to lead the region in combatting wildlife crime.”

ANI, EIA UK and WA have been actively supporting the Nigerian Government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking. Support for these activities in the region have been generously supported by the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Pangolin Conservation Fund.

The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 will now move to the Senate for further consideration after which, if supported, it will be referred to the President for his approval.

WaterAid calls for urgent action on menstrual health equity

Michael Simire
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WaterAid calls for urgent action on menstrual health equity

Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, has called for urgent action to promote menstrual health equity in Nigeria.

Evelyn Mere
Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere

She made the call in a statement issued on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, observed on Wednesday, May 28, in Abuja, under the theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

Mere emphasised that menstrual health was a human right, not a privilege, and condemned the continued stigma and barriers menstruating girls and women faced across the country.

“It is unacceptable that menstruation continues to limit the potential of girls and women in Nigeria.

“No one should miss school, feel ashamed, or be unsafe simply because they are menstruating.

“A period-friendly world is one where dignity, access, and rights are protected for everyone, regardless of age, location, or income,” she said.

She noted that WaterAid Nigeria was actively implementing menstrual health and hygiene interventions, which included the provision of WASH facilities in schools, creation of hygiene clubs, production and distribution of reusable pads, and community sensitisation programmes.

According to her, these initiatives aim to create supportive environments where menstruation is normalised and no individual is forced to choose between managing their period and living with dignity.

Mere also renewed WaterAid Nigeria’s call for menstrual health to be fully integrated into national and sub-national policies on WASH, health, gender, and education.

She urged stakeholders to: “Prioritise inclusive and climate-resilient WASH facilities in schools and public spaces.

“Challenge menstrual stigma through community engagement and advocacy.

“Invest in behaviour change and education to dismantle harmful social norms.”

Mere ended by urging the public, policymakers, and partners to join the movement for a world where no one would be held back by their period.

France urges Nigeria, private sector operators to protect ocean

Michael Simire
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France urges Nigeria, private sector operators to protect ocean

The French government on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, urged Nigeria and private sector operators to protect the ocean as humans and creatures depend on it for their livelihood.

Oceans
The ocean. Photo credit: Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay

Mr. Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the French Ambassador-at-large for the Oceans, made the call during a web-based news conference, which was part of a build-up for the 3rd United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

The UNOC3 will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

D’Arvor described the ocean as home to a lot of creatures, with many people depending on it for their livelihood.

According to him, the conference is aimed at accelerating the implementation of policies for the protection and sustainable development of the ocean and placing it on the international agenda.

He added that, in line with the conference, a vital role would be addressing the climate, environmental, and social challenges of the 21st century.

The envoy said that the event was an action-oriented conference that seeks to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on the marine environment.

He added that Goal 14 on the SDGs list was the least funded, and the conference would be prioritising three objectives to produce an ambitious draft agreement.

According to him, the priority is working towards the completion of multilateral processes linked to the oceans, to boost ambition for their protection.

“To mobilise sources of finance to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, SDG 14, and to support the development of a sustainable blue economy.

“Then, strengthening and better disseminating knowledge linked to marine science to enhance policy-making,” he said.

It will be recalled that, in March of this year, in a high-level event held in Costa Rica, President Emmanuel Macron said that protecting the oceans means protecting an immense carbon sink and an unimaginable biodiversity reserve.

“It also means giving hope to all those whose lives depend on our oceans, and to those who will have to face rising sea levels.

“It means together reinventing the blue economy,  as it must never be forgotten that the sea is first and foremost a source of income, Jobs, food, and innovation for people around the world.

“In 2015, we managed to inscribe this ambition in a universal UN framework and thanks to the Paris Climate Agreement. In 2025, in the same vein, the conference in Nice will be foundational for ocean governance.

“The Nice Ocean Agreements will provide a framework in which the scientific community will gather to inform and guide the climate action of Heads of State and Government,” he said.

He added that the UN ocean conference should become the forum for states and the private sector to invest together to reinvent the ocean economy.

Speaking during the conference, Gabrielle Rousseau, Climate and Development Advisor to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said that the ocean was not in a good state, adding that to achieve the objectives, 70 heads of state and over 2,000 scientists will be attending the conference.

She urged every country to contribute in their capacity to fight the challenges and find a sustainable solution that works for them in securing the oceans.

“The ocean is everyone’s business, and much is not said on climate and food, among other things, to address the dangers of actions that need to be taken,” she said.

The ocean is one of Earth’s most valuable natural resources. It provides food in the form of fish and shellfish.

About £2 billion worth of seafood is caught in the ocean each year.

The ocean also plays a critical role in removing carbon from the atmosphere and providing oxygen.

It also regulates Earth’s climate.

By Maureen Okon

AU urges action ahead of 2030 SDGs deadline

Michael Simire
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AU urges action ahead of 2030 SDGs deadline

Former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Dr Emeka Offor, has urged urgent, coordinated action across Africa as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline rapidly approaches.

Dr Emeka Offor
Dr Emeka Offor

In an interview on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Abuja, Offor emphasised the need for the African Union (AU) to lead a historic transformation built on bold leadership, strategic investment, and strengthened accountability.

He referenced a continental roadmap titled “Africa’s Moment: The Race to Transform a Continent by 2030”, which outlined priority actions to address persistent gaps in trade, energy, healthcare, education, and digital inclusion.

“With sobering statistics showing that only 30 per cent of Africans have access to universal health coverage and 600 million lack electricity, the AU is being pressed to act decisively.

“We have talked for too long. It is time to act,” Offor said.

He stressed that Africa’s private sector was ready to partner with governments, but clear targets, reduced bureaucracy, and stable regulatory environments were essential for confidence and investment.

Offor described proposed reforms in infrastructure financing and digital transformation as “timely and non-negotiable,” advocating for the mobilisation of local capital, pension funds, and digital assets to drive change.

“If we mobilise our resources with integrity and purpose, we won’t need to beg the world for solutions,” he stated.

He urged African leaders to adopt AU-led quarterly SDG reviews and a new African Peer Review Mechanism focused on SDG implementation, supported by public scorecards.

The mechanisms, he said, would enhance accountability and investor confidence.

Citing data, Offor highlighted that intra-African trade remained sluggish, accounting for just 14.4 per cent of total trade, compared to 59 per cent in Asia.

He called for the urgent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that red tape and inefficiencies cost the continent 170 billion dollars annually.

Africa, Offor said, faced an annual infrastructure financing gap of 100 billion dollars.

He proposed that the AU coordinated a continental bond programme leveraging Africa’s 3 trillion dollars in pension assets to fund roads, energy, and transportation systems.

The policy brief he referenced also calls for: Doubling research and development investments by 2027, Allocating 20 per cent of national budgets to education and Prioritising technical and vocational training to meet youth employment needs.

Others are scaling renewable energy to 50 per cent of national grids by 2030, Leading a digital identity initiative and achieving 95 per cent digital inclusion by 2030 and Combating Financial Leakages and Enhancing Revenue.

Offor warned that illicit financial flowed cost the continent 88.6 billion dollars annually and called for firm action to plug the leakages.

He also encouraged African governments to raise tax revenue to at least 20 per cent of GDP by 2030.

“The world is watching. If we fail to hold ourselves accountable, we will miss this golden opportunity.

“But if we get it right, Africa can become the world’s next economic frontier,” he said.

Offor ended by recommending an emergency AU summit on the SDGs that would produce binding national commitments and reinforce regional coordination.

“Africa’s time is now. What we do between now and 2030 will shape our destiny for generations.

“The private sector is watching closely, ready to invest, but demands action over promises,” he said.

By Chinenye Offor

Urgent climate action needed to address agricultural vulnerabilities – AATF

Michael Simire
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Urgent climate action needed to address agricultural vulnerabilities – AATF

Urgent and coordinated climate action is essential to mitigate the growing impact of climate change on agriculture and to protect vulnerable smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to Dr. Kayode Sanni of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

AATF
A group photograph of participants at the meeting. Photo credit: AATF

Dr. Sanni made this call at the opening of a high-level conference titled “Climate Resilience in Action: Collaborative Approaches to Adaptation,” co-hosted on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Abuja by AATF, Michigan State University (MSU) and Sahel Consulting with the support of the Gates Foundation and the Government of Gombe State.

“As climate change accelerates, its impact on Africa’s agricultural systems is becoming more severe and more personally felt most by smallholder farmers who rely on predictable seasons, fertile soil, and sustainable ecosystems to feed their families and the nation,” Dr. Sanni stated.

He noted that women and youth who constitute the backbone of the continent’s agricultural workforce are disproportionately affected.

“They are not only vital to today’s food production but also crucial to the future of food and nutritional security in Africa,” he added.

Dr. Sanni emphasised AATF’s commitment to a resilient and prosperous Africa through innovation. “At AATF, our vision is clear: A prosperous, resilient, food and nutrition secure Africa that is powered by inclusive, scalable technology and strong partnerships. Since the challenges we face are too vast for any single actor to solve alone.”

Highlighting one of the foundation’s collaborative initiatives, he spoke about a current project with Michigan State University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Benue State University, the Government of Gombe State, and the Cereal Growers Association of Kenya. This project focuses on empowering women- and youth-led MSMEs in the rice value chain.

The initiative supports MSMEs with a Climate Smart Decision Support System, equipping them with actionable data on weather, agronomic best practices, and soil health. This enables farmers to make informed decisions, improve productivity, and build resilience to climate shocks. While the current implementation spans three Nigerian states, Dr. Sanni called for broader scaling to amplify impact.

He urged conference participants to be bold in vision and deliberate in execution. “Let us build enduring partnerships, replicate what works, and equip our farmers not just to survive climate change, but to thrive in the face of it.”

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Daniel Uyeh, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University and lead on weather station development, showcased recent technological advancements.

“We have developed an open-source, affordable, and locally manufactured weather station system,” Dr. Uyeh said. “These stations are already delivering hyper-local, real-time forecasts that help farmers in Nigeria and Kenya adapt to changing weather patterns.”

However, he emphasised that while technology is crucial, it must be complemented by strong collaboration and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of climate change.

Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, emphasised the importance of investing in modern weather infrastructure.

“More than 60% of weather data in Nigeria is collected manually, often by non-professionals. We must increase our network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) to improve accuracy and reach,” he said.

He called for the deployment of digital tools and mobile-based early warning systems to enhance agricultural productivity and mitigate climate risks.

20m Nigerians live with mental health issues, says WHO

Michael Simire
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20m Nigerians live with mental health issues, says WHO

A report by the World Health Organisation says 20 million Nigerians, representing 20 per cent of the country’s population, live with mental health conditions.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

Dr Azubike Aliche, the Secretary, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH), said this at a mental health GAP Action training programme organised by the institute, in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The training was organised in collaboration with the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), a Non Governmental Organisation.

Aliche said that the training, sponsored by the Nigeria Mental Health Practitioners (NMHP) USA Incorporated, would equip non-psychiatrists to be able to conduct screens to identify mental health symptoms and work with people to manage those symptoms.

He described as “alarming” the caseload of depression in Nigeria which, he said, was reportedly the highest in the world and called for deliberate efforts to change the narrative.

“Available reports indicate that only 10 per cent of people living with mental illness have access to care in Nigeria and this has to change.”

Speaking, an Executive Member of the NMHP USA, Rev. Sr Josephine Nzeke, said that the four-day training would capture a total of 25 health care professionals, five from each of five council areas of Imo in its pilot stage.

She said that the trainees would return to their different community health centres after the training to provide grassroots services.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Chioma Egu, described the mental health crisis as a  “global challenge” and called on the institute to leverage government’s mental health policies.

One of the training facilitators, Mr. Justice Ulunta of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, called for the allocation of adequate resources by the government for the training of mental health experts and equipping of facilities.

Also, CSAAE’s Chief Operations Officer, Miss Francisca Ekwonu, said that the organisation was open to effective collaborations to tackle the challenge head on.

“As Nigerians grapple with hardship and young people are subjected to information overload, it is part of our mission, through our C-Health programme, to propagate mental health support at the grassroots.

“Our toll-free line 08009001000 is open and our mental health support specialist will be there to provide support,” she said.

By Victor Nwachukwu 

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