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FewChore Finance pledges ₦500m to support Osun SDG Creatives

Michael Simire
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FewChore Finance pledges ₦500m to support Osun SDG Creatives

FewChore Finance Company Limited, a leading CBN-licensed financial institution, has announced a groundbreaking ₦500 million pledge to support creative entrepreneurs in Osun State under the Osun SDG Creatives initiative. The announcement was made on the first day of the maiden edition of the Osun SDGs Creative Conference, which hosted over 500 participants in-person and attracted twice that number virtually.

Osun SDG
Governor Ademola Adeleke and dignitaries at the Osun SDG Creative Conference

Speaking at the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his excitement at the initiative that offers platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the immense potential of Osun people.

Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy and its vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, adding: “Creativity and innovation are critical to building a sustainable future, and Osun State is ready to lead this charge.” 

The Governor urged participants to seize this moment of the conference to work together, foster collaboration, and build a thriving creative ecosystem that drives sustainable development. 

“Today, we are here to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the creative economy and its vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This initiative reflects our vision of an Osun State where culture meets innovation, tradition meets progress, and creativity becomes the engine of sustainable development.

“To the creators, thinkers, and visionaries in this room today,  you are the torchbearers of this future. The stories you tell, the art you create, and the solutions you design will not only transform Osun but also inspire the world.

“Let us seize this moment to work together, foster collaboration, and build a thriving creative ecosystem that drives sustainable development and prosperity for all,” he concluded. 

Organised by the Osun SDG Team, led by Mr. Bamikole Omishore, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, the event underscores Osun’s commitment to sustainable development through creativity and entrepreneurship.

Speaking earlier, Oluwafemi Muyiwa Badewole, Executive Director of FewChore Finance, expressed the company’s commitment to empowering creatives and driving economic growth in Osun. 

“We are thrilled to be a platinum sponsor and partner for this impactful conference. This ₦500 million pledge is a testament to our belief in the potential of Osun creatives to contribute significantly to sustainable development,” Badewole stated.

The fund, set for disbursement beginning March 1, 2025, is tailored specifically for Osun creatives. Each Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in the sector can access up to ₦500,000, with repayment periods ranging from nine to 18 months. The initiative is expected to support at least 1,000 creative businesses across the state.

FewChore Finance, a ₦20 billion enterprise rated investment-grade BBB+ and BBB- by DataPro and Agusto, respectively, has disbursed over ₦90 billion to more than 15,000 customers since its inception in 2018. The company specialises in providing loans and financial advisory services to high-net-worth individuals, SMEs, retail customers, and the public sector.

“Our digital platform, FewChoreMobile, ensures that account opening, loan disbursement, and repayment processes are seamless. Our team is here on-site to facilitate onboarding for interested participants.” Badewole emphasised

The Executive Director also shared the company’s plans for expansion into Osun State. “While we are currently operating out of Lagos, Abuja, and a newly opened Ibadan branch, it is our hope that by the second edition of this conference, I will be able to announce that our Osogbo branch is operational, making it easier for us to serve the people of Osun,” he revealed.

The Osun SDGs Creative Conference, a landmark event designed to foster innovation and sustainability in the state’s creative sector, has been widely praised. The conference provides a platform for emerging and professional talents to showcase their work, network, and gain access to vital resources.

350Africa stands in solidarity with DRC people amid escalating violence, humanitarian crisis

Michael Simire
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350Africa stands in solidarity with DRC people amid escalating violence, humanitarian crisis

Climate change campaign group, 350Africa, has expressed solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the country faces a severe escalation in violence, particularly in the city of Goma.

Goma DRC
Humanitarian crisis in Goma, DR Congo

Heavy fighting has reportedly led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with bodies littering the streets, hospitals overwhelmed, and thousands fleeing the violence.

The deadly conflict is driven by the fight over the DRC’s vast mineral wealth, with local communities caught in the crossfire while global corporations and foreign powers continue to profit from the exploitation of the region’s resources, submitted 350Africa.

“The humanitarian cost is unbearable, with the people of Goma and surrounding areas paying the ultimate price for this systemic exploitation. Diplomatic and political solutions to the crisis must be engaged immediately to avoid further escalation,” said the group.

Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director, 350Africa.org, submitted: “The situation facing Northern Kivu populations, especially those around Goma is becoming increasingly perilous. The violence unfolding in the DRC is a tragic consequence of global systems that prioritise profit over people. While the people of the DRC face unimaginable suffering, multinational corporations and foreign governments continue to benefit from the country’s critical mineral resources.

“This is a stark reminder of how our fight for climate justice must also address the exploitation and violence that fuels conflict and environmental destruction. We stand with the people of the DRC and all those fighting for a future where their wealth is used to empower communities, not perpetuate cycles of violence. All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and deliver aid to all affected victims.”

As Nigeria marks Int’l Day for Reducing CO2 Emissions

Michael Simire
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As Nigeria marks Int’l Day for Reducing CO2 Emissions

As we step into a world increasingly defined by climate change extremes, the recent conclusion of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) that 2024 marks the warmest year yet is a formidable wake-up call for Nigeria and the rest of the world. Many were already bracing for this announcement, understanding the gradual yet persistent surge in global temperatures, particularly driven by the Global North.

International Day of Carbon Emission Reduction
The International Day of Carbon Emission Reduction underlines the need for Africa to spearhead the transition toward a carbon-less economy

This report isn’t just relegated to statistics; it represents an urgent call to action, especially for vulnerable regions like Africa, which bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.

The findings underscore the ongoing warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), pleading with policymakers to heed the escalating climate crises. Africa, a continent already grappling with socio-economic challenges, finds itself in a precarious situation.

The last decade has been significantly warmer, with the global temperature now perilously surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. This targets not just the environment but the very existence of communities relying heavily on stable climatic conditions.

In the face of these challenges, the world’s reliance on fossil fuels persists unabated. Even with overwhelming evidence showcasing oil and gas as the primary culprits of climate change—contributing over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – there remains a disconcerting reluctance to confront this reality.

Instead, discussions pivot toward temporary solutions like Net Zero or Carbon Sequestration, which often serve to stave off urgent responsibility rather than catalyse a shift to genuinely sustainable alternatives.

Equally concerning is the political climate change unfolding in the U.S. with the re-emergence of former President Trump, echoing phrases like “Drill, baby, drill” during his inauguration. This sets a troubling precedent, suggesting a return to aggressive fossil fuel exploration, particularly at a time when global consensus on emission reduction is crucial yet elusive.

Africa stands as a stark paradox in the climate narrative. While the continent contributes the least to global emissions, it remains one of the most impacted by climate change. Reports from the African Development Bank highlight that one of the most vulnerable continents to these changes is Africa.

The continent faces dire consequences, including environmental degradation, public health crises, and significant risks to food security. Extreme weather, socio-political instability, and an increasing influx of displaced populations are shaping a future rife with uncertainty.

As the world observes this year’s International Day of Carbon Emission Reduction, we must reflect on the profound words of renowned Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai: “We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.”

Africa must spearhead the transition toward a carbon-less economy, recalibrating its approach to development and sustainability.

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of African countries must advocate for self-determination, free from foreign and corporate influence. A shift away from dependence on aid and charity is essential; instead, Africa must pursue binding agreements focused on reparatory justice and the cessation of gas projects that prioritize corporate interests over the welfare of its people.

The commitment to safeguarding indigenous control and management of natural resources cannot be overstated. Massive investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydropower, are not just options but necessities. Moreover, embracing energy efficiency through smart agricultural practices, sustainable land management, and effective transportation solutions will solidify Africa’s resilience against climate change.

In this dire climate landscape, Africa has the potential to rise as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. By harnessing collective strength, knowledge, and a commitment to climate justice, the continent can forge its path toward a sustainable and equitable future. The time to act is not tomorrow; it is now. The legacy we leave for future generations depends on the choices we make today.

By Ogunlade Olamide and Esi-ife Arogundade

Olamide is the Senior Programme Manager (Climate Change) at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) while Arogundade is a Climate Change Advocate at CAPPA

UN High-Level Mission visits Bama ahead of fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum

Michael Simire
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UN High-Level Mission visits Bama ahead of fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, the SRSG for the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abdou Abarry, and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed M. Fall, visited Bama in Borno State on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, a day before the kick-off of the fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum for Regional Cooperation on Stabilisation, Peacebuilding, and Sustainable Development in Maiduguri, the state capital.

UN High Level Mission
UN High Level Mission to Bama. Photo Credit: Princewill Chukwuebuka/OCHA

The high-level officials highlighted the steady progress made in Bama. This includes joint Government, UN and partners efforts to provide internally displaced persons (IDPs) with humanitarian assistance and livelihood support and initiatives enhancing social cohesion and reintegration through social and economic activities. They also noted the challenges that remain including violence, the threat posed by the climate crisis, and inadequate basic services.

The officials visited a centre equipping young girls and boys with livelihood skills run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and a UNICEF-run social cohesion project at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) camp. In addition, they visited a nutrition centre supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) where malnourished children are receiving treatment.

The officials also spoke with women and adolescent girls at a UNHCR/GISCOR Safe Space and met with representatives of humanitarian agencies in Bama. They also paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Bama Dr. Umar Kyari Umar El-kanemi.

“I returned to Bama today, eight years since my last visit – which was a few months after it was liberated from the insurgency. A lot has changed since then, with marked improvement in the lives of people affected by the crisis. While there is still work to be done to address insecurity and its impact on civilians, I thank the Borno State authorities, donors, UN agencies and partners for their commitment and dedication through this journey that has made Bama what it is today. I also call for sustained support to address the remaining challenges,” said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall.

Bama town remains vulnerable to attacks by non-state armed groups due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest. This has made it difficult for communities to carry out livelihood activities, including farming, fishing and firewood collection. This has increased their dependence on humanitarian assistance.

Bama illustrates the situation of many communities across the Lake Chad Basin impacted by 16 years of conflict in the region.

Creek girl child empowerment: Group sensitises Delta communities’ students

Michael Simire
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Creek girl child empowerment: Group sensitises Delta communities’ students

The Creek Girl Empowerment Initiative (CGEI) organised a sensitisation programme in Esenaebe and Kpakima Secondary School, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, to educate and sensitise female students on the dangers of truancy, drug abuse, and prostitution, while promoting menstrual hygiene and care.

CGEI
The CGEI sensitisation programme

The CGEi team visited the communities respectively, to increase awareness among female students about the dangers and consequences of truancy, drug abuse, and prostitution, to improve the understanding of the importance of menstrual hygiene and care, and to establish a support system for female students, particularly those of menstrual age.

The team also established the Creek Girl Care Clinic (CGCC), a support system for female students, and also provided sanitary pads, ensuring easy access for female students of menstrual age. During a feedback session, it was discovered that both schools lacked basic facilities, including toilets (WASH facilities) and sick bays.

Speaking to the students, the Executive Director of CGEi, Doubra Etolor, educated the girls on personal hygiene during their menstrual circle and in their everyday lives.

“When girls start their periods, it’s usually met with either feelings of excitement or fear, depending on how each girl views the coming changes that prepare them for womanhood. But for many girls in the creeks, it often comes as a ticking clock that marks the beginning of the end of their education.

“Many schools, including the ones we visited, don’t have safe and clean toilets where girls can take care of themselves during their periods, and beyond that, most girls in the creeks don’t have access to – nor could they afford – reusable pads or tampons. Without feminine hygiene prducts, many girls skip school while on their periods.

“That means they miss up to a week of school every month so girls start to fall behind and eventually drop out. So, to cushion this effect, the Creek Girl Empowerment Initiative, while carrying out its sensitisation project on curbing female vices, decided to distribute sanitary pads to girls of menstrual age. We also intend to establish sick bays in targeted schools in the creeks. So, we are calling on well-meaning individuals, organizations and institutions to support the visions and goals of this initiative,” said Etolor.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Neferok Development Foundation, Ayo Nefertiti Okotie, spoke to the students on prostitution and its dangers and encouraged the students to focus on their studies to become what they want to be in the future.

The programme had an interactive talk, where students were engaged on the dangers of truancy, drug abuse, and prostitution. The term “anyhow waka” was used to reduce the harsh tone associated with these vices. Emphasis was placed on the effects and consequences of indulging in these vices.

Mission 300: Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to improved electricity access

Michael Simire
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Mission 300: Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to improved electricity access

President Bola Tinubu has concluded his visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he joined other African leaders to participate in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.

Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria joins global leaders at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The President, who arrived with his team arrived on Sunday, January 26, 2025, is now on his way back to Abuja.

The two-day summit, hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank Group, adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration.

The Declaration focused on providing access to electricity for 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

The high point of the event was the presidential endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Declaration by African leaders at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.

Following the reading of the Declaration, leaders from Nigeria, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia signed the document.

Through the Declaration, the leaders from the 12 countries expressed their commitment to ensuring electricity access for their citizens in the next five years.

The 12 nations plan to achieve the goal through National Energy Compacts, which identify specific policy measures to address constraints across their energy sector and set targets based on their unique context.

In the speech read by Mr Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, the Nigerian leader lauded the AfDB, the World Bank Group and development partners for their collective pledge to bring electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

President Tinubu called on African leaders to prioritise energy access, emphasising collective action.

“Let us work together to create a brighter future for our citizens—where every African can access reliable and affordable energy.

“A future where our industries thrive, our economies grow, and our people prosper,” the President said.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its unelectrified population by 2030.

“This is an ambitious goal, but we can achieve it together.

“As Nigeria’s President, I am committed to making energy access a top priority,” he said.

Detailing the substantial progress Nigeria has achieved with the support of international development partners, President Tinubu acknowledged AfDB’s $1.1 billion, expected to provide electricity for five million people by the end of 2026.

He said the bank’s $200 million in the Nigeria Electrification Project would provide electricity for 500,000 people by the end of 2025.

“We also look forward to the AfDB’s planned $700 million investment in the Nigeria Desert to Power programme and its planned $500 million facility for the Nigeria-Grid Battery Energy Storage System, which will provide electricity for an additional two million people.

“We have equally begun making plans to ensure the effectiveness of the World Bank’s $750 million support for expanding Nigeria’s distributed energy access via mini-grids and standalone solar systems that will provide access to power to 16.2 million people,” he said.

President Tinubu thanked Mr Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Dr Akinwunmi Adesina of AfDB for their transformative vision, which he said “will light up and power Africa.”

He also applauded the contributions of the UN Sustainable Energy For All, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Global Energy Alliance for Development.

“As we all know, Africa is rich in energy resources, yet millions of our citizens still lack access to reliable and affordable energy.

“This situation is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to take collective action to change this narrative,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu highlighted ongoing investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power in Nigeria.

“For example, the Federal Government is in the final stages of developing an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure programme emphasising renewable energy and establishing stricter vehicle emission standards.

“This will ease adoption barriers, galvanise partnerships, and provide affordable EV financing options. I am pleased to announce that the first 100 electric buses are already in the country.

“Nigeria’s energy sector is growing as a direct result of our reforms. The Nigerian government continues incentivising those interested in investing in renewable energy, oil and gas energy efficiency,” he said.

Tinubu said that buoyed by Nigeria’s successful attraction of over six billion dollars in new investments into its energy sector in 2024 alone, his administration is keen to build on this success in 2025 and beyond.

At the summit, the International Finance Corporation announced that it had committed $70 million in private sector funding to five Nigerian Renewable Electricity Service Companies.

This is under the Nigeria Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up programme, to be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.

Nigeria’s National Energy Compact, presented at the summit on Monday, sets targets with implementation timelines and outlines for the various planned reforms.

They include expanding power generation and investing in transmission and distribution infrastructure at competitive costs.

The reforms are geared towards financially viable utilities that provide reliable service, and incentivising private sector participation to unlock additional resources.

Other reforms include embracing distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions for affordable last-mile access and leveraging the benefits of increased regional integration.

According to the document, Nigeria will require an investment of $23.2 billion for last-mile electrification, including contributions from the public and private sectors.

By Salif Atojoko

Flooding: NILDS D-G canvasses dredging of major rivers, dams

Michael Simire
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Flooding: NILDS D-G canvasses dredging of major rivers, dams

Director-General of National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has called for dredging of major rivers and dams in the country to avert adverse effects of flooding.

NILDS
Participants at the validation retreat on the draft Model Climate Change Law for Africa, in Abuja

Sulaiman made the call at the opening of a three-day validation retreat on the draft Model Climate Change Law for Africa in Abuja on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

The law was drafted by African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES)

Sulaiman said while Nigeria continued to make progress in enhancing its climate change governance actions, closing infrastructure gaps, including dredging of major rivers and dams in the country, remained vital.

He said that dredging would avert the ravaging impacts of floods and erosion that usually accompanied the country’s rainfall cycle.

“Whereas many stakeholders have recognised the need for dredging of major rivers and dams, the commitment of public funds in this direction has been poor.

“For instance, of the total of N14.85 trillion proposed for capital expenditure in the 2025 budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria, only 0.03 per cent is committed to projects aimed at dredging major rivers and dams.

“Dredging these waterways remains vital to mitigate the devastating impacts of floods in 2025 and beyond; hence, it should be given the necessary priority in the 2025 budget,” he said.

In his remarks, the AGNES Team Lead, Dr George Wamukoya, said that the effects of climate were evident in the African society.

According to him, Africa must put mechanisms in place to address the menace, stating that one of such mechanism is a legal framework.

Wamukoya, who said that the draft was put together by experts across sectors, added that adequate attention was given to administrative structure as well as the roles of citizens.

He said that the aim of the draft framework was to enable African countries to have legal frameworks on climate change to enhance the continent’s negotiation at the global stage.

The team lead said that the draft was for African countries and that they were at liberty to domesticate the law as it suited individual countries.

Speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Director in Nigeria, Dr Rose Mwebaza, said as long as the G-20 countries continued the current emission, Africa would continue to suffer the effects of climate change.

Mwebaza, however, said that Africa could not afford to fold its hands without doing anything, stressing that the continent would remain weak at the negotiation table without domestic legal frameworks.

According to her, one of the reasons Africa did not have access to enough climate change finance is lack of domestic framework, as only about four of the 54 countries in the continent have climate change laws.

She commended the initiative, saying that it would be part of the topics for discussion at the Heads of State conference coming up in February.

Mr. Walters Tubua, the Regional Lead for West and Central Africa, United Nations Climate Change, said that the adverse effects were visible on the continent.

Tubua said that Africans must roll up their sleeves and fight climate change, as the last 10 years had been the hottest.

He said that though the legal draft was coming very late, it was better late than never.

Tubua urged African countries to adopt and domesticate the law as an instrument to combat climate change in the continent.

By EricJames Ochigbo

NMDPRA awards 10 gas distribution licences

Michael Simire
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NMDPRA awards 10 gas distribution licences

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, awarded 10 Gas Distribution Licences (GDLs) to six companies to deepen gas utilisation and expansion in the country.

Farouk Ahmed
Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed

The Gas Distribution Licence is being issued to qualified applicants to distribute gas at the “last mile”.

The GDL as provided in Sections 148 -152 of the PIA is a license that gives exclusive right to establish, construct and operate a gas distribution system in a designated local Gas Distribution Zone (GDZ).

The beneficiary companies include the NNPC Gas Marketing Company, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, NIPCO Plc., Central Horizon Gas Company, Falcon Corporation Ltd. and AXXELA.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Abuja, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said over 30 applications were received, and due diligence was conducted on them in line with defined prerequisites.

“The licences being issued today will support the ‘last mile’ expansion, crucial in completing an efficient and interconnected gas network across the country.

“Ten licences are being issued today as part of Phase one of the GDL regime to operators who have invested significantly in developing gas distribution infrastructures in the designated GDZ and have met the prescribed minimum requirements,” he said.

Ahmed said a cumulative gas distribution capacity of approximately 1.5 bscf/d with over 1,200km of gas distribution pipeline network as well as over 500 customer stations were covered by the licences issued.

“The GDL regime holds a significant opportunity of developing domestic gas market through the supply of gas to the energy-intensive industries, industrial parks, special economic zones, embedded/captive power generation, Compressed Natural Gas mobility schemes and other downstream gas utilisation programme.

“Piped Natural Gas (PNG) provides continuous supply, is cost effective, safer and eliminates storage challenges. These advantages will not only increase efficiency in how we use energy but will also be essential in meeting Nigeria’s growing energy demands.

“To ensure the efficient and transparent operation of the Gas Distribution Network, the authority will monitor tariff setting, and safety standards to govern the operation of the GDLs.

“As we are issuing these first sets of licences, we have commenced the processing of subsequent sets to be issued after the conduct of necessary regulatory reviews, and the fulfillment of PIA provisions and Gas Distribution Regulations 2023,” he said.

Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), said section 148 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), mandated the NMDPRA to issue GDLs to qualified individuals and organisations.

Ekpo quoted the African Development Bank, saying “over 600,000 women and children die annually in Africa due to lack of access to clean cooking while estimated 1.2 billion women lack access to clean cooking.

“The continued exposure to Carbon Monoxide during cooking leads to very severe air pollution and this is the leading cause of death among women and children.”

The minister said the license award was a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the PIA 2021 in full alignment with the Gas Distribution Regulations of 2023.

“By empowering license holders, this initiative opens extensive opportunities across several key sectors: namely – Energy-Intensive Industries, Power Generation, Clean Cooking Initiative and Promote Gas Reticulation.”

He said in order to give access to clean cooking options, President Bola Tinubu’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) penetration programme began in Sept. 2024 with the goal of distributing LPG throughout the six geopolitical zones and 774 LGAs.

“Gas Reticulation replaces gas cylinders as gas is piped to homes and businesses.

“It will accelerate the adoption of CNG mobility as a sustainable fuel alternative in transportation and catalyse investments in pipelines, storage, and other critical infrastructure required to support gas distribution,” he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Deaths toll in California wildfires rises to 29

Michael Simire
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Deaths toll in California wildfires rises to 29

The death toll from the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area has risen to 29.

One person died in hospital over the weekend as a result of the “Palisades’’ fire on the western edge of Los Angeles, the coroner’s office announced on Monday, January 27, 2025.

All residents of the Pacific Palisades district were allowed to enter their properties for the first time on Monday, after the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, announced the move on the X platform.

The Los Angeles Times reported that long-awaited rain and snow had fallen in the mountains.

Meteorologist Ryan Kittell said that while not enough precipitation had fallen to end the fire season, it had “definitely provided a break from fire weather’’.

The authorities had previously warned of flooding in the area because the dry ground could not absorb the water after a long dry spell.

Media reported that several roads were closed at times on Monday due to flooding and mudslides, but fortunately the heaviest rainfall had occurred over the ocean.

The authorities say the Palisades fire is 95 per cent contained, and the Eaton fire, near the city of Pasadena, is 99 per cent contained.

The two fires have destroyed more than 16,000 buildings and devastated an area of more than 150 square kilometres since the beginning of January.

The causes of the fires are still unknown.

Africa to connect 300m to electricity by 2030 in new ambitious, collaborative initiative

Michael Simire
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0
Africa to connect 300m to electricity by 2030 in new ambitious, collaborative initiative

Connecting 300 million Africans to electricity within the next five years is within reach through collaborative effort and commitment to implementation, participants at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, heard on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Africa Energy Summit
Delegates at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The summit is organised by the Government of Tanzania and Mission 300, an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and global partners to address Africa’s electricity access gap using new technology and innovative financing.

Nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity, a critical resource for economic development and job creation. 

Speaking during the first panel discussion of the opening day of the two-day Summit, African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, set the summit’s tone of action and implementation, emphasising practical solutions to achieve the ambitious goal, from regulatory reforms to private sector engagement. He called for active involvement from a wide range of stakeholders, including bilateral and multilateral institutions, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and foundations. 

“This is mission critical… Our mission here is to say we need everybody… It’s not about us, it’s about those who are not here, and we must listen and hear and make sure this is an action-driven summit… We can’t do Mickey Mouse business… We can’t have a situation where Africa does not have enough electricity,” Adesina told the audience, which included several African energy ministers, international development partners and private sector titans, civil society organisations, and foundations, attending the first day of the summit. 

The second day of the summit will see the participation of several heads of state from across Africa, who will join more than 1,500 other participants. Together they will chart Africa’s course toward universal access to energy. 

“We have a clear path to reaching these 300 million people,” Dr. Adesina stressed, distinguishing the initiative from previous efforts. He emphasized that the program seeks to transform Africa’s vast potential into reality through comprehensive electrification.  

“With power, Africa will not just meet expectations but exceed them, becoming a competitive and prosperous continent,” he added. 

Mission 300 will incorporate robust accountability measures, including country-specific monitoring and evaluation systems and the Africa Energy Regulatory Index to track progress. “This is all about accountability, transparency, and delivery while letting Africa develop with pride,” Adesina stated. 

Adesina highlighted the devastating toll of traditional cooking methods based on firewood and charcoal, resulting in the death of 600,000 women and children annually due to smoke exposure. 

The crisis extends beyond energy access, affecting environmental sustainability through deforestation and biodiversity loss. “It’s not just about energy transition,” Adesina said. “This is about dignity. Africa must develop with dignity and pride, and access to clean cooking solutions is fundamental to achieving this goal.” He praised Tanzania for developing a comprehensive national strategy to address this issue. 

World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, expressed optimism about the initiative, saying its ambitious objectives are achievable through hard work, particularly in ensuring a conducive environment for the private sector to participate. He emphasised the need for predictability of currencies, regulatory frameworks and land acquisition to incentivise investments supporting Mission 300. 

In his remarks, Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, called global philanthropists to support the initiative.  

“Please join us in getting behind the ideas of this initiative and the country compacts that the leaders will be signing. What is at stake is the future of African economies, the future of African young people, and the future of our world,” he said, adding that his foundation was committing $65 million to the programme. 

Speaking after the fireside chat, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, emphasised that energy access is not merely about power delivery, but about what that power will connect and enable.

“It is important that we see food systems at the helm of all of this, and that they are powered by the energy that you will connect,” she stated.

Mohammed explained how energy connectivity would catalyse transformative change in rural communities, particularly for women and youth, through access to digital financial services, online education, and e-commerce opportunities. 

However, she stressed that realising these ambitions would require significant financial engineering and private sector engagement. “The private sector has got to lean in, and it won’t lean in if the message is that your finance environment is not conducive to us,” she noted, calling for reforms in credit rating systems and financial architecture.

“When you want to put together the financing for energy it is not easy and it requires many people at the table in parallel with what we are doing, the policy and the regulation, designing these pipelines and getting the money ready,” Mohammed added.

The summit is expected to yield two significant outcomes: the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining commitments and practical actions from African governments to reform the energy sector, and the first set of National Energy Compacts, which will serve as blueprints with country-specific targets and timelines for implementation of critical reforms.

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