Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has described geospatial technology as a critical tool for national transformation and economic planning for sustainable development.
A cross section of participants during 2024 National Conference on Survey Coordination, organised by Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation in Abuja
Adebomehin stated this at the 2024 Survey Coordination and Advisory Board’s Conference in Abuja.
The conference had “Repositioning the Nigerian Geospatial Space for the Renewed Hope Agenda and Sustainable Economic Development” as its theme.
It was organised by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation for Surveyors-Generals of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
He explained that geospatial technology was a scientific field that uses various tools to collect, analyse, and display data with geographic components.
Adebomehin said that the geospatial system in surveying provides the needed solutions in decision making on security, health and agriculture.
He added that the technology was equally crucial to achieving sustainable food security, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The surveyor-general urged his counterpart across the 36 states and FCT to leverage geospatial technology to promote economic growth in the country.
“This underscores our collective responsibility to leverage on geospatial data and technologies as vital tools for national transformation, economic planning and sustainable development.
“We are reminded of the critical role geospatial information plays in addressing pressing national issues.
“These issues range from urban planning and infrastructural development to environmental management and disaster resilience.
”In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, we are tasked with repositioning our Geospatial space to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusiveness in governance and economic growth,” he said.
Adebomehin said that the discussions and resolutions at the conference would focus on strengthening surveying across all levels.
He added that the conference would also consider capacity building through robust training programmes for surveyors.
This, according to Adebomehin, will foster the needed partnerships that advanced Nigeria’s leadership in geospatial technology and data management.
“There is also the need to maintain due diligence and professionalism to meet-up with the demands of the 21st century technology-driven economy.
”I am confident that this conference will serve as a catalyst for repositioning our profession, revitalising the geospatial sector and ensuring that survey and mapping remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s developmental agenda.”
Also speaking, Dr Mathew Ibitoye, President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), expressed the need for Nigeria to utilise its geospatial resources.
According to Ibitoye, the geospatial industry is key to unlocking the potential for decision makers towards achieving sustainable economic growth and resource management.
Ibitoye said that the theme of the conference was key to addressing the need for surveyors and geospatial communities to align with national aspirations for economic growth, climate resilience, and infrastructure development.
The seventh edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study has revealed that no fewer than 179 million people in Nigeria live in unclean environment.
Mr. Ene Owoh, National Coordinator Clean-Up Nigeria (left), with Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, NTSG
The STONE 2024 figure is said to be an improvement compared to 183 million recorded in 2023.
The report, which was signed by Mr. Ene Owoh, National Coordinator Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), an NGO, followed the Cleanest State Champions event tagged “STONE 2024 Unplugged.”
According to Owoh, the indicators used in the study aimed to promote comprehensive environmental policies targeting governments at all levels and citizens.
“The 2024 zonal rating has significant merits; expected to improve Nigeria’s national cleanliness index rating.
“On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024.”
Owoh said that STONE aimed to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability in terms of waste management.
“Nigeria’s sanitation situation is a mixed bag; unfortunately, waste recycling efforts have declined, dropping from 26 per cent in 2023 to 19 per cent in 2024.
“This decrease is attributed to the rising poverty levels in the country.
“The STONE Study’s findings further revealed that only seven states demonstrated good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens.’’
Owoh said that the annual Cleanliness Performance Index rating ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as cleanest states in Nigeria which enabled some states to show commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Akwa Ibom recently unveiled massive improved waste equipment combined with improving its sanitation of citizens, offering valuable insights for improvement.
“The zonal emphasis rating fosters regional integration, making the competition more relevant to local environments.’’
Owoh, who is also the Secretary, National Technical Study Group (NTSG), said that the cleanliness index rating would address specific cleanliness challenges in each state and drive positive change in Nigeria’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
“The zonal approach will also facilitate interstate collaboration and partnership, promoting another and adopt effective strategies to address their unique environmental challenges towards a cleaner and healthier nation.’’
Owoh announced the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria.
“The yearly Cleanliness Performance Index Rating, chaired by Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, STONE NTSG, recognised Akwa Ibom as the cleanest state in the South South.
“Enugu State in the South East, Lagos State in the South West, Plateau in the North Central, Borno in the North East and Kaduna State in the North West.
“By highlighting successes and challenges in each zone, the zonal approach will inspire positive and responsibility among citizens for their local environment.
“This, in turn, will enhance six consecutive years’ effective data collection and analysis from 2018 to 2023; these six zonal cleanliness champions were awarded the prestigious STONE Green Crystal Award in 2024.
“This will promote healthy competition, driving self-improvement and targeted interventions to change and showcase best practices,’’ he said.
According to Owoh, the zonal ratings will provide a more accurate assessment of strengths and weaknesses on a zonal basis, enabling states within each zone to benchmark themselves against one another.
He assured that the zonal rating would equally promote healthy competition, drive self-improvement and target interventions to change and showcase best practices.
Some climate change advocates and members of the Rotary Club on Friday, December 20, 2024, in Osogbo embarked on a walk to create awareness on the effect of climate change on the environment.
Waste evacuation contractors on duty in Garki Area of Abuja
The climate change awareness campaigners said there was serious need to raise awareness of how human actions and behaviours induce climate change.
The campaigners, who walked from Station Road to Alekuwodo in the Osun State capital, urged government to invest more in training youths to be waste-preneurs (waste managers) to solve climate change issues and thereby create employment.
Mr Ojooluwa Oluwatobiloba, Climate Justice Youth Ambassador (CJYA) in Nigeria and the convener of the Walk, said the awareness was crucial as most states in the South West have very low climate change awareness.
“Climate change is affecting every sector of life and that is why we are out.
“Our plan is to start a movement for climate change in all the states in the South West and we have started it in Oyo, now Osun, next month it will be Ekiti State, then to other states,” he said.
Ojooluwa said that the Climate Change Awareness Walk was aimed at raising young minds to take action concerning solving problems of climate issues in their communities.
He said human actions and behaviours were negatively affecting the climate.
Ojooluwa cited some of the actions to include blocking waterways with refuse, refuse burning and releasing toxic gases into the air, thereby depleting the ozone layer.
He said it was time people, non-governmental organisations and the government started taking action regarding climate issues.
“Having waste-preneurs will generate more jobs and reduce unemployment. This will also help to solve food insecurity and provide renewable energy,” he said
Dr Oladitan Olusakin, another climate change advocate from Opolo Global Innovation Limited, said the collaboration was to raise awareness of people in Osun to take action on climate change.
Olusakin said the people need to embrace recycling and tree planting in order to protect the eco-system and prevent climate change disasters like flooding and heat waves, among others.
Mrs Anne Austin, a climate change advocate and the Zonal Coordinator, Rotary International District 9126, Osun, said that improper disposal of waste was one of the factors causing climate change.
Austin said that negative human activities on the environment had led to depletion of the ozone layer, causing climate change.
She said that their advocacy was to get people more informed on proper management and disposal of wastes and avoid behaviours and actions that could endanger the environment and by extension the climate.
Stakeholders on organic agriculture on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Abuja, called on government at all levels to ensure safe alternatives to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria.
GMOs
GMOs are organisms whose genetic material in the DNA or RNA have been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
This involves introducing genes from one species to the DNA of another species to introduce new traits or characteristics.
The stakeholders made the call at the December edition of a symposium on Safe Alternatives to GMOs in Nigeria with the theme “Upscaling Organic and Agroecology”.
The symposium held via a webinar was organised by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN), in conjunction with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP) and Journalists Go Organic.
Prof. Olugbenga AdeOluwa, National Coordinator, ORAIN, in his opening remarks disclosed that a World Bank report showed that global food security conditions were gradually stabilising in 2024.
AdeOluwa said that there was therefore the need for Nigeria to prioritise safe alternatives to GMOs, with a view to addressing food security and economic gain in the country.
He noted that many farmers in the country also cut corners in their production practices by engaging in several unwholesome acts which endanger the health of consumers.
“There is no gainsaying the fact therefore that safety of ‘GMOs’ regarding human health, environmentally, socially and economically is questionable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Anthony Job, Plant Scientist and Maize Hybrid farmer, noted that organic farmers were trying to contrast conventional, traditional, and the genetically modified breedings.
According to him, in terms of the organisms in conventional breeding, individuals are used to form varieties that are from the same species.
“In the case of genetically modified organisms, genes from one species can be inserted in another, even if they are non-related,” he explained.
He explained that the conventional breeding takes time and number of generations, while genetic engineering could be faster because the effects were rapidly visible.
He noted that, in terms of alternatives, there was the BSL2201, which was released in 2023.
“BSL is an acronym for value seeds limited, which is bred by my humble self.
“BSL2201 is a white hybrid, sold around to fall army worm, it has a yield potential of about 8.3 tons per hectare.
“This variety can be grown without any insecticide, without any pesticide applications,” he said.
The plant scientist also said that there were two open pollinated varieties, ARTMAZ O1 and ARTMAZ O2, adding that ARTMAZ O1 was a white-green kennel.
“ARTMAZ O1 is bred in RIT, and then we have ARTMAZ O2, which is a yellow-green colour, also an OPV released in 2023, with a high green yield potential,” he further said.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Mr Peter Bakare, President, ORAIN, said there was the need to upscale the sensitisation of both farmers, processors and consumers, so they would be able to decide on what to take to improve their health.
According to him, there are so many things going wrong in the food safety system.
“We believe that the more people are sensitised to know the right from wrong, the better for us and the population in Nigeria.
“It will also be better for human capacity development and our health system, as well as for the growth of our Gross Domestic Product.”
The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) has released a new report that captures the experiences, challenges and solutions shared by young landscape practitioners and experts striving to restore African ecosystems.
Restoration Stewards at the 2024 GLF Landscape Leadership Camp in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo credit: Global Landscapes Forum
African landscapes are rapidly degrading, driven by expanding agriculture, market pressure, deforestation and the climate crisis. These landscapes must be urgently restored to safeguard the continent’s well-being, resilience and economy.
The report highlights how a sustainable greener future requires restoration frameworks designed and led by Africans, integrating the knowledge of local communities, including youth, Indigenous Peoples and other minorities. Takeaways stem from a consultation series led by the GLF Youth Team and the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL) in collaboration with Regreening Africa.
According to the promoters, these efforts should aim to achieve long-lasting land restoration – not attention-grabbing numbers that undermine progress in the long run.
“Africa is the youngest continent. Through UNCCD Youth Caucus consultations, it became clear that young people prioritise bottom-up approaches. But how can they achieve meaningful change without access to funding? Youth are already achieving incredible progress in ecosystem restoration; we must provide the opportunities they need to continue,” said Nancy Barisoa, co-author of the report and part of the GLF Youth Team.
“It is very difficult to scale restoration and increase impact when foreign solutions or interventions are not in sync with local knowledge and values of the landscapes. Community and youth engagement should be seen as a resource, because it can be a risk if it is not well embedded in restoration approaches,” said Amos Amanubo, GLF Africa Regional Coordinator, at the launch of the report.
Key report takeaways: Opportunities for transformative change
Funders, policymakers and organisations must actively collaborate with youth leaders and local communities to co-create flexible financing models and accessible resources that enable independent, community-led restoration efforts to support livelihoods and landscapes.
Policymakers must commit to a paradigm shift for meaningful representation and participation of youth and other systematically excluded groups in decision and policymaking, ensuring that their needs, aspirations and expertise guide the design and implementation of restoration strategies.
Governments must create policy mechanisms and financial incentives to link ecosystem restoration with livelihood opportunities for youth, especially for young women and those in rural and degraded landscapes and biodiversity hotspots.
Environmental organisations and institutions must allocate resources to provide training for youth and restoration practitioners across Africa to implement or contribute to restoration projects.
International environmental organisations and actors must use clear, culturally appropriate methods, language and platforms, to co-create, strengthen and communicate the narrative of bottom-up and landscape-rooted ecosystem restoration for Africa.
The report:
Addresses gaps in policy, finance, capacity development and communication as well as solutions to scale up restoration and achieve long-term impact.
Shows why youth-led ecosystem restoration in Africa is crucial and presents examples of successful initiatives and leaders.
Addresses how young Africans can be supported as leaders of restoration and holistic sustainable development practices rooted in their own needs and vision for Africa. Explores opportunities for transformative change that can shape restoration work as a viable option for prosperous livelihoods and a green future for Africa’s landscapes and seascapes.
Emphasises how, despite initiatives such as the Restoration Stewards programme spotlighting a few exceptional young Africans internationally, questions remain about the systemic change needed to better facilitate youth leadership in regreening the continent.
Seeks to inspire, inform and ignite action for ecosystem restoration across Africa and beyond, addressing scientists, policymakers, community leaders, educators and practitioners.
Will be translated into action by Regreening Africa, which will initiate in-country dialogues across the programme’s landscapes based on the report’s insights to explore how youth can continue meaningfully shaping restoration efforts.
“Some challenges in landscape restoration in Africa are lack of technical expertise and funding often limited to short periods. Therefore, mentorship programs and flexible funding are incredibly valuable. We also need to strengthen youth leadership, and better integrate scientific and traditional knowledge,” said Claudine Kamanzi, a 2024 Dryland Restoration Steward and Founder of Forest4Life.
Climate experts say a new emissions reduction target announced by US President Joe Biden’s administration falls short of cuts that would be needed to prevent a temperature rise exceeding a global average of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit), but that it is “close to the upper bound of realistic”.
President Joe Biden announces new US climate goals during his final weeks in office. Photo credit: WILL OLIVER/Pool/EPA-EFE/ABACA/IMAGO
Government climate advisors on Thursday, December 19, 2024, announced commitments to reduce emissions between 61 and 66% by 2035, compared with 2005 levels. The target has been met with scepticism, particularly against the backdrop of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.
In a press call announcing Washington’s new climate target, known as “nationally determined contributions” or NDCs, John Podesta, senior advisor to President Biden for international climate policy, said that despite Trump’s plans to put “climate action on the back burner”, the work would continue to meet the goals.
“We’re looking to governors, mayors, business leaders, and more to carry this important work forward, because the rest of the world will now be looking to them to show how many Americans still care about the future of our planet and our communities,” he said.
Due to take office in January, Trump has in the past called climate change a “hoax”. And during his first term, he withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement – an action experts say he is likely to repeat.
“Even though the Trump administration may not lift a finger to deliver on this plan, it sets a north star for what the US should be aiming for and could help guide the federal government’s priorities once Trump leaves office in 2029,” said Debbie Weyl, Acting Director of the World Resources Institute US.
Rachel Cleetus, policy director and lead economist for the Climate and Energy Programme of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said that as the world’s largest historical emitter it was “fair and necessary” for the US to achieve and strengthen its goals in the future.
“The science is clear: limiting deadly and costly climate impacts necessitates that all major emitting countries quickly strengthen their emission reduction pledges,” she added.
Environmental watchdog 350.org is concerned that the climate target is insufficient to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C and prevent climate chaos.
The US has seen unprecedented climate impacts over the past year with devastation and destruction from hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding affecting frontline communities. Campaigners have been demanding 70% emissions reductions by 2030, and more climate finance is desperately needed – the National Determined Contribution (NDC) fails to commit funds to vulnerable communities in the Global South.
According to the group, as the world’s largest historical polluter, the US can and must do more both domestically and internationally, adding that the NDC also misses critical and clear sectoral targets for fossil fuel phase out and the renewable energy transition, another concerning omission.
Jeff Ordower, 350.org North America Director, says: “In this decisive decade and after a year of horrendous climate impacts in the US that have affected countless communities the science is still being ignored by the world’s largest historical polluter, the US. The climate target is well below what’s needed to prevent climate chaos and is an insult to the communities on the frontline who are feeling the impacts of climate change more than ever before.
“With decreasing demand for fossil fuels predicted in the next 10 years, we know that ensuring the renewable energy revolution is necessary regardless of who is the US president. But the pace of the US transition has enormous consequences for US frontline communities and abroad. While falling far short of what we need, the NDC does still offer some targets that U.S. cities and states can use as a blueprint for climate progress beyond the White House. We call on President Biden to add to this by adopting the Fair Shares US emissions and financial targets before he leaves office.”
The US is the latest country to come forward with new climate targets. Nations have until February to submit their emission reduction goals for 2035. Only a handful have already done so.
Space technology, which involves activities in outer space, dates back to 1957.
Nigeria’s space programme, launched in November 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed to tackle humanitarian challenges, disaster management, and socio-economic development.
NigComSat-1R satellite launch
To achieve this goal, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) was established.
Shortly after, the National Space Policy was approved in 2000, followed by a 25-year roadmap in 2005.
This roadmap resulted in the launch of six satellites: NigeriaSat-1, NigComSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1R, and Nigeria EduSat-1 between 2003 and 2017.
Thus, making Nigeria the first African country to successfully launch satellites into space.
Prof. Spencer Onuh, a space engineer, recently emphasised the importance of initiating Nigeria’s space programme at the time, which enabled the training of scientists and engineers in developed countries.
According to Onuh, the space programme has created huge employment opportunities and positioned Nigeria as a contributor to the Disaster Monitoring Constellation, which the UN occasionally activates.
However, Onuh noted that funding remains a major global challenge for space programmes.
In Nigeria’s case, he argued that policy derailment also contributed to stagnation.
“The challenge is not just money; it is policy derailment, the roadmap was developed, but the government lost focus, the commitment present at the beginning was not sustained.
“We derailed after the launch of NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X in 2011. Up to that point, we were following the roadmap.
“The programme to have an astronaut in space would have been concluded by 2020. The space policy included the Assembly, Integration, and Testing Laboratory (AITL) facility. You cannot manufacture satellites without an AITL facility.
“When we started the national space programme, the goal was for Nigeria to design, manufacture, and launch satellites within the country. For now, we can design, but we cannot fully manufacture or launch”.
He further stressed that relying on annual budget allocations is insufficient because a space programme is a critical national infrastructure.
Onuh also noted that Nigeria loses over two billion dollars annually due to capital flight related to imagery and data acquisition.
In addition, many of the satellites have outlived their lifespan and have been deorbited.
Similarly, Prof. Augustine Chukwude, an executive member of the Astronomy Society of Nigeria (ASN), explained that NASRDA’s establishment consolidated existing space education initiatives at universities such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Chukwude underscored the importance of understanding basic space science and concepts such as the space environment and traffic management for successful satellite operations.
“If you want to launch a satellite, you need to go through basic space science. You must understand the space environment where the satellite will be deployed.
“With many countries launching objects into space, space traffic management is crucial to avoid collisions.”
He also pointed out that space research products are among the most expensive globally, and countries often rely on internal capacity development.
“No nation will sell you such knowledge, no matter what you pay. Nations must start with short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans, using available resources to hire experts when needed.”
Chukwude emphasised the need for NASRDA to strengthen its partnerships with universities to enhance space research and develop actionable policy documents.
Using the Department of Astrophysics and Astronomy at UNN as an example, he noted that many young scientists trained abroad do not return due to the lack of functional research facilities in Nigeria.
“Most of our young people leave because when they return after completing their Masters or PhD programmes, there are no facilities to work with.
“Currently, the country does not have any major functional observatory equipment, whether optical or radio telescopes.
“For example, during my PhD, I used a 25-metre radio telescope in South Africa in 2002, that equipment is now obsolete, yet Nigeria still lacks comparable facilities”.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Michael Agu, pioneer Chairman, Nigeria Institution of Space Engineers (NISEng), outlined the space industry’s scope, covering infrastructure, products, services, economy, and workforce.
Agu praised NASRDA for its progress in space infrastructure and workforce development but stressed the need for greater government support to advance space products and services.
“I know NASRDA has the requisite manpower to roll out space products, including satellites. They have all the necessary building blocks to take the industry to the next level.”
He commended NASRDA’s leadership for maintaining a system where Director-Generals emerge from within, ensuring continuity and familiarity with space-related activities.
However, Ms. Yinka Fagbero, Founder of the Astronomy Without Borders Foundation, attributed Nigeria’s sluggish growth in the space sector to the government being its sole operator.
“Space programmes are capital-intensive. Without adequate funding, even the best ideas cannot be translated into tangible projects.
“We should be launching satellites annually or every other year. Before one satellite expires, another should already be in place. There must be continuity.”
Dr Anne Agi, President of Learn Space Foundation, noted that in spite producing new space scientists, Nigeria still relies on foreign expertise and infrastructure.
“The National Space Policy aimed for indigenous satellite design and launch, but this vision has not yet been fully realised.
“Complex regulatory frameworks and inefficiencies in policy implementation have hindered progress.
“There is also limited public awareness about the benefits of space technology, which affects support for space initiatives.
“Space science is still viewed as a niche field with minimal recognition of its contributions to national development,” Agi said.
Experts have outlined several recommendations to reposition the space sector, emphasising collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments.
To begin with, they stressed the importance of fostering strong Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to attract funding and enhance the sector’s growth.
In addition, they called for greater collaboration among space-related institutions to maximise resources and expertise.
As part of the proposed interventions, they highlighted the need to establish an AITL alongside other critical initiatives to advance the industry.
Focusing on regulatory reforms, Agi underscored the importance of simplifying regulations to encourage private sector participation and drive innovation.
She also recommended the commercialisation of NASRDA’s research outputs, which could translate scientific advancements into practical applications that benefit society.
Furthermore, Agi emphasised the urgency of developing local expertise and infrastructure, expanding educational programmes, strengthening international collaborations, and raising public awareness.
“We must increase outreach efforts to highlight the benefits of space science and garner greater public and governmental support,” she said.
In a similar vein, Onuh advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the space programme, citing the urgent need to replace Nigeria’s ageing satellites.
He also stated out that monitoring weather, particularly cloud cover, should be prioritised.
Additionally, he emphasised the need for a new meteorological satellite and the replacement of communication satellites nearing deorbit.
“The government must commit to revolutionising the space programme for the country’s benefit,” he added.
Chukwude, however, proposed a robust space development strategy focusing on foundational initiatives such as basic space science education and the promotion of space-related fields like astronomy.
He urged NASRDA to secure government support for the installation of a 30-metre telescope, arguing that it would significantly enhance Nigeria’s global standing.
“With such a telescope, Nigeria could link up with Europe and Asia, enabling high-resolution global observations,” he added.
By addressing these key areas, the experts believe Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its space sector and position itself as a leader on the global stage.
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Humanitarians have continued to assess the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and to support affected families.
UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric
The storm struck over the weekend, affecting at least 184,000 people. According to authorities, some 45 people have been killed and a further 500 injured, primarily in Cabo Delgado province.
More than 35,000 homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Almost 50 health centres and nearly 150 schools were also damaged and are no longer functioning.
UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told journalists in New York on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, that the UN and its partners had been mobilising support for the most affected families in Mecufi district in Cabo Delgado.
“They have reached 2,000 families with food, shelter and other essential supplies.
“Mobile medical teams are being deployed across the most impacted districts to deliver essential health services.
“Efforts are also underway to combat waterborne diseases by distributing chlorine and water purification materials, as well as providing information on cholera prevention,” he said.
Mobile teams have also been deployed to support unaccompanied or children who have been separated from their families, he added.
Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique after pummeling the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on December 14, resulting in “catastrophic consequences” for the population, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Tuesday.
Chido had wind speeds of more than 200 kilometres per hour, and gusts of more than 225 kilometres per hour, which were accompanied by torrential rainfall and dangerous waves reaching more than five metres in height.
It was the strongest storm to hit Mayotte – an archipelago located between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique – in at least 90 years, according to the French meteorological services, Météo-France.
Thousands are feared dead and French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a national mourning period.
WMO said Chido took an unusual track as the storm skirted Madagascar which would potentially have weakened it.
The tropical cyclone subsequently made landfall over Mozambique on December 15 before weakening, bringing heavy rainfall there and in neighbouring Malawi.
The UN is also responding to the earthquake that struck the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu on Tuesday, killing nine people and injuring more than 200 others, according to authorities.
Humanitarians said the situation remains concerning, and a state of emergency has been declared for seven days.
Dujarric said the Government has requested international assistance to complement the national response, and the UN and partners are mobilising resources.
UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, is deploying response teams to the area, which includes a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team
“According to local authorities, damage is extensive and includes hospitals, residential and public buildings, roads, water reservoirs and gas pipes. Many communities have been cut off,” he said.
He listed the immediate needs to include medical supplies and repair to medical structures, mobile medical teams, search and rescue teams with heavy machinery for clearing as well as safe drinking water.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, says the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project is crucial in addressing land degradation, food insecurity, among others.
Dignitaries at the Endorsement and Validation of the First Phase of the Developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) by ACReSAL Stakeholders
Lawal spoke on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Abuja at the Endorsement and Validation of the First Phase of the Developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) by ACReSAL Stakeholders.
ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project which aims to address climate change and land degradation in Nigeria’s northern states.
The minister said that ACReSAL project is environmentally friendly with focus on three issues–food security, water supply and the environment.
“The project seeks to address land degradation, water shed, food security and all related issues to community development
“This participatory approach ensures that our plans are not only technically sound but also socially acceptable and environmentally just.’’
Lawal said it was the first time Nigeria would develop a Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMP) of that magnitude starting with the Hadeija Jama’are which was selected first with the promise to restore the Nguru wetland.
“The SCMP would also create the platform and structure into which another set of 200 micro catchment management plans from the 19 participating states and the FCT will dovetail into,” he said.
The strategic action plan is set to be developed and implemented across six Nguru/riparian states of Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Plateau and Yobe.
On his part, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that water was crucial in an era defined by rapid change, climate fluctuations, population shifts or technological advancements.
“These efforts not only safeguard our environment but also support our local economy by ensuring sustainable practices that can benefit agricultural, recreational and tourism activities.
“The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation hereby wishes to endorse this SCMP of Hadejia-Jama’are with enthusiasm and a shared determination to protect and enhance our natural heritage,” he said.
Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, said that the 19 northern states and the FCT, home to Nigeria’s most vulnerable semi-arid regions, had been direct beneficiaries of ACReSAL’s initiatives.
“This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, combating desertification and fostering resilience in the face of climate change.
“Since the inception of ACReSAL, it has become a cornerstone in the ministry’s efforts to bolster the agricultural sector against climate-related challenges across communities,” Abdullahi said.
Malam Muhammad Yahaya Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum said that SCMP played a crucial role in preventing and mitigating the effects of water scarcity, drought, and general land degradation.
“We are committed to ensuring the effective implementation of this integrated and participatory plan as the operating framework for projects across the participating states,” Yahaya said.
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa commended the ACReSAL Project for its exceptional collaborative approach.
“The project’s focus on livelihood impact has been well-received,” he said.
He affirmed Jigawa ‘s acceptance of the SCMP endorsed by the ministers.
According to Namadi, the ACReSAL project’s success is linked to its effective leadership which enables it to positively impact the lives of the people.
Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC) has partnered with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) to promote peace and development in its host communities.
Okomu Oil Palm Plantation
The partnership, which was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is to strengthen OOPC’s relationships with its neighbouring communities and promote sustainable development.
The PIND is a non-profit organisation that promotes peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
The company’s Managing Director, Dr Graham Hefer, said on Thursday, December 19, 2024, that the partnership was a significant step towards fostering peace and development in the company’s host communities.
“We recognise the importance of maintaining good relationships with our host communities.
“Our partnership with PIND is a demonstration of our commitment to promoting peace and development in these communities,” Dr Hefer said.
The managing director said the company, which had its footprint in over 29 communities in the state, had over time engaged these communities through the company’s corporate social responsibility programme (CSR).
According to him, the partnership is aimed to further cement the existing relationships, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution, community stabilisation, among others.
Hefer said the step was meant to further foster acceptable and sustainable social impact returns to both the communities and the company in future.
The OOPC boss asserted that the reputation of PIND as a credible NGO was what spurred the company to enter into the agreement, while expressing his optimism that this will benefit all parties involved.
On his part, PIND’s Programme Director, Dr Effiong Essien, commended the oil palm firm for its commitment to community development.
“We are excited to partner with OOPC to promote peace and development in its host communities. We look forward to working together to achieve this goal,” Essien said.
