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Oyo, firm urged to halt destruction of Ogunpa Forest Reserve

Michael Simire
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Oyo, firm urged to halt destruction of Ogunpa Forest Reserve

As world leaders gather for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria’s environmental challenges demand immediate attention. The devastating impact of climate change on Ogunpa River, a vital lifeline in Ibadan, Oyo State, underscores the need for collective action.

Seyi Makinde
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Climate change poses significant threats to Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy, and human well-being. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events exacerbate flooding, drought, and food insecurity. Ogunpa River, once a thriving watercourse, now faces waste crises, deforestation, and destructive infrastructure projects.

The Oyo State Government and Baywood Infrastructure’s destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve for a private estate prioritises private interests over public needs, disregarding environmental concerns and the Minister of Environment’s advice. This project threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 people living along the Ogunpa Channel.

Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its pledge to limit emissions by 25% unassisted and 47% if assisted necessitates bold action. However, the country’s progress is hindered by inadequate climate governance, insufficient funding, and lack of public awareness.

The Way Forward

To address these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a participatory governance approach, involving local communities in decision-making processes. Indigenous knowledge and traditional environmental practices should be recognised and valued. Environmental justice must be prioritised, addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Call to Action

We urge the Oyo State Government, Baywood Infrastructure, and relevant authorities to:

1. Immediately halt the destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve.

2. Conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

3. Engage in participatory governance with local communities.

4. Prioritise environmental justice and sustainability over private interests.

Conclusion

The fate of Ogunpa River and Nigeria’s climate resilience hangs in the balance. COP29 presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to climate action. We must balance economic growth, population explosion, and environmental protection. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) should be empowered to halt poor and environmentally unfriendly projects.

By Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative, info@ecogreen.org.ng

INC-5: Why world needs an ambitious Global Plastic Pollution Treaty – WWF

Michael Simire
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INC-5: Why world needs an ambitious Global Plastic Pollution Treaty – WWF

Coming on the heels of lackluster performances at two major global environmental summits on nature and climate, INC-5 – the fifth and final round of negotiations for a treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution – is seen as a critical opportunity for governments to inspire hope for the future and turn around this year’s so far bleak mandate on the state of our environment by establishing a strong and effective global plastic pollution treaty.

Kirsten Schuijt
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International

WWF warns that unless governments get serious in streamlining processes and agreeing on making specific core measures globally mandatory, world leaders will not be able to deliver on their promise two years ago to create a binding instrument that can end plastic pollution.

“At its core, plastic pollution is a non-partisan issue – evident by the vast majority of countries who have called for decisive measures to tackle the primary drivers of this crisis,” said Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business, WWF-US. “In the final round of treaty negotiations, countries must come to the table ready to deliver the most ambitious treaty possible, prioritising binding commitments that will move us toward a just transition and a brighter future. The world is watching, now is the moment for our leaders to put differences aside and let nature win.”

In particular, WWF urges governments to include in the treaty explicit text to ban and phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern; mandatory product design requirements to ensure remaining products are safe and easy to reuse and recycle; identify the level of funding that governments need to commit and how such resources will be disbursed; and mechanisms for strengthening the treaty over time.

If such measures are not mandated globally, projected increases in plastic production by 2050 could account for 21-30% of the world’s carbon emission budget required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This adds pressure on an already tenuous undertaking to stop the planet’s temperature from breaching a threshold beyond which many species may perish.

Regulating and reducing plastic production and consumption through binding global bans and design requirements that ensure the circularity of high-risk products can therefore yield enormous benefits that would reduce the demand of virgin plastic production and could give the planet a fighting chance at keeping global warming below the crucial 1.5°C threshold.

By WWF’s count, a majority of governments have already called for, or support such measures. It’s a question of whether they will keep their promises.

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International, said: “To protect current and future generations from a world overwhelmed by plastic pollution and the unequal burden it places on the most vulnerable communities, we need binding global rules. Negotiators have the backing of not only scientific evidence, but also a majority of governments, citizens and businesses that a global treaty with legally binding obligations, and not voluntary guidelines, is the only way to end the global plastic pollution crisis. This is absolutely possible. Negotiators must prioritise the most urgent and essential measures so we can get to the heart of the issue – what a strong treaty should include – faster and more impactfully.”

WWF urges governments to reject any attempts at watering down or excluding core measures that must be included in the treaty. Should disputes arise or if a treaty borne out of consensus yields weak measures, governments must be willing to vote to get the treaty that we need.

Ahead of the negotiations next week (November 25 to December1, 2024), the INC-5 Chair has published a streamlined “non-paper” text. This text creates a basis for negotiations that allows governments to focus discussions and prioritises the measures that must be included in the treaty within INC-5’s short time frame of a week.

Eirik Lindebjerg, Global Plastics Policy Lead and Head of Delegation for WWF at INC-5, said: “The majority of governments have been calling for the right measures, and at INC-5, they need to turn these words into action by cementing such measures in the treaty text unambiguously. There can be no room for alternative interpretations, borne out of certain governments’ economic self-interests, to take precedence over the health and safety of the world.

“Those that want a strong treaty must therefore push ahead with one, even if this means not all governments will ratify it or be ready to take the decision to another forum. A treaty with binding measures supported by the majority of governments will be far more effective than a voluntary-based treaty supported by all governments.” 

The WWF aded: “For the eventual treaty to be fit for purpose, governments must include several core measures, currently only included as placeholders in the ‘non-paper’. In addition, governments must use stronger language to denote when clear-cut actions such as global and legally binding bans must be mandatory.

“This is to ensure the treaty does not revert to business-as-usual practices of only implementing voluntary national initiatives, which have dominated our collective response over the last three decades yet yielded little success.”

Water, electricity unions collaborate to tackle privatisation

Michael Simire
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Water, electricity unions collaborate to tackle privatisation

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have picked holes in the electricity sector privatisation, vowing to stop similar moves in the water sector.

Privatisation
Members of the unions at the workshop

The two unions stated this at a workshop in Abuja on “Promoting Transparency and Decent Work in Supply Chains in Electricity, Water and Waste Services in Sub-Saharan Africa” supported by DGB Bildungs Week and Public Services International (PSI).  

The unions also lamented the collapse of the electricity sector in the hands of a private individual.

In his intervention on “Promoting Transparency and Decent Work in Supply Chains in Electricity, Water and Waste Services in Sub–Sahara Africa-Phase II”, NUEE acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, said members of the union are worried due to epileptic power supply, hence the call for reversal of privatisation in the electricity sector.

He lamented poor policies and mismanagement of the sector which he said continuously affects Nigerians and called for an end to casualisation of workers.

According to him, “all workers must be treated as workers. We must ensure that we team up to stand against unfortunate policies.”

Similarly, the National President of AUPCTRE, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, urged members to unite, insisting that unity is necessary to enable the union to achieve success.

“We need to continuously work together to ensure success. We know that a lot of policies are affecting smooth operation in the sector but we must work together and stand strong.”

He lamented over the consistent collapse of the national grid, saying that those in power might be playing politics to garner resources for elections.

“But we have to play our roles effectively and protect the sector. We must also team up against certain policies that do not augur well for the Nigerian workers.

“We also need to set an example for our junior ones in the service and encourage the leaders.

Taking a cue, Comrade Abiodun Bakare, PSI-DGB National Coordinator, said several engagements with rank-and-file recently in several states across the country revealed a lot of challenges faced by members.

He said the engagement was meant to gauge the pulse of members on the privatisation plans of the government, noting that the challenges in the sector needed a collective approach by members to address them.

“We need to voice out our feelings on various issues and challenges so that we will unite as a team and face them”.

In her presentation, Comrade Abiodun Badru hailed the leadership of the two unions for their vision and leadership, extolling their selflessness in the discharge of their duties to members.

She said that the PSI-DGB is encouraging unions to build solidarity from Global North to the Global South, and mobilising to defend the rights of workers and the people they provide services to.

“We are also building the gap for unions to have the capacity to engage and demand for workers’ rights”.

In his presentation on Campaign Planning & Strategy, the Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Jakpor, encouraged the union members to build their campaigns on certain questions which include: What is the situation we want to change? Who is affected by the situation we are advocating for? What can we do to improve the situation? What resources are needed? And what tactics are available to implement the campaign? How do we measure success?

Jakpor also emphasised the importance of communication plans in a campaign, pointing out that it ensures that the target audience of a campaign gets the message.

He listed the benefits of effective communication to include giving a sense of direction, helps map the audience, helps to identify gaps in policy and advocacy, helps to identify message pillars and helps in evaluation, among others.

Reps committee seeks tax break, vocational grants to empower youths in renewable energy

Michael Simire
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Reps committee seeks tax break, vocational grants to empower youths in renewable energy

The House Committee on Renewable Energy has advocated for accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants, to empower youths in renewable energy in African countries, especially in Nigeria.

Rep. Victor Ogene
House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Ogene (middle), with delegates at COP29

The chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Ogene, stated this in a statement on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

Ogene called for deliberate inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies on developments in climate change and energy transitions would be discussed.

This, he said, would foster a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.

He stressed the need to focus on actionable strategies to foster a fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa.

Ogene, alongside other stakeholders, discussed these on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The event was co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform.

The discussions, he said, were centered around labour-based incentives, youth-centered policies and the intersection of equity, sustainability and job creation.

Ogene said that the conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to designing labour incentives that not only support job creation but also address the specific needs of young people.

This, according to him, includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youth-led startups and subsidies for skill acquisition in renewable energy industries, and policies.

Ogene said that this would integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.

By Femi Ogunshola

Association reassures Nigerians on safety of GMOs

Michael Simire
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Association reassures Nigerians on safety of GMOs

The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) has endorsed all commercially released Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and foods in Nigeria as natural and safe for humans, livestock and the environment.

GMOs
GMOs

The association disclosed this at the National Symposium on Biotechnology organised in honour of Prof. Vincent Tenebe, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the BSN on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

Tenebe noted that the controversy surrounding the safety of GMOs was a false narrative, propagated by anti-GMOs who don’t wish Nigeria or Africa to be food sufficient.

He said the issue was not about safety but business and that those against the technology were bent on keeping Africa perpetually reliant on food importation.

“God gave man the ability to change and modify to our own advantage and that is what we are doing with GMOs as biological scientists.

“Don’t be deceived by what anti-GMOs are telling you, GMO is natural, they are trying to bring confusing ideas whenever they see that Africa is about to have a breakthrough,’’ he said.

Tenebe, who is also the erstwhile Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), maintained that Africa remains the greatest centre of biodiversity, and its resources was in high demand.

He said that contrary to opinions of ant-GMOs, there was nothing wrong with GMO, hence Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used to cause confusion.

“As scientists, we are just trying to express what we have discovered from science and nobody can change it, and we must respect plants because through plants we have wisdom,’’ Tenebe added.

Dr Sylvester Oikeh, TELA Maize Project Manager, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), who was the keynote speaker, made a presentation on “The safety history of TELLA Maize’’.

Oikeh concluded that genetically engineered crops such as TELA maize are safe because of rigorous biosafety regulatory approval process involved.

According to him, strategic combination of conventional breeding and transgenic technology has resulted in 53 TELA registered, climate-smart hybrids, with four released in Nigeria.

He noted that this had the potential to transform maize production amid climate change.

He stressed that there was urgent need to address negative impacts of NGOs opposing GMOs in Africa, especially in Nigeria because their actions are a huge threat to national food and nutrition security.

Earlier, Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the BSN, remarked that, presently, one of the burning issues of biotechnology was GMOs, specifically genetically modified foods, vaccines, especially molecular vaccines that saved the world from COVID-19.

“To address burning food security concerns in the country, Nigerian scientists have worked for more than 20 years to deploy the science of genetic engineering in the solution of Nigeria’s pressing food problems.

“The result was the insect resistant beans launched in 2021, the insect and drought resistant maize launched this year, as well as insect resistant cotton commercialized in 2018.”

“The new genetically modified (GM) insect resistant beans will, all things being equal, rid the beans fields of maruka insect devastation and bring beans within reach of the common man again,’’ Uzochukwu said.

The BSN president stated that TELA maize has been developed to tackle new pests such as the fall army worms which have been laying waste to corn fields.

She expressed optimism that the GM maize would bring down, not just the cost of maize or corn and its products, but also the cost of meat as livestock feed was highly dependent on corn.

According to her, these products will also protect consumers from cancer which arises when insects damage grains and moulds grow on them and produce mycotoxins which cause cancer.

Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said the theme of the conference, “GMOs and Vaccines; Myths, Advances and Prospects,’’ was timely.

She said the theme addressed some of the most critical issues facing science, healthcare and agriculture in Nigeria and across the globe.

Asagbra, who was represented by Hauwa Ahmed, Acting Director, Biosafety Enforcement and Operations, said the role of biotechnology has become more significant as Nigeria continue to navigate a rapidly evolving world.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards of selfless service and excellence to deserving scientists.

BSN is a professional and scientific association that promotes biotechnological activities to positively impact nations’ aspirations for food security, improved healthcare delivery, a clean environment and sustainable economic growth.

By Sylvester Thompson

What does the G20 Summit mean for Africa’s future?

Michael Simire
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0
What does the G20 Summit mean for Africa’s future?

This week marks a historic milestone for Africa as the continent takes its place at the G20 Summit as a permanent member for the first time. Following the African Union’s inclusion in September 2023, the continent is poised to influence global priorities, including debt distress, climate finance, inequality, and international taxation.

G20 Summit
President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa at the G20 Summit in Brazil

As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18-19, 2024, Africa is expected to advocate for increased investments in its energy sector – pivotal for advancing global energy transitions. Representing 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, the G20 holds unmatched sway in shaping global policy.

This year’s summit also paves the way for the 2025 G20 meeting in South Africa – the first-ever hosted on African soil. Under the theme “Fostering Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development”, South Africa’s presidency will prioritise addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want”. This is a pivotal moment for Africa to solidify its role as a key player in driving global economic and sustainable development reforms.

“Africa’s priorities in the global financial system are clear: increasing concessional finance, solving the debt crisis, making risk and valuation assessments fairer, curbing illicit financial flows, and developing an international tax framework that ensures African countries get their fair share of global taxes. With these reforms in place, African countries’ transformation can be fully unleashed,” says Mavis Gyamfi- Owusu, President and CEO, Africa Centre for Economic Transformation. 

Debt sustainability in developing economies, particularly across Africa, remains a priority. Leaders are expected to discuss comprehensive reforms to global lending practices.

“The handover of the G20 presidency from Brazil to South Africa marks the end of an era. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 will be the last under a developing country. The G20 coming to Africa is especially important because this time, in addition to South Africa, we have the African Union Commission taking part as a full member.

“The incoming South African presidency offers the opportunity to emphasize the debt crisis in Africa and push for a more comprehensive reform package. The African Union Commission needs to enhance progressive discussions on global financial architecture reform in different fora, focusing on making Africa a rule maker, not a rule-taker,” Jason Braganza, Executive Director of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), said.

Dr. Magalie Masamba Senior Fellow, African Debt Justice Network (AfSDJN) and is an Advocate of the High Court of Zanzibar, submited: “African countries are navigating a complex intersection of development demands and the escalating impacts of climate change. Our nations require substantial financing to build resilient infrastructure, adapt to shifting climate conditions, and invest in sustainable growth. Yet, for many African countries, high debt burdens limit these options, leaving few viable paths forward without risking further economic strain.

“We need a global commitment to mobilise resources that do not add to existing debt burdens, enabling African countries to pursue economic progress and climate resilience without sacrificing economic stability. This requires a tailored approach to financing – one that prioritises grants, concessional financing, and possibly debt relief over traditional loans. This is not only essential for our region but is critical for sustainable global growth.”

As a new G20 member, the African Union is expected to seek support for its UN-backed resolution on international tax cooperation. This initiative aims to foster fairness and inclusivity in global tax systems.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change will be prominently featured, with calls for equitable energy transitions and affordable climate finance.

“With South Africa following up on Brazil and putting inequality at the centre of its G20 presidency, South Africa and Africa have an opportunity to shape the agenda at this first-ever G20 meeting on African soil.

“Debt is a key issue for the continent, and South Africa will be expected to open up dialogue around the G20 Common Framework. Similarly, the G20 should reflect on how to cushion debt risk for the future and discuss options to reduce the cost of capital for the climate transition as a way to ensure an equal transition for all,” noted Faten Aggad, Executive Director of the African Future Policies Hub.

African leaders aim to oppose carbon tax regimes threatening their export competitiveness while advocating for trade policies prioritising development.

“Africa needs a unified voice. We must coordinate our demands on the G20. Our priorities should be reforming the global sovereign lending market to avoid exorbitant interest rates and securing substantial climate finance for adaptation. We must also actively oppose carbon tax regimes that could harm our exports,” said Ken Opalo, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University,

As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2025, this year’s summit will set the tone for a historic moment. South Africa’s leadership will underscore African priorities, including debt relief, global financial reform, and climate justice.

“The African Union’s full membership strengthens Africa’s ability to advocate for meaningful reforms and global equity. This is a critical moment for the continent to position itself as a leader in global decision-making,” added Jason Braganza.

The 2024 G20 Summit is poised to address urgent global challenges while paving the way for Africa’s leadership in shaping future global policies. As the African Union takes its place at the table, the continent’s voice will be central to discussions that impact the world’s economic and environmental landscape.

“I look forward to seeing the African Union reinforce these priorities at this week’s G20 meeting, and I strongly encourage other G20 members to work with them to create a truly global financial system that works for us all. Indonesia, India and Brazil laid a strong foundation during their G20 Presidencies; it is now up to South Africa to take up this mantle and move us forward, together,” stressed Owusu-Gyamfi.

WaterAid, CSOs inaugurate training to boost funding for WASH Sector

Michael Simire
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0
WaterAid, CSOs inaugurate training to boost funding for WASH Sector

WaterAid Nigeria has partnered with civil society organisations (CSOs) to inaugurate a training programme focused on securing funding for the underfunded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Nigeria.

Evelyn Mere
Evelyn Mere, WaterAid Nigeria Country Director

Theodora Igboaruka, Policy and Advocacy Manager, WaterAid Nigeria, emphasised the role of sanitation and hygiene in national development at a two-day training on WASH Budget Analysis, Tools, and Skills in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024.

According to her, these areas have been greatly neglected in spite of their interconnectedness with other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps and ensure progress toward achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG six, which focuses on universal access to water and sanitation,” she said.

She said the ultimate objective was to create evidence-based tools for advocacy.

Igboaruka explained that the training is designed to equip CSOs with skills to analyse budget trends, assess the share of sanitation and hygiene in national budgets, and identify investment gaps.

“This data will form the foundation for advocacy, providing evidence to engage decision-makers and stakeholders in prioritising sanitation and hygiene financing.

“Collaboration, synergy, and amplified advocacy efforts are crucial to ensure these issues are no longer overlooked but are recognised as essential for national development and global commitments”.

Earlier, Mr Benson Attah, National Coordinator, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), revealed challenges associated with budget transparency and stakeholder engagement.

He noted that while budgeting was essential for planning and resource allocation, it often faced resistance, particularly from civil servants.

“There is a perception of scrutiny and exposure during budget discussions, which leads to apprehension and sometimes resistance,” Attah said.

He recounted an instance where an officer assigned to assist with budget tracking disappeared, illustrating the entrenched resistance to accountability within the system.

Attah stressed that without transparency, it was impossible to assess how funds are utilised or measure their impact.

“This lack of trust erodes credibility and affects governance, particularly in the water and sanitation sector,” he noted.

Attah urged civil servants and stakeholders to view budgeting not as a punitive tool but as a mechanism to ensure efficiency, fairness, and impact.

“This initiative is a step toward bridging the funding gap in the WASH sector and ensuring that Nigeria remains on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030,” he added.

The participants, primarily NEWSAN members, were trained on various skills, including budget trend analysis, tracking, monitoring, and evaluation, among others.

By Tosin Kolade

G20 leaders inaugurate global alliance to end hunger

Michael Simire
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0
G20 leaders inaugurate global alliance to end hunger

G20 leaders, on Monday, November 18, 2024, inaugurated a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, during the opening session of the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

G20 leaders
G20 leaders

The alliance, signed by all member countries, empowers a Task Force to implement practical activities between 2025 and 2030 to accelerate the elimination of hunger and reduction of poverty.

President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil said the alliance, which was pre-launched in July, already had the support of more than 80 countries, in addition to dozens of governments and civil society organisations.

He said the goal of the global alliance was to gather funds and knowledge towards the implementation of public policies and social technologies, which have proven effective in reducing global hunger and poverty.

He added that, throughout the first half of Brazil’s G20 presidency, discussions were held with G20 countries and other key partners to present the operation, its pillars and the general lines of governance.

“It’s not just about doing justice. This is an essential condition for building more prosperous societies and a world of peace.

“Brazil intends to reposition itself as an international leader on the issue, showcasing the successful Brazilian experience with the Zero Hunger and Bolsa Família programmes – both launched by Lula in his first spell as president between 2003 and 2010.

“Ending hunger is also one of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations for 2030,” said the President.

He explained that UN institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) also addressed these issues.

But he said Brazil managed to convince its peers that a new initiative was necessary to accelerate investments.

Quoting Brazilian physician and nutritionist, Josué de Castro (1908-1973), Da Silva stated that “hunger and poverty are not the result of scarcity, but a biological expression of social ills.”

The president highlighted that the world produced almost 6 billion tons of food each year, while spending $2.4 trillion on military spending.

He said international financial institutions and national development banks had also joined the initiative.

“So far, one of the biggest promises has been from the Inter-American Development Bank, which will request authorissation from its boards to allocate $25 billion to loans in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The alliance, which will be autonomous from the rotating presidencies of the G20, will be operated from Brasília, within the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and from Rome, within the FAO,” he said.

According to Da Silva, the world is now worse than it was in 2008, when the G20 took a leading role in facing the global economic crisis.

He mentioned the number of armed conflicts around the world, the climate emergency, social inequalities, and the fact that there were 733 million people going hungry in the world, according to the FAO.

The situation has deteriorated in recent years. “Those who have always been invisible will be at the centre of the international agenda.”

The President invited countries outside the G20 to join the alliance.

By Salif Atojoko

COP29: Adeleke tasks world leaders, lists Osun’s climate solutions

Michael Simire
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0
COP29: Adeleke tasks world leaders, lists Osun’s climate solutions

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on world leaders to recommit to immediate action to stem the mounting negative consequences of climate change, listing several steps the state has taken on the subject.

Osun State
Members of the Osun State delegation and guests at a side event at COP29

Addressing a COP29 side event in Baku, Azerbaijan, the governor, represented by the state’s consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku, recalled the various technical reports from several credible agencies which pointed to a heightening negative impact of climate change, noting that the time is now for remediation, adaptation and resilience actions to save the planet.

Governor Adeleke extended hands of collaboration to world leaders as he noted that “the challenges of climate change are global while our solutions can be local, scalable, and impactful. 

“Let us continue to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and invest in sustainable futures for all. Together, we can create a world where art, innovation, and environmental stewardship thrive side by side – a world where waste becomes wealth and resilience becomes a shared legacy,” the governor canvassed.

The governor spoke further at the event: “In Osun State, we are on a transformative journey toward climate resilience, sustainability, and economic empowerment. Aligned with the thematic areas of COP29, our efforts focus on adaptation, mitigation, circular economy, and inclusive development:

“Adaptation: Through our Climate Action Plan (CAP), we are equipping all sectors with the tools to assess emissions and vulnerabilities. Focal desk officers are tracking greenhouse gas data across agriculture, water, infrastructure, and health, ensuring targeted and actionable strategies;

“Circular Economy: Our state is pioneering waste-to-wealth initiatives by engaging both formal and informal players. Through waste characterisation studies and upcoming recycling hubs, we are creating economic opportunities while protecting the environment;

“Nature-Based Solutions: We are reclaiming degraded lands, such as the Onibueja dump site, where reforestation and creative reuse of waste are transforming challenges into opportunities. Our Ago-Owu Forest project further demonstrates our commitment to ecosystem restoration;

“Renewable Energy Transition: Solar mini-grids, solar farms, solar powered boreholes, solar street lights, clean cooking stoves, and partnerships with international stakeholders are ensuring a just and inclusive clean energy future;

“Inclusive Development: By mobilising women, youths, and local communities, we are creating a robust grassroots movement for climate action,” the governor noted.

He commended Mr. Dotun Popoola’s remarkable exhibition, Reclaimed Beauty, exemplified the spirit of innovation and resilience that drives Osun State. 

“His sculptures – crafted from recycled metal and discarded materials from our dumpsites – tell the story of turning waste into wonder, and challenges into opportunities. His work aligns seamlessly with our circular economy goals, emphasising sustainability and cultural heritage.

“I commend the Heydar Aliyev Centre for hosting this extraordinary event. It showcases the intersection of art, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment – a vision we deeply embrace in Osun State,” the governor concluded.

Group urges govt, states to show financial commitment to addressing diabetes burden

Michael Simire
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0
Group urges govt, states to show financial commitment to addressing diabetes burden

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the federal government of Nigeria and state authorities to demonstrate financial commitment towards reducing the risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

Mohammed Ali Pate
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare

The not-for-profit, in a statement following last Thursday’s celebration of the World Diabetes Day, reiterated its call for an upward review of the country’s budgetary allocation to the health sector, as well as the N10/litre excise duty on sugar sweetened beverages – a known driver of diabetes.

CAPPA advised authorities to use the occasion of the day to reflect on the country’s huge burden of NCDs, including about 11.2 million Nigerians living with diabetes.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said: “Nigeria is grappling with a significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with one in 17 adults – roughly 11.2 million Nigerians – living with diabetes. This health crisis extends beyond the health sector, affecting the country’s social and economic environment.”

The statement further reads: “The rising prevalence of diabetes, compounded by unstable economic conditions and an unhealthy food environment, places more Nigerians at risk of severe hardship.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and other leading international organisations, implementing effective policy measures like the SSB Tax and other forms of sin taxes, which reduce the desirability and accessibility of unhealthy diets, is essential for protecting public health.”

With this year’s World Diabetes Day themed “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, CAPPA urged state authorities to demonstrate their commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes by implementing effective food policies that can guarantee Nigerians access to healthy diets.

The organisation also called on the government to channel revenue generated from the SSB tax towards improving healthcare infrastructure and subsidising costs of disease management in the country.

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