The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has launched a women empowerment initiative, distributing five-week-old broiler birds to 200 women in Zamfara State.
BATN Foundation empowering women in Zamfara with poultry resources
The project aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty within the community.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hurriya Dauda Lawal; Commissioner of Agriculture, Ya’u Haruna Gamji; the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture; Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of BATN Foundation; and other officials.
BATNF’s efforts reflect its commitment to empowering rural women and fostering community resilience through sustainable agriculture. Each beneficiary received 20 broiler birds, a bag of specially formulated feed, and essential multivitamins to support poultry farming.
The project, implemented by Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited, goes beyond distribution but also equipping women with tools to establish profitable businesses.
In her address, Lawal praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of empowering women to drive change.
She said: “The women of Zamfara are the heart of our communities and empowering them means empowering the future of our state. With this support, we are not just giving them birds and feed; we are giving them the tools to rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods despite the challenges we face. I thank BATNF for recognizing the potential of our women and investing in their growth.”
Similarly, Gamji emphasised the significance of the project for the state’s agricultural development.
He said: “This initiative is a vital step towards sustainable food security and economic empowerment in Zamfara. By investing in women, we are creating a ripple effect that will touch families, communities, and ultimately transform our state. We appreciate the impactful work of the BATN Foundation and look forward to continued collaboration to scale up and transform the lives in our communities.”
Zamfara State Government, through the office of the First Lady, reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and promoting agricultural development, building on the success of the project from BATNF which has empowered women farmers in the community and across the nation.
Speaking at the event, Odusanya emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative.
He said: “It is an honour to be here today to implement a project designed to empower women and enhance rural livelihoods in our beloved state. We firmly believe that, by investing in resilient and enterprising women, we are planting the seeds for a brighter and more prosperous future for all in Zamfara State.
“Poultry farming has emerged as a transformative enterprise, providing not only a sustainable income but also advancing food security and strengthening community cohesion. Our goal is to equip these women with the tools and knowledge to establish successful businesses that will benefit the broader community.”
Odusanya reaffirmed BATNF’s commitment to the sustainability of the project by promising continuous support, including training and awareness programs, to ensure the long-term success of the beneficiaries.
“At BATN Foundation, we believe that empowering farmers- women is crucial to building resilient communities. Since its inception in 2002, BATN Foundation has invested over 4 billion Naira in agricultural programs, supporting smallholder farmers across Nigeria. To date, the foundation has reached 1.3 million beneficiaries, with a target to double that number in the next decade by scaling up support for rural farmers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Looking ahead, the foundation is committed to doubling its impact over the next decade by scaling up its support for rural farmers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“This ambitious goal involves expanding outreach programs, increasing funding, and establishing strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders to enhance the delivery and sustainability of agricultural interventions. BATNF will also place particular emphasis on empowering women and youth, recognising these groups as key drivers of long-term agricultural growth and rural economic development. The Foundation calls for collaboration with likeminded organisations to expand its reach and make a lasting difference,” he stressed.
The Lagos State Government is planning a dialogue with developers and property owners to discuss ways to address distressed buildings in the state.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said this in a statement on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Lagos.
The statement was issued by Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the ministry.
Olumide said the meeting slated for November would discuss solutions to the problem of distressed buildings.
He added that the proposed strategic dialogue meeting would be a game changer in the sector by offering technical support, providing viable alternatives to demolition, and combating the menace of distressed buildings in the state.
Olumide said the government was worried about the increasing number of distressed buildings in Lagos.
He said the ministry would offer technical support to developers and owners of distressed buildings.
He said the ministry would help with the design and remodeling of distressed buildings.
“The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving remodeling of existing buildings to providing technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on design and remodeling of such buildings.
“Buildings have their lifespans and should be continuously maintained as the lifespans approach rather than being left to degenerate to the level of distress and eventual collapse, which are inimical to a safe and sustainable environment,” he said.
Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has hosted a donors’ conference, raising over $1.1 billion for displaced persons and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
Scientists say the Lake Chad, that borders Nigeria and some other countries, has shrunken by 95 percent over the past 50 years. They have also linked the Boko Haram insurgency to the lake’s situation. Photo credit: AP/Christophe Ena
This substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.
The conference was held in Jeddah in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The conference, which had the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as partner, was to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali faced with various crisis and natural disasters.
Addressing the conference, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, expressed appreciation for the generosity shown by donors.
According to him, the contributions not only demonstrate solidarity but also empowers humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support.
He further said the contributions would ensure greater security and resilience for affected populations.
Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to expanding aid efforts in partnership with international stakeholders and ensuring that those in urgent need get help.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, on his part, stated that the conference was a testament to international unity.
He said the forum provided a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.
“The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation,” he said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also lauded Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event.
He acknowledged the region’s potential, and the severe challenges being faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions and economic strain.
With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.
He also called for an end to hostilities while urging protection of civilians and unhindered access for aid efforts.
Saudi Arabia further strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional $30 million, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to $51 million.
The Federal Government has called for urgent and aggressive measures to combat the catastrophic impact of climate change in the country.
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, made the call at the just concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) held in Apia, the capital of the Independent State of Samoa.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice President, on Sunday, October 28, 2024, in Abuja.
The minister led the Nigerian delegation to the meeting, after technical flight issues prevented Vice-President Kashim Shettima from representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit.
Lawal, who spoke during the summit held between Oct. 21 and 26, emphasised that the impact of climate change was a global crisis that demanded immediate action.
The minister also restated the Nigerian government’s support for the preservation of democracy, protection of civil rights across the Commonwealth.
He also reiterated the federal government’s support for the ongoing reforms in the organisation, which is focusing more on results-oriented value creation.
Lawal told the world leaders that Nigeria had already experienced its unpalatable share of the devastating impact of climate change through flooding, degraded lands and rising sea levels.
“We need to address the climate challenge very strongly because of its effect on our society; it is a global phenomenon.
“We have experienced flooding in our country, degraded lands and rising sea levels, among others.
“Now is the time to join forces at the level of the Commonwealth to address these issues,” the Minister stated.
He added that Nigeria’s position on the environment, democracy, security, and other issues was prompted by current challenges being faced across the world.
“Nigeria also made its position clear “in support of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations, including the processes for strengthening the Commonwealth to make it stronger and more vibrant.”
He emphasised that Nigeria also backed and encouraged ongoing institutional reforms at the Commonwealth.
Lawal reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the organisation’s renewal, emphasising that the nation’s focus was on results-oriented value creation and a responsive Commonwealth.
The minister further pledged Nigeria’s support for the new Secretary-General of the body, Shirley Botchwey, currently Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
He expressed the hope that, with Botchwey’s emergence, there would be more robust engagements between Africa and the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile, in a communiqué issued by the Commonwealth Secretariat at the end of the meeting, the leaders commended His Majesty, King Charles III, for his unwavering commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future for Commonwealth countries.
They also applauded the King’s commitment to strengthening education, health and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), a commitment that has inspired the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.
Similarly, the leaders reflected on the gathering being the first CHOGM since the loss of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with extraordinary duty for over 70 years.
The meeting also named Antigua and Barbuda as the host of the next CHOGM in 2026.
The prolonged power outage being experienced in some parts of Nigeria for the past eight days has crippled socio-economic activities in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states.
A power grid
This is coupled with the recurring failure of the national grid that usually leaves most parts of the country in total darkness.
In Kaduna State, following the ongoing black out, some entrepreneurs have lamented how the lack of power supply affects their businesses.
In a survey, a cross section of the businessmen and women utterly decried that their businesses have gone down due to lack of power.
Augustine Uzor, a bar owner and hotelier said the experience was frustrating as no customer came to lodge or buy drinks from his bar because they were not cold.
“I’ve been running on generator for days now which is making me run at a loss because, sometimes we get the customers and sometimes they don’t come.
“Shortly after I paid a huge amount of money for the light bill, this happened; we are just pushing up in this country to make ends meet but it isn’t encouraging,” he said.
Similarly, a baker, Olowo Oloworanti, said that the event that led to the power outage was tragic, adding that they have been using diesel to produce, which was not sustainable.
He said his business would crumble if electricity was not quickly restored, urging the government to fix the national grid as soon as possible.
According to him, his company has paid for light service but does not get access to it adequately which is disturbing.
He recommended that the government should create alternative power generation and supply which would complement the national grid.
As business owners recount their ordeal, an expert in power and renewable energy, Amina Muhammad, stated that there was a need for the government to harness solar energy for power generation.
She said the country should not be suffering from inefficient power when it’s blessed with solar energy adding that it was high time Nigeria has alternative power generation
In Katsina State, the persistent power being experienced in Katsina, and other Northern states of the federation has also crippled socio-economic activities.
An investigation has revealed that most of the operators of small and medium enterprises have shut down the operations due to power outages.
Some of the businesses affected included, but not limited to welding, tailoring, soft drinks selling, table water production, among others.
The situation has further led to the increase in the cost of services for many businesses.
Audu Muhammad, an expert in welding, said that his business has been stopped due to power outage.
He explained that, hitherto, he used his generator if there was a power outage if he had urgent work.
“We usually charge higher prices for using generators because of the hike in the price of fuel per litre.
“Not everyone can afford to pay higher costs, as such, we are now stranded without work to earn a living,” he said.
On the other hand, operators of mobile phone charging were making a brisk business.
Nura Abubakar, on his part, said that what he gets daily from charging of mobile phones was enough for him to take care of his family.
He said that due to the increase in the price of fuel, they have raised the cost for charging a phone from N100 to N200 and above.
It was observed that the situation has caused almost all businesses to increase their costs.
Checks also revealed that the residents of the state were experiencing acute shortage of water.
A cost of one Jerry can of water, which was sold at N50 before, now cost N150 and above in some parts of the metropolis, and even other local governments in the state.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on concession of the Windmill Power project at Lambar-Rimi, Rimi local government area.
This is said to be part of efforts to reposition the state as a leader in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.
Gov. Dikko Radda announced a concession plan to restore the wind energy project during a roundtable meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed.
He said, “Signing of the MoU by the government establishes a robust framework for collaboration, aimed at accelerating energy access across communities and businesses in the state.”
Kaula-Mohammed quoted Radda as saying that the state’s geographical location offers exceptional renewable energy potential.
The Governor said, “Our state experiences some of the highest solar irradiation levels in Nigeria, and our wind energy project in Rimi exemplifies our commitment to harnessing these natural advantages for our people’s benefit.”
Radda further disclosed that the state was actively seeking qualified partners to take over the Rimi wind energy project, marking a significant step towards optimizing its efficiency and service delivery.
The REA would provide technical advisory support throughout the concession process, ensuring adherence to international best practices and maximizing the project’s impact on local communities.
To facilitate these renewable energy initiatives, he announced an attractive incentive package for developers, including subsidised land allocation, expedited approval processes through a dedicated renewable energy desk, and comprehensive logistical support.
To further create a sustainable ecosystem for energy investment, the state government expressed its commitment towards facilitating power purchase agreements with local businesses.
Radda emphasised that his administration’s strategy extends beyond mere infrastructure development.
“We have conducted a comprehensive mapping of viable clusters across the state, identifying areas where sustainable energy solutions can have the most significant impact on MSME development and community growth,” he said
The governor noted that the collaboration with REA builds upon their successful track record in Katsina State, including the electrification of multiple healthcare facilities under the COVID-19 and other initiatives.
The new partnership promises to expand these efforts, particularly through the Nigeria Electrification and Support Implementation Programme (NESIP)
In Kano State, it was the same obnoxious development as life was no longer bearable to the residents and business owners alike occasioned by the epileptic power supply and the current eight-day black out.
“Things have gone haywire for us and our life is crumbling. Our businesses are dying, and we have lost our means of livelihood.
“The government should do the needful and urgently redress the ugly situation,” a cross section of the residents appealed.
In a related development, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company KEDCO says its core investor, Future Energies Africa, is investing in renewable energy aimed at improving network capacity, and MiniGrid solutions to eliminate absolute reliance on grid supply.
The Chief Commercial Officer of KEDCO Dr Abubakar Jimeta, said this in an interview in Kano.
According to him, their core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA), is investing in renewable energy efforts, improving network capacity, and MiniGrid solutions to eliminate absolute reliance on grid supply.
Jimeta said that investing in renewable energy would go a long way in reducing the pressure on the national grid.
He said that the unstable power supply was attributed to disturbances on the national grid and vandalism that damaged two towers along the 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, saying, ”these lines are the primary sources of bulk power transmission to our area.”
Jimeta said that reports from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), towers T133 and T136, along with their cables, were found badly damaged at several points. Efforts are ongoing to reclose the lines after tripping.
“To mitigate this challenge, we are engaging with the necessary stakeholders, including TCN and NERC, to find a lasting solution to facilitate swift rectification of the vandalised Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines for improved electricity supply,” he explained.
Some of the experts explained that the anomaly was exerting negative impacts on the socio-economic, industrial and business growth in the country.
An energy expert, Mr Adams Aliyu, said energy was a key component of development and canvassed that Nigeria gets its energy right.
He said that to stop grid collapses, Nigeria must invest in power generation, distribution and transmission and at the same time invest in renewable energy.
A university lecturer, Ismael Muhammad, advised the Federal Government to decentralise the grid.
“The problem is once there is failure in one part of the grid, the entire country shuts down. So, we need to decentralise the grid so that we have a stand-alone grid, maybe on a regional basis,” he advised.
A national council member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sani Hussein, said that many factories could not afford the cost of diesel.
According to him, even those that can are counting losses as they cannot shut down operations because of the incessant black out.
The national council member, who was a former chairman of MAN Kano Jigawa, said maintaining production was a nightmare as 30 percent of operating factories were struggling to meet orders.
Husseini warned that if the situation continues, northern-based industries could lose N500 billion due to the grid disturbances.
The industry chief further said many industries have asked their staff to take temporary leave until power is restored.
He added that if the power issue was not resolved, it could lead to layoffs and serious unemployment.
Mr Mark Ike, one of the residents, said that inconsistent power supply to homes and business areas, especially with the current weather and economic challenges, was too much discomfort.
He added that consistent power outages may cause small businesses to fold up while adding that some businesses that needed constant power might no longer function properly.
Similarly, Ado Shuaibu, a store owner in Singer market, said that it was unfortunate that the situation was happening amid the high cost of fuel.
This, he said, had cost lots of business owners’ losses as some could not afford to switch to their generator sets, while those who could, hiked their prices.
“If I have to buy fuel to power my generator, I may have to increase the price of drinks and people may not buy much because not many can afford it,” he explained.
Indigenous organisations from nine Amazonian countries launched on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at COP16 (UN Convention on Biodiversity) in Cali, Colombia, an unprecedented alliance in defence of the Amazon, traditional peoples, biodiversity and the global climate.
The Amazon rainforest
The Indigenous Amazon G9 will function as a coalition to coordinate actions and strengthen the common demands of Indigenous peoples from all countries where the largest tropical forest in the world is located.
The following organisations are part of this new political space:
Confederación de Naciones y Pueblos Indígenas del Chaco Oriente y Amazonía de Bolivia (CIDOB, from Bolivia)
Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB, from Brazil) Organización Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonía Colombiana (OPIAC, from Colombia)
Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana (CON FENIAE, from Ecuador)
Asociación de Pueblos Ameríndios de Guyana (APA, Guyana)
Federación de Organizaciones Amerindias de Guyana Française (FOAG, from French Guiana)
Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP, from Peru)
Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de Surinam (OIS, from Suriname)
Organización Regional de Pueblos Indígenas de Amazonas (ORPIA, Venezuela)
As it is an alliance with a horizontal structure, and not an organisation, the G9 will not initially have steering groups, headquarters or processes for choosing leaders. All participating organisations will have equal weight in decision-making, which will be made by consensus.
Moral authority
The first demand of the Pan-Amazonian Peoples is that governments around the world recognise that traditional peoples are the main moral authorities when it comes to conserving biomes, protecting species diversity, and regulating the climate.
This moral authority is based on the fact that governments have repeatedly failed to increase their commitments to address the climate and biodiversity crisis’s gravity and fulfil their promises. In contrast, Indigenous peoples have always acted to protect nature and have been the best territorial managers on the planet, even without adequate funding for their actions and despite the insufficient space for participation they have in international negotiations.
Traditional knowledge and the dedication of Indigenous Peoples to protecting the environment have helped to curb the expansion of fossil fuels and the loss of vegetation and species, essential measures to limit the climate crisis. Scientific research has already shown that Indigenous Peoples play a particularly important role in the Amazon, where their territories act as barriers to environmental destruction.
Largely thanks to Indigenous Peoples, around 80% of the Amazon rainforest, one of the largest carbon sinks on a global scale and one of the planet’s most biodiverse areas, remains preserved. Despite “holding up the sky” for all humanity, as Indigenous thinkers have noted, Amazonian peoples continue to suffer persecution and attempts to erase their presence.
They are also among the communities most vulnerable to the climate crisis, as extreme droughts and abnormal temperatures reduce the volume of their rivers, hinder fishing and hunting, and make it difficult to maintain their traditional culture.
Priority Themes
By strengthening the common demands of Indigenous Peoples in the Pan-Amazon region, participating organisations hope to increase pressure on their governments to take action to guarantee the rights of these peoples and preserve their territories.
The main areas of work of the G9 will include:
Biodiversity Conservation:Ensure that global policies and decisions respect the territorial rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognise their role in conserving biodiversity.
Territorial Rights:Support the legal security of Indigenous territories through titling, demarcation and legal mechanisms to protect the collective ownership of Indigenous Peoples over their territories.
Direct Financing:Demand direct financing mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon region, enabling them to manage their resources and conservation and sustainable development projects autonomously, in accordance with their knowledge and governance systems.
Protection of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact:Work to ensure that States respect the principle of “no contact”, ensuring the effective protection of the rights of these peoples and the ecosystems they protect.
Unity of the Amazon Indigenous movement:Offer a space for articulation that expands the power of Indigenous Peoples to influence international negotiations, with a focus on defending territorial rights, conserving biodiversity and combating climate change.
As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) approaches in November 2024, the global conversation is centred around how nations can meet their net-zero targets. In this context, Nigeria must actively engage its youth to play a vital role in shaping climate solutions, particularly through education and innovation in renewable energy.
Ayole Idowu, Nguvu Change Leader
The path to net zero, which involves drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions to balance those removed from the atmosphere, requires large-scale efforts across all sectors. However, one of the most important – and often overlooked – resources in this battle is the involvement of young people and students.
Ayole Idowu, a renewable energy expert, educator, and advocate for climate resilience, is leading a youth engagement initiative. A graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University and the University of Lagos, and currently a PhD researcher at the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative and STEM Education (ACEITSE) at Lagos State University, Ayole is spearheading an initiative to establish Climate Change Clubs in public secondary schools throughout Nigeria.
His goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change while fostering a new generation of innovators who can contribute to the country’s net-zero goals.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s an existential challenge that will define the future of today’s youth. If we are serious about reaching net zero by 2060, we need to start by educating the next generation and getting them involved in renewable energy solutions,” says Ayole.
His vision includes integrating solar installation training into school curricula, which would not only provide students with practical skills but also empower them to think about renewable energy as a core solution to climate challenges.
Ayole’s approach aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which set out the country’s roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions. However, achieving these targets will require both public and private sector collaboration, with the active involvement of youth who can drive grassroots innovation and push for the adoption of clean technologies.
In a petition to Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, Ayole is advocating for the integration of climate education into school curricula.
“By giving students the tools to understand and address climate change, we are fostering a generation of leaders who can think critically about sustainability and develop homegrown solutions for a greener, more resilient Nigeria,” he adds.
The youth play a pivotal role in the global climate conversation, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. Renewable energy, such as solar power, has the potential to significantly reduce emissions while also creating jobs and ensuring energy access for all. By focusing on youth and student engagement, Nigeria can build a workforce that is not only knowledgeable about the realities of climate change but also equipped with the technical skills to implement renewable energy projects and push for broader policy change.
As COP29 approaches, the push for net-zero emissions and climate resilience in Nigeria is accelerating. The future belongs to those who can innovate and adapt, and Ayole’s initiatives are regarded as a critical step towards ensuring that young Nigerians are part of the solution. By embracing renewable energy education and youth-driven innovation, Nigeria can both meet its climate goals and position itself as a leader in the global transition to a net-zero future.
Nigerian photographer, Adebote Mayowa, has been named among the winners of the international photo competition “Climate Action in Focus”, organised by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company.
Adebote Mayowa
Mayowa, who freelances for EnviroNews, secured third place for his work “Makoko”.
First place was awarded to Myanmar photographer, So Pyay Lynn, for his image titled “Hard Life”. Hungarian photographer, Adam Fath, earned second place with his evocative piece, “Flowers of the Drying Lake”.
“These images highlight the global impact of climate change, encouraging viewers to consider solutions to this collective challenge and promoting a deeper understanding of the issue,” according to a jury of professional photographers.
Established to raise awareness about climate change and contribute to environmental protection efforts, the competition was launched on August 1, 2024, inviting photographers from around the world to join the climate conversation through visual storytelling, shining a spotlight on urgent climate issues and raising awareness. The project highlighted the significant role of photography and the arts as a catalyst for climate action.
Nearly 20 photographers from around the world submitted their original works to capture the impacts of climate change on various aspects of our lives from different perspectives. Alongside Azerbaijani photographers, artists from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Russia, India, Argentina, Myanmar, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Nepal, Iraq, and Afghanistan participated in the competition.
An exhibition showcasing selected photographs from the project will take place on November 20 at the Azerbaijan Pavilion within the Green Zone during COP29.
Situated within this hub of climate action, the photo exhibition will provide participants and winners with the opportunity to convey their messages to a global audience through their artworks. Moreover, it will facilitate networking and enhance international awareness of the critical issues showcased.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted haziness and sunshine from Sunday, October 27 to Tuesday, October 29, 2024, across the country.
Hazy weather
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Saturday, October 26, forecast moderate dust haze in the northern region on Sunday with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km.
The agency anticipated localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period.
“In the North central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning hours.
“Later in the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa states.
“In the southern region, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours,” the outlook read in part.
The agency envisaged thunderstorms with moderate rains over most places later in the day.
According to NiMet, moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m are anticipated during the forecast period in the northern region on Monday.
The agency forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning hours in the North Central region.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue and Kogi states.
“Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Lagos states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over most places.”
NiMet envisaged moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km on Tuesday and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period in the northern region.
According to the report, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected throughout the forecast period in the central region.
The agency predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over some parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, anticipating thunderstorms with moderate rains over most places later in the day.
“Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precautions.
“People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather conditions.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, the public should take adequate precautions,” the weather outlook stated.
NiMet urged the public to adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities, advising airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
In the wake of incessant National Grid collapse, state governments have been advised to build strong solar energy systems and mini grids as alternative sources of electricity.
A solar mini-grid system
Some residents of Makurdi in Benue State gave the charge in separate interviews on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
According to the residents, the recurring collapse of the national grid is becoming an embarrassing issue to Nigeria.
They, therefore, urged state governments to do everything possible to have alternative sources of energy to mitigate the impact of the persistent collapse of the national grid.
Mrs. Jennifer Tema, a 67-year-old restaurant owner, said that the regular collapse of the national grid had cost so much damage to her business.
Tema said she had been recording losses of her perishable foods worth millions of Naira as a result of the recurring power outage.
“In recent times, we have witnessed a bit of steady power supply, but this issue of the national grid has really cost me a lot of damage.
“My generator cannot take more than two freezers at a time. I lost over N2 million in the recent power outage. This is really affecting my business.
“I just hope that state governments will rise up to the occasion and get alternative energy sources for us to mitigate these losses,” she said.
Another resident, Dennis Tyosula, who operates a computer centre and betting shop in Makurdi, said lack of steady power supply was affecting his businesses.
Tyosula said he was buying fuel between N1,200 and N1,350 to power the generators at his two shops, and as a result was not making any profit, but incurring losses.
According to him, he uses between 16 and 18 litres of PMS daily when there is no power supply.
Meanwhile, a top staff member of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the government was not yet ready to resolve the issue of power outage in the country.
The source noted that top government officials in the power sector who were benefiting from the current system failure did not want the problem to be resolved.
According to the source, most of the officials have secretly acquired shares of the company and are only interested in getting profits on their shares.
“My brother, the problem in the power sector is not solely with us the distribution companies.
“Every new government has its officials in the sector who do not have the interest of the country at heart.
“All of them want the bad system to continue so that they too would benefit from it. There is no end in sight yet.
“The issue of national grid is the most embarrassing of all,” the source said.
The JEDC official also said Nigeria had the technology and manpower to handle its power challenges and curb the incessant power failure as a result of grid collapse.
“The only way forward for now is for states to build their mini grids or establish strong solar energy power sources in the interest of their citizens.
“It is high time we stopped relying on only one source of energy supply,” the source added.
