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Fiji becomes 26th country to eliminate trachoma 

Michael Simire
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Fiji becomes 26th country to eliminate trachoma 

In what looks like a landmark public health achievement, Fiji has been validated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer poses a public health threat in the country.

Trachoma is the first NTD to be eliminated in Fiji. Fiji is the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country globally to eliminate at least one NTD.

“WHO congratulates Fiji and its network of global and local partners on reaching this milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Future generations of Fijians have been given a precious gift in being set free from the suffering that trachoma has inflicted on their ancestors.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, interactions with contaminated surfaces and on flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge of an infected person. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

Fiji’s success story

“Fiji’s success in eliminating trachoma is a beacon of what’s possible when communities, governments, and partners unite behind a shared goal,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “This is a celebration of the power of Pacific leadership and the impact of sustained investment in health. WHO congratulates Fiji and is committed to supporting countries across the Region in advancing health for all so that no one is left behind.”

Trachoma was once a significant public health problem in Fiji, with medical reports from the 1930s and community-based surveys in the 1950s documenting widespread disease and risk of blindness. By the 1980s, the condition had declined markedly, with cataract and refractive error emerging as the main causes of vision loss.

Concern however was renewed in the 2000s, when rapid assessments suggested high levels of active trachoma in children, prompting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to launch a comprehensive programme to better understand the situation and take necessary action.

Since 2012, Fiji has undertaken a series of robust, internationally supported surveys and studies, including population-based prevalence surveys and laboratory testing, to understand the local epidemiology of trachoma and distinguish it from other causes of eye disease. This sustained effort, integrated with school health, water and sanitation initiatives, and community awareness programmes, has confirmed that trachoma is no longer a public health problem in Fiji and that systems are in place to identify and manage future cases.

“Fiji’s elimination of trachoma is a defining moment for health equity in the Pacific,” said Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Minister of Health and Medical Services of Fiji. “This achievement reflects years of coordinated action – across villages, health facilities and regional platforms – demonstrating unwavering commitment of our health-care workers, communities leading the change. As we celebrate this milestone, we call on our donors and partners in the Pacific and beyond to continue supporting accelerated action of neglected tropical diseases to address other diseases not only in Fiji, but across the Pacific.”

Contribution to global progress

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of diseases and conditions associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. They are mainly prevalent mostly among impoverished communities in tropical areas. WHO estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people.

The targets included in the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 cover the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030.

Since 2016, 13 Member States in the Western Pacific Region, which covers 38 countries and areas, have been validated by WHO for eliminating at least one NTD. Of these, six (Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Viet Nam) have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma elimination is part of broader progress on NTDs in Fiji and the rest of the Western Pacific Region.

WHO says it will continue to support countries in their efforts to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring healthier lives for all, particularly the most disadvantaged.

Group urges policy reforms to strengthen global food security

Michael Simire
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Group urges policy reforms to strengthen global food security

The Global Initiative for Agricultural Reform (Global-Agric) has urged policymakers and stakeholders to implement bold reforms that will transform food systems and strengthen food security worldwide.

President and Founder of Global-Agric, Mr. Hakeem Musa, made the call in a statement on Sunday, October 19, 2025, to commemorate the 2025 World Food Day.

It was themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”.

Muhammad Ali Pate
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare

Musa said there was a need for renewed global action to guarantee equitable access to safe and nutritious food for all.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, and driving inclusive development across the globe.

“Food is more than nourishment. It is a right, a measure of justice, and the cornerstone of human dignity.

“We are reminded that the fight against hunger is far from over. Millions still face food insecurity, even as we possess the knowledge and technology to change the story,” he said.

Musa called for increased investment in agricultural reforms, youth and women empowerment, and climate-smart innovations, describing them as crucial to building resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“Agricultural transformation begins with bold policies, inclusive partnerships, and a collective resolve to make food systems work for everyone. The time to act is now,” he said.

Musa added that Global-Agric continues to advocate for collaboration among governments, development partners, private sector actors, and local communities to drive meaningful reforms and create lasting impact across the agricultural value chain.

“As the world reflects on this year’s theme, Global-Agric calls on all stakeholders to stand united in advancing reforms that guarantee a sustainable, fair, and food-secure future for all,” he said.

By Felicia Imohimi

IUCN World Conservation Congress concludes in Abu Dhabi with ambitious vision for nature conservation

Michael Simire
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IUCN World Conservation Congress concludes in Abu Dhabi with ambitious vision for nature conservation

The IUCN World Conservation Congress closed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, setting the vision for nature conservation for the next 20 years.

Held in the UAE for the first time, the Congress took place under the patronage of President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

IUCN
Newly elected and outgoing IUCN Council Members

The 2025 IUCN Congress brought together over 10,000 attendees, on-site and online, as was the first to ever host a World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature. The IUCN Congress brought together decision-makers from government, civil society, Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations, academia, and business for more than 1000 events aimed at setting the conservation and sustainable development agenda for decades to come.

Members approved the 20-year Strategic Vision and a new programme for the next four-year period. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak will serve a second term as the Union’s President alongside newly elected members of the IUCN Commissions and Council.

She said: “Ours is not an easy task, but it is an essential one: to bridge divides – between science and policy, between climate and biodiversity, between people and the planet itself. To remind the world that nature is not only a victim of our excesses, but a powerful ally in our survival… Let us leave Abu Dhabi with the confidence that what unites us is far greater than what divides us — our shared belief in the resilience of life itself.”

Speaking at the closing, IUCN Director General, Dr Grethel Aguilar, said: “This Congress has been a testament to the power of collaboration, teamwork and commitment… From Abu Dhabi, we send a clear and united message. We are one Union determined to turn the tide. Let us leave this Congress with renewed hope and determination – to stand for life, to act for nature, and to build a future where people and planet thrive together.”

With only five years left to achieve the 2030 targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Congress in Abu Dhabi urged the global community to raise its ambition and intensify collective efforts to scale up transformative, collaborative solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Participants particularly underscored the need to harness the current momentum to strengthen synergies among multilateral environmental agreements and to secure bold, coordinated action toward a net-zero, resilient, and nature-positive future at UNFCCC COP30 in Belém and beyond.

The first policy on synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation and motions to strengthen governance and inclusion were among the 148 Resolutions adopted by IUCN Members at the IUCN Members’ Assembly in Abu Dhabi.

The Members’ Assembly is the Union’s highest decision-making body and brings together IUCN Members to debate and establish environmental policy, to approve the IUCN Programme and to elect the IUCN Council and President. 

Several high-impact announcements and pledges were unveiled to bolster global conservation efforts. The Abu Dhabi Action Plan calls on the global community, under IUCN’s leadership, to accelerate urgent and practical action across five key areas: reaffirming nature as the foundation of well-being, strengthening multilateralism, ensuring justice and inclusion, advancing knowledge and innovation, and scaling up resources for nature and climate action. It sets a collective vision for transformative change – uniting governments, communities, and sectors to achieve a just, resilient, and nature-positive future for people and the planet.

IUCN welcomed over 100 new Members into its Union during the Congress – including six states Armenia, Tajikistan, Marshall Islands, Gabon, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe. 

There were several global and Union-wide initiatives announced, including the selection of the Republic of Panamá to be the host country for the next IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress in September 2027 – the world’s premier global Forum  for setting the agenda for protected and conserved areas. 

The IUCN Congress 2025 has been certified compliant with the ISO 20121:2024 Standard, in recognition of its commitment to ensure that all aspects of Congress adhere to rigorous sustainability standards.

Major scientific announcements included the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ which revealed growing threats to Arctic seals driven by climate change. Another assessment found nearly 100 additional wild bee species in Europe has been classified as threatened. IUCN also launched the 4th World Heritage Outlook report which revealed that climate change threatens 43% of natural World Heritage sites. 

DR Congo discharges last Ebola patient

Michael Simire
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DR Congo discharges last Ebola patient

The last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was discharged on Sunday, October 19, 2025, marking an important milestone in the efforts to end the outbreak. The recovery kicks off a 42-day countdown to declaring the outbreak over if no further cases are confirmed.

A total of 19 patients has recovered from the disease. No new cases have been reported since September 25. In total, 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable) have been reported since the outbreak was declared on September 4 in Bulape health zone, in Kasai Province.

Mohamed Janabi
Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

The outbreak occurred in a rural and hard-to-reach locality. Despite the challenges of distance, poor roads, and limited infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, with support from World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners, acted swiftly to scale up outbreak response measures.  

WHO deployed multidisciplinary teams to strengthen surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention and control, logistics, community engagement and other key response measures.  A 32-bed Ebola treatment centre, fitted with a two-bed Intensive Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IIDTM), was set up in record time, the first deployment of its kind outside a simulation exercise setting in the region. Additionally, more than 35,000 people have been vaccinated against Ebola in Bulape.

“The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement that shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

WHO and partners remain on the ground, working closely with government to ensure measures are maintained to swiftly detect and respond to any cases as the country counts down to the end of the outbreak.

If no new cases are detected, the outbreak will be declared over in early December 2025.

Climate council partners OPEC, others on energy use, climate goals

Michael Simire
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Climate council partners OPEC, others on energy use, climate goals

The National Council for Climate Change (NCCC) is partnering with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), and others to promote sustainable energy use and achieve climate goals.

Mrs. Omoteniola Majekodunmi, Director-General of NCCC, said this during a panel discussion session at the three-day retreat on Pre-COP30 Synthesis meeting and Regional Strategy Review Session on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The programme was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Omotenioye Majekodunmi
Omotenioye “Teni” Majekodunmi

The meeting was convened to engage stakeholders on Nigeria’s climate transition strategy ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).

Majekodunmi, represented by Ms. Jummai Vandu, a climate change specialist at NCCC, said the collaboration would help Nigeria utilise its abundant natural gas resources responsibly and reduce environmental risks.

“We are working closely with strong institutions like OPEC, the African Group of Negotiators, and others to ensure Nigeria’s energy use aligns with global climate commitments,” she said.

Majekodunmi said that the partnership would also protect Nigeria’s economy from fiscal shocks that might result from a hasty energy phase-out.

She added that the goal was to balance the nation’s development needs with climate action in a way that leaves no one behind.

The NCCC D-G explained that the government was exploring technologies such as carbon capture and storage to manage emissions and attract private investment in clean energy.

She also warned that a sudden phase-out of fossil fuels in the name of addressing climate change could trigger fiscal and economic crises in the country.

According to her Nigeria must adopt a balanced and gradual approach to energy transition to protect its economy and livelihoods.

“If we rush into a complete energy phase-out, two things will happen, fiscal shock and economic contraction and we cannot afford that because of our population size and economic realities,” she said.

Majekodunmi explained that Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves remain a key resource in ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition.

“Our strategy is to use natural gas as a bridge fuel while investing in cleaner technologies that reduce emissions,” she added.

She, therefore, called for increased private sector investment to drive the implementation of Nigeria’s National Climate Transition Plan.

She said that the plan, developed through wide consultations, would not be effective if left on the shelf without the needed financing and digitalisation.

Majekodunmi said that private funding would also help accelerate Nigeria’s climate goals and strengthen adaptation measures across key economic sectors.

She also reaffirmed NCCC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s transition policies are inclusive, data-driven, and aligned with national development priorities.

By Joan Nwagwu

Women farmers seek safer access to farmland

Michael Simire
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Women farmers seek safer access to farmland

The Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) has appealed to the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to take urgent steps to address insecurity affecting farmers.

The group said the move would guarantee safe access to farmlands and production zones, thereby improving agricultural output and livelihoods.

The call was made during the presentation of SWOFON’s “Charter of Demand of Smallholder Women Farmers in the FCT” at a State-Level Interactive Forum and World Food Day commemoration.

Women farmers
Women farmers

It was organised by ActionAid in collaboration with SWOFON in Abuja.

Mrs. Comfort Sunday, FCT Coordinator of SWOFON, said improved security for farmers would enhance agricultural productivity, raise household income and promote sustainable development.

She noted that empowering smallholder women farmers remained a pathway to food security and poverty reduction, as well as a key strategy for promoting gender equality.

Sunday said women farmers play a crucial role in food production but continue to face barriers in accessing land, agricultural inputs, credit facilities, technology, markets, and extension services.

“These challenges limit productivity, reduce household income and weaken national food security,” she said.

According to her, the charter represents the collective voice of smallholder women farmers in the FCT and calls for inclusive, gender-responsive agricultural policies that guarantee equitable access to resources.

She urged the government to scale up public investment in agriculture, ensure timely and transparent budgeting, and make financing more accessible to farmers.

Sunday also called on FCT departments and area councils to fully implement the National Gender Policy in Agriculture, while prioritising improved access to markets, infrastructure, and capacity building for extension services.

She further appealed for investment in gender-responsive post-harvest solutions such as processing centres, storage facilities, and market linkages to reduce waste and improve livelihoods.

SWOFON also urged the government to strengthen women’s land tenure systems by granting cooperatives access to fertile land and protecting them from commercial eviction and land grabbing.

The group called for the recruitment of more agricultural extension agents and training in Climate-Resilient Sustainable Agriculture (CRSA) to promote climate adaptation and innovation among smallholder farmers.

It also advocated for the upgrading of rural roads, water systems and affordable transport such as tricycles to ease movement of produce to markets.

Sunday said the charter would serve as a policy advocacy tool to influence government plans and budgets toward inclusive and gender-responsive agricultural development.

She expressed optimism that implementing the charter would improve the livelihood and productivity of women farmers, strengthen partnerships with the FCT Administration and enhance food security.

By Felicia Imohimi

Accountants launch ‘Sustainability Hour’ to inspire students on SDGs

Michael Simire
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Accountants launch ‘Sustainability Hour’ to inspire students on SDGs

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched the Sustainability Hour to promote awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among Nigerian students.

The six-month initiative, starting in October 2025, targets students aged 10–16 and features monthly interactive learning modules on key sustainability themes.

The programme focuses on UN SDGs such as climate action, waste and water management, energy efficiency, poverty, and hunger, supporting the global 2030 Agenda.

ACCA
L-R: Dayo Adetona, Regional Head of customer service, Africa, ACCA,; Tom Isibor, Country Head, Nigeria, ACCA; Mrs. Kofo Karunwi, Vice Chair, Association of International Schools in Nigeria (AISEN); Dr Rabiu Olowo, CEO, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria; Rukaiya el-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change; Jamil Ampomah, Director, Africa, ACCA; Dr Olushola Olowoyeye, MD, BetaPlus Group; Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Anambra State; Seyi Willoughby , Managing Partner, Elm Park Advisors Limited; Evelyn Isioye, Regional Lead, Policy & Insights, India & Africa, ACCA; and Kola Agunbiade. Regional Financial Controller, Africa, ACCA

Speaking at the launch on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Ikeja, Country Head, ACCA Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Isibor, said the initiative aims to equip future leaders with knowledge of the SDGs.

Isibor explained that the “Sustainability Hour” is designed to promote advocacy, behavioural change, and understanding of the SDGs among students nationwide.

He added that the initiative is driven by a shared concern for the planet and the need to prepare young leaders for a sustainable future.

According to him, the impact sought includes lasting behavioural change, innovation, and excellence in education while inspiring responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

He stated that the programme targets public and private schools, focusing on six SDGs, including Quality Education and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Isibor said the pilot phase will be evaluated after six months to determine the programme’s reach and potential expansion to more schools and communities.

“We want our future leaders to adopt the right behaviours and become changemakers capable of building a sustainable world for generations after them,” he said.

Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, Mrs. Rukaiya El-Rufai, commended the ACCA for the initiative.

She described it as a timely step toward empowering young Nigerians to tackle environmental and social challenges through education and awareness.

“Education remains vital for sustainable development. Teaching SDGs equips future generations to confront climate change and inequality,” El-Rufai said.

She added that sustainability education fosters global citizenship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills for inclusive and environmentally responsible societies.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, also praised ACCA for aligning the programme with SDGs 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 13.

Finnih said the initiative complements the Lagos State THEMES Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of integrating SDGs into development strategies.

She urged students to embrace sustainability, noting that it is the foundation for shared prosperity and environmental stewardship.

Finnih emphasised that the programme helps nurture young minds to think critically about environmental, social, and governance issues.

She encouraged students to become sustainability champions in their schools, communities, and homes through conscious daily actions.

Mr. Wonderful Olulano, a member of the ACCA curriculum team, said the programme promotes global awareness through SDG-centred learning.

He noted that it seeks to inspire students and engage teachers, parents, and guardians in driving sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Olulano explained that Temple School has introduced Project-Based Learning, where students design projects tackling issues like hunger, poverty, and gender equality.

“We teach young people to understand the SDGs, recognise real problems, and collaborate to create sustainable change,” he said.

Miss Jennifer Obiorah of Queen’s College said she learnt that waste materials like paper, metal, nylon, and plastics can be recycled for useful purposes.

Also, Okon Mitchell from King’s College thanked ACCA for the programme, saying it taught him that “nothing is a waste until you waste it.”

The highlight of the event was a fashion show featuring creative outfits made from recycled materials such as plastics, newspapers, and nylon.

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Group marks 10 years, targets hunger relief for PWDs

Michael Simire
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Group marks 10 years, targets hunger relief for PWDs

The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has pledged to combat hunger among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through inclusive agricultural empowerment initiatives.

Dr Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, made the pledge in Abuja on Friday, October 17, 2025, during the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebration and inauguration of its new board of directors.

“GIFSEP’s Food for All Initiative is more than a project, it is a movement of hope and action.

GIFSEP
GIFSEP staff at 10

“Through our #Food4PWDs campaign, we empower persons with disabilities to become self-reliant food producers and contributors to national food security,” David said.

He said the initiative aimed to build climate-resilient food systems rooted in inclusion, innovation, and community strength.

He also announced plans to partner with CBM Global Disabilities, an international organisation fighting hunger among PWDs.

David appealed for funding and collaboration from development partners, noting that such partnerships were essential to scale up efforts and reach more communities.

Mr. John Makina, Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, commended GIFSEP’s resilience and accountability over the past decade.

“Ten years is a significant milestone, especially for a grassroots organisation. GIFSEP has shown transparency and commitment, and we will continue to support their projects,” he said.

Mrs. Judith Gbagidi, Governance Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, also hailed GIFSEP for consistently including PWDs in its projects and for its decade-long contribution to inclusive development.

Also speaking, Mrs. Paulyn Opara, Head of Food Security and Livelihoods at Action Against Hunger, expressed optimism about the next decade and pledged continued support for the initiative.

Dr Olumide Ojo, Strategy Director at Propcom+, a UK aid programme, described GIFSEP as a consistent partner and assured backing for its future projects.

Ms. Regina Nwaneri, Director of Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Management at the Federal Ministry of Environment, said the ministry would support GIFSEP’s efforts to improve the lives of PWDs.

The event featured the inauguration of a seven-member board, award presentations, and the cutting of the 10th anniversary cake.

By Abigael Joshua

Global Champions issue call to action on adequate, affordable housing

Michael Simire
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Global Champions issue call to action on adequate, affordable housing

The Global Champions of Adequate Housing have issued a strong Call to Action on Adequate and Affordable Housing, urging countries and partners to prioritise housing as a foundation for sustainable development.

The Call was announced during the High-Level Roundtable of Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) at the UN Headquarters in New York. The roundtable was convened under the leadership of the Government of Kenya and President William Samoei Ruto and co-hosted with UN-Habitat.

“Adequate and affordable housing is not a privilege – it is a human right and the foundation for equality, resilience, and sustainable development,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “We invite more Member States to join this commitment … and to work together to ensure every person has a safe and decent place to call home.”

80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80)
80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80)

Responding to a global crisis

Almost 3 billion people lack access to adequate housing, including 1.1 billion living in informal settlements and over 300 million who are homeless. The Call to Action urges countries to strengthen housing strategies, integrate housing with climate resilience and social protection, and scale up investment to address this urgent challenge.

The roundtable brought together heads of state, ministers and senior representatives from across regions to reaffirm political commitment, share experiences, and mobilize partnerships. It also reinforced the work of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, co-chaired by Kenya and France.

Key commitments of the Call to Action

Through the Call to Action, the Global Champions committed to:

  • Strengthen a global coalition to champion housing as a development priority.
  • Mobilize financing and partnerships to accelerate delivery of affordable, resilient housing.
  • Advance UN-Habitat Resolution 2/7 with measurable progress and accountability.
  • Promote innovation and inclusion through sustainable technologies and locally driven solutions.
  • Elevate housing on the global agenda at major international fora.
  • Inspire collective action from governments, communities, civil society and the private sector.

Dialogue moves to catalyse green jobs, strengthen subnational action for inclusive growth

Michael Simire
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Dialogue moves to catalyse green jobs, strengthen subnational action for inclusive growth

Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) and Connected Advocacy, with support from the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform and in collaboration with the House Committee on Renewable Energy, convened on Friday, October 17, 2025, the “Merged-Zonal Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) Legislative Engagement and Green Jobs Fair”, in Benin City, Edo State.

The South West and South-South “Merged-Zonal APD Legislative Engagement, and Green Jobs Fair” showcased the zones as champions in renewable energy, green skills innovation, youth capacity to drive the nation’s green economic growth, and investment opportunities.

Green Jobs fair
Participants at the Legislative Engagement and Green Jobs Fair in Benin City, Edo State

The event, which brought together key stakeholders from across the South-West and South-South zones, combined a focused legislative workshop in the session and a Green Jobs Fair matching employees/interns with the green sector players. The dialogue aimed to receive citizens’ recommendations into the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA) Bill, and the National Green Skills Employment Alliance (NGSEA), ensuring subnational contributions, ownership, and alignment between policy priorities, employment opportunities, and market-driven green skills.

The dialogue was declared open by Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, and his deputy, Iliyasu Aliyu Abubakar, Abra Dangnan, Deputy Chair of the CoP/APD Co-Lead, provided the Overview of the APD project and objectives for the merged-zonal conference and job fair.

Mr. Aniebiet Obot’s APD Co-lead gave a progress report on the APD methodology. Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, the organizing partner for the South-South South West Zonal Legislative Engagement and Green Job Fairs in Edo State.

Other dignitaries included Mr. Kenneth Iwoghiren, Director for Climate, representing the Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edo State; and Dr. Emeribe Chukwudi Nnaemeka,Chief Research Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria,

Osakwe Ize-Iyamu (Representative, NDDC Edo State); traditional ruler, Chief Kelvin Edegie, the Edegin N’ Useh; religious leader, Rev Ogakwu Abaros Simeon; the Immediate Past Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, led the goodwillmessages and shared insight into their various sectors’ recommendations, ensuring the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act Bills become a reality, looking at the various gaps that are required to cover to ensure inclusive implementation

The Green Jobs Fair Panel session was facilitated by Carl Oshodi-Isibor, and Mrs. Adesuwa James Jang, panelists were Prof. (Mrs.) Georgina Erifeta. Prof of Ecotoxicology and Ecological Biochemistry, Igbinedion University, Okada; Dr Ogiemwonyi Brightence, CEO of Brightence Electricals; Mrs. Edith Iyalomhe, CEO of Best-Cruse; Mrs. Irene Ipogah from NABTEB; Mr. Kenneth Iwoghiren, President Aigbokhan  ED FOI, were other renewable energy companies present.

Their presence, according to the organisers, underscored the strong government, institutional, and community backing for Nigeria’s low-carbon transition toward a green and inclusive economy.

“The South Dialogue provided a bridge between legislative discourse and practical employment outcomes, reinforcing Nigeria’s national agenda for inclusive green growth. By linking policymakers, employers, and young talent, the dialogue demonstrated how subnational engagement can drive tangible progress toward a low-carbon, job-rich economy.

“With sustained collaboration, financing, and monitoring, the APD South Dialogue’s momentum will continue to shape policy implementation and deliver real impact in communities across Nigeria.,” they added.

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