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Veteran broadcaster urges govts to provide security for students

Michael Simire
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Veteran broadcaster urges govts to provide security for students

As Nigeria continues to  grapple with several security challenges that directly impact on its economy and lives of citizens, government at all levels have been called to provide profound security for students especially the females.

Ms Debrah Ogazuma
Ms Debrah Ogazuma

Edutainment Communicator and Veteran Broadcaster, Ms Debrah Ogazuma, made the call on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the 8th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) with the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy.”

According to her it has become obvious that, since the capture of Chibok girls, the girl child education has been seriously threatened.

Ogazuma, who regretted the impact of the abduction of the Chibok girls and more similar cases  to the girl child, lamented that the most attacks on the educational institutions were targeted at the females.

She called on the authorities to work towards putting an end to the menance, even as she urged them to put in place measures for healing when such girls regain freedom from their adoptors.

To the media, she urged not to remain silent rather work assiduously towards changing the narrative through their reportage.

Speaking on digital economy, Ogazuma, who insisted that Nigeria must follow the trend of digitalisation for economic growth, regretted that power deficiency has been a major issue.

She noted that the future is driven with innovation and full of opportunities for expanding digitally, adding that Nigeria must engage the younger generations in order not to be left out.

“Is Nigeria going to allow insecurity, power deficiency to constitute huge block for the emerging land scape of its economy?” she queried.

Proffering solution, Ogazuma stated that traditional method of involving traditional rulers reporting and fishing out possible dangerous elements seeking entrance into their community must be reactivated.

Communities, she said, should do more to ensure  that they are not totally  helpless.

On power, she called for replication of setting up of small power plants by communities which she said has been done in some communities within states in the country.

PEALS 2024: PENGASSAN highlights solutions to challenges in Nigeria’s oil, gas industry

Michael Simire
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PEALS 2024: PENGASSAN highlights solutions to challenges in Nigeria’s oil, gas industry

The Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on stakeholders in the industry to work together to strengthen the regulatory frameworks and enforcement to tackle all forms of challenges confronting the oil and gas industry.

PENGASSAN
PENGASSAN officials at the event

This is contained in a communique issued at end of the third edition of PENGASSAN Energy And Labour Summit (PEALS 2024).

Comrade Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN President, who signed the communique, stated:
“There is need for concerted drive of all stakeholders through the development of innovative solutions, sharing of information and supporting the enforcement of laws designed to protect our resources.”

The communique reads in part: “The Summit highlighted areas of optimisation in the industry cutting across exploration, drilling, production, refining, transportation and distribution. To achieve greater benefits for the Nation’s hydrocarbon resources and harness its potential, the Summit examined this broad topic as it affects energy security, affordability and accessibility. The Summit examined Nigeria’s Energy Mix amidst clamour for sustainable and greener energy such as solar, wind, biomass, electricity/batteries, and hydrogen. The Summit looked deeply into the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the future of the oil and gas industry and how to leverage AI advancements that could lead to significant economic benefits, increase investor confidence, enhance operational efficiency, increase productivity and safeguard the country’s resources and revenue.

“Therefore, to be prepared for this transformation, there must be upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, through innovative research, focused on sustainability and strengthening of industry collaboration that will promote a culture of continuous learning.”

Speaking further, Osifo stated: “Energy security is cardinal for the survival of any nation and Nigeria is not an exception; hence the citizens of Nigeria constantly demand energy affordability, accessibility and availability. Despite various macroeconomic challenges bedevilling Nigeria’s capacity to tap its enormous energy resources, PEALS 2024 examined the few strides that have been made and proffered some solutions to the identified challenges.”

According to him, “the Federal Government needs to re-engineer its security architecture, beef up security and take over the responsibility of securing oil and gas installations from investors by providing naval security vessels to man oil and gas infrastructures. This will greatly reduce the high cost of production.

“Those caught for crude oil theft should be prosecuted by a court of competent jurisdiction and punished severely to serve as a deterrent(s) to others. The Government must quickly see to the implementation of the provision for the host community in the Petroleum Industry Act. This will create a sense of ownership for the host communities thereby triggering the need to protect the pipelines or at worst, act as whistleblowers.”

With the 4th edition of the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit scheduled for the 20th to the 22nd of August 2025, the Comrade Festus Osifo led executive however promised that the summit would be another opening of new frontiers in awareness, policy-shaping, education, problem-solving and collaboration.

“We will go all out to play our roles as key players in the industry. We expect that all stakeholders will roll up their sleeves and put into quick use the practical recommendations rolled out above as we all collaborate to ensure sustainability in our industry- indeed the soul of Nigeria’s economy,” he concluded.

By Ajibola Adedoye

NNPC/Seplat JV’s ‘Eye Can See’ programme restores vision, hope in Imo

Michael Simire
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NNPC/Seplat JV’s ‘Eye Can See’ programme restores vision, hope in Imo

The NNPC Ltd/ Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) partnership has conducted a medical outreach, providing free eye health services to individuals with visual impairments in Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State.

NNPC
Host community members await further medical attention during the NNPC Ltd/Seplat Joint (JV) “Eye Can See” medical outreach held in Ohaji/Egbema Community of Imo State, recently

Through its “Eye Can See” programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the JV dispensed more than 10,000 reading glasses and successfully performed 639 eye surgeries, including cataract removals, for host community members who otherwise had limited access to such vital medical services.

The “Eye Can See” programme, which commenced in 2017, has been a beacon of hope in the eastern asset of the NNPC upstream investments, positively impacting over 20,000 people to date.

In his remarks during the event, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, represented by Dr. Obinna Otuu, Manager, JV Asset B emphasized the significance of the initiative to NNPC Ltd’s corporate mission of enriching the lives of Nigerians.

Elaborating further on the broader vision behind the programme, Wunti stated that the NNPC Ltd takes pride in being more than just an energy provider. “We are a partner in progress, dedicated to making sustainable contributions to the communities that support us,” he added.

According to him, the “Eye Can See” initiative reflects “our belief that corporate structures can and should play a vital role in societal development.”

He noted that the programme goes beyond immediate medical care by educating individuals on lifestyle choices to prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Expressing his appreciation for the support of the local government, beneficiaries, and NNPC Ltd’s partners, Wunti observed that together with Seplat, the National Oil Company is paving the way for a brighter future where access to essential health services is possible for all.

“This project is not just about restoring vision; it is about giving people hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This year’s outreach in Ohaji/Egbema is a testament to the ongoing commitment of NNPC and Seplat to improve the quality of life in their host communities,” he affirmed.

The “Eye Can See” initiative has had a profound impact on the communities it serves. By providing free eye screenings, surgeries, reading glasses, and health education, the programme has transformed lives and restored hope to many who had been suffering from visual impairments.

NNPC/Seplat JV remains dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development through initiatives like the “Eye Can See” programme. The partnership is committed to expanding the reach of its CSR programmes, ensuring that even more people across Nigeria can benefit from the life-changing services.

New fund to support chemicals and waste management in developing economies

Michael Simire
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New fund to support chemicals and waste management in developing economies

One year after its adoption in Bonn, the Global Framework on Chemicals on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, launched its first call for projects targeting the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. The selected projects are expected to work on green and sustainable solutions and to channel actions to prevent and minimise harm from chemicals and waste in some of the world’s most disadvantaged countries.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division

“Pollution and waste constitute a daily crisis for people’s health, undermine economic activity, and leave nature permanently scarred,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UNEP Industry and Economy Division. “Today the historic Framework is turning from text into practice and providing concrete benefits for those at the frontlines of this crisis.”

At the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, held in September 2023 in Bonn, delegates from around the world representing governments, private sector, civil society, academia and youth adopted the Framework. During the conference, this dedicated trust fund was set up to support low-and middle-income countries, including small island developing states, in addressing chemicals, including products and waste in line with international standards.

Selected projects will receive $300,000 to $800,000 for up to three years to support transformative change to prevent and minimise harm from chemicals and waste and to protect the environment and human health, including vulnerable groups and workers. Such projects will need to have co-financing and in-kind contributions of at least 25 per cent.

According to UNEP, governments can apply for funding as well as civil society networks, subject to an agreement with the respective government.

The fund is aiming for medium-scale projects that strengthen national and regional capacities on chemicals and waste management, support the national policies and regulations, advance solutions along the value chain, and work with ministries, regional centres, health networks, major industry sectors, investment and development banks, small businesses, as well as civil society.

Priority, it was gathered, will be given to projects that ensure their long-term sustainability beyond the Fund’s three-year funding.

The Framework outlines a set of 28 targets to address chemicals, including the prevention of illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste, the implementation of national legal frameworks, the alignment of financial flows, the phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035, the transition to safer and more sustainable chemical alternatives and greater transparency and access to information regarding chemicals and their associated risks.

The fund – which complements existing financial mechanisms, including those designed to tackle the two other planetary threats of climate change and biodiversity loss – has received initial support of around $27 million, primarily from Germany, as well as the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the International Council of Chemical Associations.

Applicants will be able to learn more in a series of webinars on the Fund, its priorities, and on how to apply.

Climate policies, actions around the world are increasingly gender-responsive, says UN report

Michael Simire
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Climate policies, actions around the world are increasingly gender-responsive, says UN report

A new report from the UN Climate Change secretariat reveals that 85 percent of Parties referenced gender in their latest reports and communications submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including in their national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and their Long-Term Low Emission Strategies (LT-LEDS).

Women
Women in Tanzania planting trees

Since the adoption of the first UNFCCC Lima Work Programme on gender (LWPG) in 2014, and of the enhanced LWPG in 2019, gender integration in all reports and communications, including NDCs, has been increasing in quantity and quality.

“Combining bold climate action with progress in gender equality is one of the most effective strategies to break away from business-as-usual scenarios and drive transformative change,” said Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change.

The new UN Climate Change report, Implementation of Gender-Responsive Climate Policies, Plans, Strategies, and Actions, shows 81.5 percent of NDCs include references to gender – a significant improvement on when Parties first communicated their intended NDCs in 2015, of which only a few included references to gender, according to analysis by the Women’s Environment & Development Organisation (WEDO).

However, further efforts are required to strengthen gender integration in Parties’ climate action and adaptation plans. The new report notes that current gender references primarily focus on women, especially in the context of vulnerability, with very few references considering men who may be in vulnerable situations, nor a comprehensive view of gender that considers how different factors like race, class, or ability intersect with gender in exacerbating vulnerability.

Furthermore, while developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have been consistently integrating gender into their regular reporting under the UNFCCC, developed countries often provide limited or no references to gender, particularly in National Communications and LT-LEDS.

The report indicates that gender-responsive approaches are viewed by many as a way to boost the ambition and effectiveness of climate action. Most Parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality as a critical component of this work.

This was reflected in the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake agreed at COP28, which encouraged Parties to implement climate policy and action that is gender-responsive. The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0), which Parties are currently preparing and submitting in 2025, will serve as a critical opportunity to strengthen interconnected action to achieve gender equality and effective climate outcomes.

COP29: deciding the future of the work on gender and climate change

The review of the enhanced Lima work programme on gender and its gender action plan (GAP) is an opportunity for Parties to shape how the outcomes of the Global Stocktake, mentioned above, are implemented. The review was initiated at the 2024 UN June Meetings and are expected to conclude during COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“Parties have a significant opportunity to shape a more just and ambitious future as they develop the next work programme and action plan,” said Nabeel Munir, Chair of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).

At the UN June Meetings (SB60), Parties and observers discussed progress, challenges, gaps, and priorities in implementing the enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and its gender action plan.

A 2.5-day workshop provided a dynamic platform for regional and global discussions on enhancing the implementation of gender-responsive climate policies and actions. Discussions also explored linkages with processes both within and outside the UNFCCC, key stakeholders, and future priorities for gender and climate change work.

We train workers regularly for optimum performance – TotalEnergies

Michael Simire
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We train workers regularly for optimum performance – TotalEnergies

Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr Samba Seye, on Friday, October 4, 2024, said that the company regularly trained its staff to ensure they delivered optimal performance to customers.

TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies workers

Seye disclosed this while celebrating Africa Customer Week Forum tagged “Happy Hour Session” at the TotalEnergies Service Station on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He noted that the session would take place over a week at all the 514 TotalEnergies stations across Nigeria.

“We focus on training our team to meet service expectations and deliver quality, which is a key component of our appraisal process.

“We’ve received feedback that our services and products are among the best in terms of quality. So, Nigerians can look forward to exciting developments ahead,” he said.

The TotalEnergies boss highlighted that TotalEnergies had been operating in Nigeria for approximately 67 years and annually hosts Africa Customer Week to express appreciation to its esteemed customers.

“During this celebration, we offer free services like cleaning car windscreens, checking engines and providing professional advice.

“These services are available at our fuel stations, and for some of our larger customers, we even go to their offices.” he added.

Seye emphasised that the initiative is fundamentally about appreciating customers for their loyalty and contribution to the company’s growth and success.

“We hold this annual event to convey our gratitude, as there is significant value in simply saying thank you,” he said.

Seye also expressed optimism regarding the recent fuel scarcity in the country.

“We are hopeful that with the commissioning of the Dangote refinery and the upcoming Port Harcourt Refinery, there will be sufficient fuel supply across our stations.

“While changes may not be immediate, we anticipate positive developments in the near future,” Seye added.

Nigerian workers bemoan soaring transport costs amid fuel price hike

Michael Simire
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Nigerian workers bemoan soaring transport costs amid fuel price hike

Park Service vows to protect FCT forest resources

Michael Simire
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Park Service vows to protect FCT forest resources

The National Park Service (NPS) has expressed determination to safeguard forest resources within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

National Park Service
Forest guards

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of NPS, made this commitment during the passing-out parade of 30 forest guards in the FCT on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Goni, represented by Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General, Ecology and Resource Centre Department, NPS, emphasised the crucial role of forest guards in preserving natural heritage and ecosystem services.

“As guardians of our forests, you have a vital role in safeguarding our natural heritage and ecosystem services,” he stated.

“The training programme equipped the forest guards with necessary tools to confront evolving challenges, including understanding bye-laws governing FCTA forest resources.”

Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, assured that the Secretariat would initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives and empower local hunters with alternative livelihoods to avoid engaging in punishable wildlife crimes.

Mrs Caroline Opara, FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Coordinator, noted that the training would enable forest guards to secure forests from negative activities.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of certificates to the 30 forest guards, demonstrating NPS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s forest resources, in line with the nation’s environmental conservation efforts.

SEFFA, FECOLART partner to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture

Michael Simire
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SEFFA, FECOLART partner to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture

In a deliberate attempt to respond to the negative effects of climate change on human survival, the Sustainable Environment Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA) and the Federal College of Land Resources Technology (FECOLART) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage and empower farmers to embrace innovative agricultural practices.

SEFFA
Participants during a workshop hosted by SEFFA in Jos, Plateau State, to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture and food security

With this new arrangement in place, farmers will receive training and support from experts who will provide extension services and help make decisions that will enable them to access agricultural inputs and market penetration.

Ololade Adegoke, the CEO of SEFFA, while commenting on the exercise, which was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, stated that the partnership is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and helping build resilience by producing ambassadors who will learn and teach others about climate action.

According to her, the scheme is also designed to help raise climate-smart farmers and build the capacity of communities and schools in Plateau State on greenhouse technology, irrigation, economic tree planting, and fish farming.

Additionally, it would strengthen partnerships by assisting farmers in accessing markets, which would enhance their income and standard of living in this climate change-affected and consequently unfavourable economy.

She underscored that this public-private partnership is essential to accelerating the government’s directives that all federal institutions should establish an entrepreneurial division to increase awareness and generate revenue to boost the nation’s economic growth.

Visionary leaders, the SEFFA boss asserts, are changemakers who drive others to achieve goals not just for individual development but for societal advancement.

“It is in this light that SEFFA is strengthening collaborations with stakeholders in changing the narrative as to how the devastating impact of climate change could be mitigated,” Adegoke noted.

In a similar vein, Dr. Abdulsalam Anate, representative of the Provost of FECOLART, Dr. Ademola Raji, praised SEFFA for considering his institution for this admirable initiative, citing its potential to improve farmers’ knowledge on how to use cutting-edge technologies to increase agricultural production across the country.

The alliance, he added, will also help in projecting the status of the college by allowing it to engage and share extension services with farmers and other stakeholders on how to reduce the impact of ecosystem disruption while promoting environmental sustainability.

SEFFA is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to consolidating the environment, fishing, agriculture, and aquaculture nationwide by introducing more effective climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers.

As part of this partnership, the non-profit entity would establish a greenhouse farm within the institution to act as a working demonstration site where FECORLAT students and the farming communities would receive training on climate-smart skills. 

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

GOCOP President urges members to stay with ethical online journalism

Michael Simire
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GOCOP President urges members to stay with ethical online journalism

The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo, has called on the more than 100 members of the Guild to make decisions that would distinguish them as entrepreneurs in the online media community.

Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President, at Media Roundtable on self-regulation

The President made the remark in welcoming corporate online publishers to Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the 8th annual general meeting (AGM) and Conference kicked off on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

The President said members must realise that online is the future of journalism, saying even traditional news organs have realised it and are rushing in. “We must know we are mediapreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the online media community.”

She noted that the AGM is usually to reinvigorate members’ businesses while adhering to ethical rules.

On capacity building session that started the Day One, the President said the choice of experienced members to serve as resource persons was deliberate, saying: “We have brought our members that have succeeded in various aspects to talk to members so more people can succeed. That is what peer review does to us. Today is capacity-building, peer review, and talking to GOCOP partners. We also have our annual general meeting (AGM) today where we give account of stewardship.”

Chigbo, publisher of Realnews, said GOCOP has its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

“We will visit an orphanage to give back to society. We recommend this to all our corporate members because we must put something aside each year in our different publishing outfits to give back to society.”

She appreciated members for solidarity and support while commending the people and government of Kogi State for playing host to GOCOP members. She equally commended the organising committee for painstaking efforts to make Lokoja 2024 a bright event. She gave kudos to the membership committee for strict screening processes to make the Guild a credible group of corporate publishers.

In the first presentation, Dr Maxwell Amuchie, Founder/CEO, Sundiata Post Media Ltd, drilled members on “Low Hanging Fruits; A Revenue Strategy for Online Publishers”. He said it is to help online publishers answer a crucial worry in the online publishing business, which is how to earn sustainable revenue from the practice.

He identified the obvious revenue areas which he called low hanging fruits. He named some of them as: sponsored posts, link insertions, text link adverts, and press releases.

On major revenue schemes available to online publishers, he mentioned banner adverts, special projects writing especially with state governments and agencies, digital advertising, social media revenue, events management, as well as licensing and syndication.

Dr Amuchie, who gave a deep insight into his experience in the beginning and how he stumbled on opportunities, gave hints on how to maximise the revenue areas.

He said: “Despite advice and counsel by GOCOP, members have the responsibility to define their business strategies and make their websites offer value that can attract patronage.”

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