30.7 C
Lagos
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 173

Environmentalist charges govt on sustainable tech development

Michael Simire
-
0
Environmentalist charges govt on sustainable tech development

Massive investment in tertiary institutions of technologies by way of provision of subsidised credit from National Development Banks and other measures will go a long way in improving Nigeria’s technology drive towards attaining sustainable development.

NES
Dignitaries at the 33rd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Environmental Society (NES)

Olanrewaju Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, made this submission on Wednesday, October 30, in his keynote address at the 33rd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Environmental Society (NES), tagged “Eko 2024”.

Prof. Fagbohun who is also a former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), noted that, to make this achievable, government must provide reliable and affordable electricity, substantial investment in infrastructure, public guarantees of risk insurance incentives that can lower upfront costs, such as subsidies, rents, green bonds with preferential rates, policy consistency over the long term, and also deliberately remove barriers improving coordination and abiding related policies.

According to him, the event, themed “Environmental Resource Management, Conservation and Protection in the Global Emerging, Innovative Technology for Sustainable Development”, reflects the present challenges and opportunities of our time.

In his remarks, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, lauded the NES for its efforts in environmental protection, sustainable development and the advancement of environmental professionalism within Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), disclosed that “this year’s theme is highly relevant to our current reality because It’s a call to responsibly manage and protect natural resources using advanced technology to achieve sustainable development. Today, the need for Environmental Resource Management, conservation and protection has become urgent and complex as populations grow and industrial activities increase, and natural resources face unprecedented pressures, and therefore responsible management of these resources is essential.

“Lagos is 0.1% of the landmarks of the entire country and 10% of the population of the entire country lives here. It’s 3500 square kilometres, 20% of that is water. Therefore, the Lagos state government takes environmental matters very seriously, as it has no choice but to do so, the approach requires strategic planning, intentional stewardship and a commitment to practices that balance human needs with ecosystem health, ensuring these resources remain vibrant and available for future generations. Other administration, Lagos State has made significant strides in advancing environmental sustainability and setting new standards for urban resilience across Africa.

“Facing the challenges of rapid organization and climate change, we are committed to innovative policies and strategic programs that aim to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable lakes. Our first major area of focus has been waste management through the Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), we have expanded waste collection efforts, launched the Blue Box Recycling Initiative, and implemented Waste to Energy Buildings. These initiatives are reducing our reliance on landfills and fostering a circular economy that benefits both the environment and our people.

“Lagos is also proud to be one of the few African cities with a climate action plan. For those who don’t know, we have also launched action plan in the middle of this year, and it is aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2050, this ambitious plan includes clean public transportation, renewable energy development and sustainable urban Planning, all of which reflect our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

“Additionally, we have prioritized greening and reforestation efforts, planting thousand trees annually and encouraging citizens to participate through initiatives like one house one tree programme, these efforts are essential for improving air quality and reducing urban heat, both crucial for the well-being of our communities. Recognising our vulnerability to flooding, we have also invested significantly in sustainable drainage systems and shoreline protection to better manage water and reduce flood risks. Equally important is our commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability through public awareness campaigns such as the cleaner Lagos, initiated by engaging residents, schools and businesses in environment stewardship among others.”

In his submission, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, National President, National Environmental Society (NES), stressed that the 33rd National Conference and Annual General is aimed at bringing environmental consciousness and sustainable projects into the fore.

He, however, charged all stakeholders to join hands with NES in maintaining its position as the foremost environmental watchdog in Nigeria.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Dr. Eugene Ituah, Prof. Babajide Alo, Dr (Mrs) Mfon Usoro, Dr. Dorothy Bassey and representatives from states across the country, among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

AFIDEP unveils key findings on maternal, newborn, child health in Kenya

Michael Simire
-
0
AFIDEP unveils key findings on maternal, newborn, child health in Kenya

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) on Thursday, October 31, 2024, unveiled critical findings from its three-year initiative, the “Putting Countries Back on the Path to Sustainable Development Goals” (Back-on-Track) project.

Dr Estelle Waiguru
Dr Estella Waiguru, Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health, ministry of health gave remarks when she represented Dr Edward Serem, head of the division

The project, supported by the UK-based Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), aims to realign Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) targets, focused on promoting health and well-being.

The event, themed “State of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Progress in Kenya,” convened leaders in public health, policy, and development at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Nairobi to discuss innovative solutions to scale up MNCH services.

AFIDEP’s Back-on-Track project employs rigorous data analysis and evidence-based methodologies to map Kenya’s maternal and child healthcare progress and challenges. Leveraging a combination of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Geographic Information System data, and stakeholder insights, the project evaluated critical indicators like child immunisation rates, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and modern contraception usage among women (including sexually active adolescent girls and young women). These findings spotlight urgent areas for action to ensure accessible, quality healthcare services for mothers, newborns, and children across Kenya.

Dr. Michael Chipeta, the project lead, explained: “Back-on-Track builds a data-driven roadmap of essential interventions that can truly transform lives on a large scale. By prioritising the availability, accessibility, quality, and utilisation of MNCH services, we aim to address critical challenges in Kenya and drive meaningful progress toward achieving SDG 3.”

The project’s findings underscore the profound impact of COVID-19 on MNCH service accessibility and utilisation. While national child immunisation coverage remained largely resilient, eight counties experienced a significant decline in antenatal care visits, and several saw decreases in skilled birth attendance. These disparities underscore the need for more resilient health systems that can withstand future crises. The research indicates substantial variations in maternal and child healthcare access at sub-national levels, with disruptions most prominent in underserved regions across Kenya.

Dr. Edward Serem, Head Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health, noted: “The Back-on-Track project aligns closely with Kenya’s health priorities and provides us with clear evidence on where our focus needs to be – particularly in areas like maternal mortality, child vaccination coverage, and reproductive health services. As we move closer to 2030, achieving SDG 3 is urgent, and these insights are invaluable for aligning our health programmes with these goals.”

AFIDEP’s findings reveal a mix of achievements and areas needing critical attention. Kenya is on track to meet SDG 3 targets in neonatal and under-five mortality reduction, skilled birth attendance, and family planning demand satisfied through modern contraceptives. However, reaching targets in maternal mortality, basic vaccination coverage, and antenatal care remains a challenge.

Dr. Serem emphasised the importance of robust data collection, stating: “Effective health interventions are built on accurate, timely data that reflects realities on the ground. This evidence strengthens our ability to enact impactful, life-saving policies.”

In reproductive health, modern contraceptive usage has seen notable progress, with demand for family planning satisfied increasing to nearly 75% by 2022, and several counties surpassing national average. Yet, disparities persist, particularly in rural and underserved areas, stressing the importance of targeted initiatives to bridge these gaps and guarantee equitable access to reproductive health services.

AFIDEP’s findings identify systemic challenges within Kenya’s health sector, particularly around funding shortfalls and data quality. Despite increased investment in MNCH, Kenya’s health sector funding remains below the 15% target established in the Abuja Declaration, with only 9% of the national budget allocated to healthcare. Additionally, data collection remains inconsistent, and healthcare utilisation is still below SDG targets in key MNCH indicators. AFIDEP advocates for improved data systems, digital tools, and increased funding to strengthen Kenya’s health sector, among others.

Dr. Chipeta highlighted that this project reinforces AFIDEP’s commitment to bridging research, policy, and practice. “With the insights gained from the Back-on-Track project, we aim to empower public institutions to implement evidence-driven policies that foster sustainable improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health.”

COP29: African negotiators back Kenyan civil society’s call for urgent climate finance action

Michael Simire
-
0
COP29: African negotiators back Kenyan civil society’s call for urgent climate finance action

Kenya’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of the African Group of Negotiators, Amb. Ali Mohamed, has reiterated the urgent call for a need-based climate finance framework to support adaptation initiatives ahead of the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Ali Mohamed
Ali Mohamed, Chair, African Group of Negotiators (AGN)

Speaking when he received the position document of Kenyan Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in his office in Nairobi on Thursday, October 31, 2024, Amb. Mohamed noted that the Baku summit “is a very important COP, and we hope it will deliver on the finance mandate”. He said climate action relies on funding, and that all mitigation and adaptation ambitions need to be matched with the needed means of implementation.

“Kenya, which chairs the African Group of Negotiators, will speak on behalf of the continent, and it is important that CSOs support the lead country and speak on behalf of Africa as well,” said Amb. Mohamed. “The climate crisis is a major concern for the whole of the continent, and Kenya in particular. Climate-induced vagaries continue to afflict us, from floods and severe drought cycles to damage to infrastructure that bleeds the economy. This, of course, is worsening Africa’s debt crisis, which is why the conversation on New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) is crucial for us.”

A team from the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (PACJA-Kenya), which presented the position statement on behalf of Kenyan CSOs, urged global leaders to prioritise financing mechanisms that empower grassroots climate action, particularly in vulnerable African communities, to address the escalating impacts of climate change.

The Kenyan CSOs noted that COP29, which has come to be referred to as the “Climate Finance COP”, presents a unique opportunity to reshape global climate finance policies, moving beyond past financial commitments toward a robust framework that directly supports adaptation and resilience efforts in developing nations. With urgent emphasis on community-level initiatives, Kenya’s civil society is advocating for a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) that centres the needs of marginalised populations – including women, youth, and Indigenous groups – who are at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts.

Amb. Mohammed urged the CSOs to use their grassroots representation advantage to highlight the impacts of the climate crisis on communities. He reiterated that the inaugural African Climate Summit, held in Nairobi under the leadership of President William Ruto in 2023, declared that Africa has the resources and capacity to take charge of its common climate future, and that negotiations at the global stage must shift from the culture of handouts and tokenism to that of development and growth.

Key Issues Highlighted by Kenyan Civil Society Organisations

1. Climate Finance Realignment for Sustainable Development: Kenyan CSOs are calling for an NCQG that directs climate finance to people-centred initiatives. These funds should primarily come from public sources and be accessible to communities without burdening developing nations with additional debt. “Climate finance must be new and additional, with mechanisms that reduce intermediaries and enhance accountability to ensure funds reach those most in need,” stated Ms Faith Ngige, the national coordinator, Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (PACJA-Kenya).

2. Urgent Investment in Adaptation and Resilience:
With an estimated $6 trillion required to fund developing nations’ climate action plans by 2030, and Africa alone needing over $3 trillion, Kenyan CSOs are urging global leaders to allocate 50% of all climate finance towards adaptation and resilience initiatives. This funding will empower local communities to lead adaptation efforts, ensuring resources are channelled to address the disproportionate climate impacts felt by African nations.

3. Enhanced Support for Locally Led Climate Actions:
The CSOs are calling for direct funding pipelines to rural and indigenous populations. Locally led solutions, particularly in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy, leverage local knowledge and strengthen community resilience against climate impacts. This approach fosters equitable development and reduces social instability stemming from climate-related resource conflicts.

4. Equitable Global Climate Governance and Accountability:
Kenyan CSOs are emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach to climate governance, ensuring that developing nations have a seat at the table in shaping global climate policies. The Kenyan delegation urged COP29 to establish accountability mechanisms that enforce climate commitments and protect the most vulnerable communities, with a focus on justice, transparency, and equitable outcomes.

Roadmap to COP29: Key Recommendations from Kenyan CSOs

In the lead-up to COP29, Kenyan CSOs outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at fostering climate justice and equity:

1. Implementing a Need-Based NCQG to support transformative, people- centred climate actions, particularly for marginalised communities, and reduce dependency on high-interest private loans.

2. Prioritising Adaptation Financing to safeguard vulnerable populations, advocating that half of all climate funds focus on adaptation.

3. Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption to support clean, people- centred energy solutions that reduce emissions, create green jobs, and drive sustainable development.

4. Strengthening Nature-Based Solutions to tackle biodiversity loss and climate impacts, with an emphasis on community involvement in conservation and restoration efforts.

5. Fostering Inclusivity and a Rights-Based Approach to climate action that protects Indigenous rights, promotes gender equity, and enhances local decision-making.

A Call for Collective Action

Amb. Mohamed expressed his support for the CSOs’ plan to champion the “Keep Your Promise Campaign” at COP29, urging global actors to honour their commitments and adopt an NCQG that empowers grassroots climate action. This framework will support local solutions and contribute to a just and resilient future for Africa and the world.

Three pathways to achieve global climate, sustainable development goals – Study

Michael Simire
-
0
Three pathways to achieve global climate, sustainable development goals – Study

Sustainable lifestyles, green-tech innovation, and government-led transformation each offer promising routes to make significant progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The team of researchers examined how these strategies could transform consumption and production across different sectors, identifying both benefits and trade-offs for enhancing human well-being within planetary boundaries. Contrary to the belief that the path to sustainable development is increasingly out of reach, the results show that humankind has a variety of pathways to depart from its current unsustainable trajectory.

“Sustainable development pathways are strategies that prevent dangerous climate change while at the same time moving towards a world that allows people to prosper on a healthy planet,” explains Bjoern Soergel, scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK and lead author of the study published in Environmental Research Letters. This is the essence of the 17 SDGs agreed by the United Nations in 2015.

“Our analysis shows that all three sustainable development pathways are far more effective than our current ‘business as usual’. They drive substantial progress towards the SDGs, for example reducing the number of people in extreme poverty by two thirds until 2030 and to virtually zero in 2050. They also curb global warming and avert further degradation of the environment. Importantly, they also avoid the unintended side effects of simplistic climate protection strategies, such as relying heavily on bioenergy or carbon capture and storage without taking into account potential conflicts with food production or public acceptance,” adds Soergel.

Three powerful ways to accelerate sustainable development

In the study, the scientists look at three possible pathways to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals used by governments, companies, and NGOs worldwide to guide action towards a sustainable and just future. The study is the first to systematically compare such different sustainable development pathways, analysing results from four models: two integrated assessment models of the global energy, economy, land and climate system and two models focused on the global buildings and materials sectors, respectively.

“All scenarios we looked into share the same set of goals, but the question is how to get there,” explains Isabelle Weindl, PIK scientist and co-author of the study. She points out that all the pathways examined in the study stand out in their own way. “For example, the sustainable lifestyle pathway includes a rapid shift towards a flexitarian, largely plant-based nutrition, which is known to also have substantial benefits for human health.”

This pathway would further include a reduction of global final energy use per capita of around 40% by 2050, with wealthier countries contributing the largest share to decrease energy inequality. Such changes might pose challenges in terms of how realistic they are for people to adopt, the researchers point out.

However, they would also come with large benefits, as Soergel adds: “The sustainable lifestyle pathway has the lowest reliance on unproven technologies and the most positive outcomes for biodiversity and climate protection.”

The other pathways foresee a more gradual change in diets and energy consumption but assume more rapid innovation in green technologies or greater orchestration of system-wide changes by governments, which each comes with their own challenges.

“Even though the pathways differ in what they emphasise, they all can deliver,” says Elmar Kriegler, Head of the research department Transformation Pathways at PIK and co-author of the study. “This is important because the path to sustainable development is often narrowed to individual worldviews, making it more difficult to find common ground to embark on this journey.”

He concludes: “If we stick to our current trajectory, none of the SDGs will be achieved. By 2030, 660 million people could still be living in extreme poverty, and environmental crises like biodiversity loss and global warming will only get worse. So, it is clear we must act now. We can still choose which sustainable path to pursue but ignoring them is no longer an option.”

Fortification of ultra-processed foods: When more becomes harmful

Michael Simire
-
0
Fortification of ultra-processed foods: When more becomes harmful

Throughout history, human survival has greatly depended on sourcing, preparing, and consuming different kinds of food. Food is the third basic need of man after air and water. It supplies our bodies with nutrients for growth, tissue repair, maintenance, and the regulation of vital processes.

Bukola Olukemi-Odele
Bukola Olukemi-Odele

Food is not just for nourishment; it is also an integral part of our cultural heritage and national identity. It is a social lubricant that promotes bonding amongst people regardless of diversity, fostering interpersonal relationships and contributing to community and nation-building. Considering the pivotal role food plays across the globe, issues pertaining to it must be addressed carefully.

Traditionally, food was largely produced by local farmers, prepared from scratch and freshly consumed at home. However, with the advent of technology and the proliferation of industries, came the urbanisation of diets accompanied by an increased burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases.

In recent times, food production has gradually been hijacked by the food industry, a complex, global network of diverse businesses that supplies most of the food consumed by the world’s population. This has led to increased production and sales of ultra-processed foods and the introduction of genetically modified foods.

Consequently, there is now a corresponding shift in dietary patterns from traditional grains, dairy, fish, meat, vegetables and fruits towards foreign, ultra-processed and convenience foods characterized with low nutritive value and often high in salts/sodium, sugars and fats. The majority of these highly processed foods are relatively cheap, readily available, and marketed by big food companies, the private sector, and small and medium enterprises to influence the dietary preferences of a critical segment of the population – children, adolescents and young adults.

A major pathway through which some food industries increase demand for their products is “fortification”. Fortification involves the enhancement of widely consumed staples with vitamins and minerals to deliver nutritional benefits with minimal or no health risks and address micronutrient deficiencies within a target population.

As much as this public health initiative is intended for the public good, evidence abounds that the adoption of fortification by food industries especially in Nigeria is done to increase demand, drive sales and enhance profit accumulation. In Nigeria, one of the most pressing issues surrounding the practice of fortification and its promotion is the misleading marketing strategies frequently deployed to promote these products.

Manufacturers tend to exaggerate and embellish the purported advantages of fortified foods, consequently, leading unsuspecting consumers to harbour the misguided belief that these items are significantly healthier than they truly are. Sometimes, they amplify the presence of a micronutrient as a halo effect to cover the health risks associated with other ingredients added to increase the shelf life or palatability of the heavily processed product.

This health halo effect has been deployed in the advertisement of products like bouillon cubes (commonly called stock or seasoning cubes) and breakfast beverages to sway consumers towards unhealthy choices, showcasing these products as nutritious and fortified with one or more micronutrients and in the same vein, concealing the dangerous amounts of salts, sugars or chemical additives, that could trigger the risks of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, amongst others.

Most of these fortified foods frequently claim to be miracle workers for health or remedies for nutritional gaps. These advertisement gimmicks can be curbed by the enforcement of warning labels on processed and prepackaged foods.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that overconsumption of fortified foods can lead to serious repercussions for public health. When consumers ingest quantities of a specific nutrient through different channels such as government-led supplementation programmes and industry-led fortification exercises, that exceeds their body’s requirements, the consequences can manifest in a variety of adverse health effects.

For instance, an excessive intake of iron can lead to stomach upset, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, ulcers and diarrhoea. Similarly, an overabundance of vitamin A can trigger hypervitaminosis A, a condition known to cause liver damage and a range of other significant health issues that could further complicate the present health and nutrition crisis in the country.

To safeguard public health and curb the rise of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) should discourage the use of unhealthy ultra-processed food products such as bouillon as vehicles for fortification as this has the potential to increase the intake of sodium and the burden of high blood pressure.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must collaborate to implement nutrient profile models and enforce front-of-pack warning labels, marketing and advertisement regulations that align with global best practices to protect citizens from straying towards unhealthy dietary choices as well as curb the potential effects of misleading nutrition and health claims made by industries.

The enforcement of mandatory salt targets alongside the aforementioned public health strategies should be implemented before considering industry-led nutrition initiatives such as the fortification of bouillon cubes and other ultra-processed foods. All relevant MDAs responsible for safeguarding health, improving nutrition outcomes and protecting consumers must improve collaboration, coordinate efforts and align all policy decisions and interventions with the country’s public health and social development goals.

More importantly, there should be close communication and intra-collaboration within the various units of these MDAs, as working in silos could lead one department to approve and implement interventions that inadvertently undermine the goals and efforts of another department within the same government body.

By Bukola Olukemi-Odele, food scientist, Programme Officer, Sodium Reduction, at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)

Climate change escalates health risks in Nigeria, ministry assessment reveals

Michael Simire
-
0
Climate change escalates health risks in Nigeria, ministry assessment reveals

The Federal Ministry of Health has released findings from its first Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, highlighting severe impact of climate change on the nation’s health sector.

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

Conducted between January and July 2024 and supported by UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the assessment projected a 21-per-cent increase in disease burden, with northern states facing the highest risk due to extreme climate vulnerabilities.

In an interview on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Abuja, Godwin Brooks, the Director of Climate Change and Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said “climate change is set to heighten health risks across all regions of Nigeria.”

Brooks added that northern states such as Kebbi, Zamfara and Yobe are especially vulnerable, while southern states are also experiencing escalating risks.

He highlighted the potential doubling of heat-related deaths by 2080, with rising temperatures, possibly up to +3°C, expected to worsen conditions for vector-borne diseases.

He explained that increased rainfall is likely to fuel waterborne diseases, with diarrheal deaths in children under 15 projected to contribute to nearly 10 per cent of such fatalities.

He said that coastal areas face greater flooding risks due to rising sea levels, affecting hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.

He added that “this exposure is likely to alter the spread of infectious diseases, impacting health systems across the nation.

“Findings from the Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment are now forming the foundation of Nigeria’s first Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).

“The plan will guide strategies to strengthen healthcare resilience and enhance response capacity for the evolving climate-related health challenges.”

He, therefore, called for swift government action and underscored the importance of community-driven adaptation measures, especially in high-risk regions.

He said that “with increased risks anticipated across the country, Nigeria’s health system must adapt to a ‘new normal’, where climate change continuously shapes the health landscape.”

According to Ideas.repec.org, climate change poses significant challenges worldwide, with human activities directly and indirectly affecting health.

In Nigeria, the impacts are especially severe due to high vulnerability and limited capacity to adapt.

Research on the health effects of climate change in Nigeria is limited, motivating study to investigate these impacts.

Findings indicate that climate change contributes to increased health risks from rising temperatures, rainfall, sea level rise, and extreme weather.

Key health risks identified include meningitis, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders among the elderly, skin cancer, malaria, high blood pressure and morbidity.

The study urges government to raise awareness of climate-related health risks, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children and rural communities.

By Abujah Racheal

LAWMA unveils plans for biogas plant at Lagos fruit market

Michael Simire
-
0
LAWMA unveils plans for biogas plant at Lagos fruit market

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has disclosed plans to inaugurate a biogas plant at the Ketu-Ikosi fruit market.

LAWMA
LAWMA, FABE Foundation and Prudential Zenith Life Assurance officials at the fruit market clean up in Lagos

The Assistant Director, Waste-to-Energy at LAWMA, Mr. Abimbola Ajayi, disclosed this at the sidelines of Ketu-Ikosi fruit market clean-up organised by FABE Foundation on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Lagos.

A biogas plant is a facility that provides oxygen-free conditions where anaerobic digestion can occur.

It’s an artificial system where you can turn waste into sustainable energy and fertilisers, with positive effects on the environment.

The FABE Foundation, in collaboration with Prudential Zenith Life Assurance, sensitised the traders on the importance of waste segregation for biogas production.

Ajayi, who commended FABE Foundation and Prudential Zenith Life Assurance for the exercise, disclosed the state government’s plans for the biogas plant.

“By December 2024, we are going to have a grand breaking ceremony of our biogas plant in this market.

“And by June 2025, we are going to inaugurate the biogas plant. We are going to have power supply to the market, majorly to the loading bay.

“And we are going to be providing 29 megawatts of electricity in this market using the same residual food/fruit waste, that we think that is waste to produce this energy,” Ajayi said.

He also commended FABE Foundation and the Prudential Zenith Life Assurance for the sensitisation programme.

“With the segregation of organic wastes, we will be able to pick pure organic waste that we need for the biogas plant we intend to set up.

“We are also going to provide a cold room for the traders to preserve their fruits with the provision of this biogas plants,” Ajayi said.

On her part, Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, Founder and the Chief Executive Officer, FABE Foundation, urged the traders to segregate their waste by taking advantage of the available biodigester at the market.

“We are here today to clean up the Ketu-Ikosi fruit market and our mission is very clear. We want to sensitise the market people where the source of fruit is, so that they can become advocates of change themselves.

“From research we know that fruit waste can actually generate biogas and compost for farming. Here at the Ketu-Ikosi fruit market we have a biodigester and it has not been utilised.

“We want a situation where the market people themselves can begin to segregate their waste into kind of waste that can actually feed into the biodigester.

“With this they can produce electricity as well as cooking gas from their organic waste. Traders can begin to tap into the biogas initiative for the cooking and also the CNG experience for that activities they embark on.

“We are here to urge the fruit traders so that they can begin to segregate and sort their waste right from the source of generation. It does not have to end up at the dump site,” Okunnu said.

She also restated the relevance of the Project Clean Air exercise to the market and state in general.

“And of course with Project Clean Air we are working on, we will ensure that all the mini-illegal dump sites are eradicated.

“And we will be transforming them into eco-gardens by making use of the compost we have gotten from the market to fertilise the gardens.

“We can now promote such practices to support the work that the Lagos State Government is already doing through LAWMA,” she said.

Also, Mrs. Charisse Ige, the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Prudential Zenith Life Assurance, said the sponsorship of the initiative was an opportunity to uphold the company’s culture of sustainability.

“Prudential has a wider strategy across its group, which operates in mainly Asia and Africa, and one of our main strategies is that of sustainability.

“We believe that we all need to be looking at sustainability in order to go ahead positively and successfully in the future.

“So, it was a great opportunity when we met the Project Clean Air team, and through our sustainability foundation called Prudence Foundation, we were able to partner and carry out this activity that you see today.

“So, in terms of waste management, we want to see mainly a reduction in carbon footprint. And in doing so, we need to watch in our emissions.

“We need to do things proactively like clean up areas that we live in. We can do simple things like planting trees, to ensure that the carbon dioxide is sucked up from the air, and so we are able to breathe better oxygen,” Ige said.

Responding, Mr. Shola Olokungboye, the Secretary-General Ketu-Ikosi Fruit Market, described environmental cleanliness as the market’s priority.

“One thing we are aware of is that the Lagos State Government does not play with environmental issues. And like it is popularly said, health is wealth.

“As a market, we have our environmental sanitation team that do monitor and work here on daily basis to ensure the market is kept clean.

“We have vehicles from LAWMA that come to carry the waste we generate in this market every day.

“We do not stop at that, when we notice any part of the market is not clean it takes treatment measures to ensure the traders comply to a sanitation laws.

“We also appreciate the organisers of this clean up, we count the great privilege seeing them help us clean our market,” Olokungboye said.

By Mercy Omoike

IEA: Global market for clean energy technology is growing rapidly

Michael Simire
-
0
IEA: Global market for clean energy technology is growing rapidly

The global market for clean energy technologies is set to grow from 700 billion dollars last year to more than $2 trillion by 2035.

Fatih Birol
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

This is according to analysis published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Trade in clean energy technologies such as photovoltaics, wind turbines, electric cars, batteries and heat pumps looked also set to more than triple in a decade to reach $575 billion, the IEA said.

“The market for clean technologies is set to multiply in value in the coming decade, increasingly catching up with the markets for fossil fuels.

“As countries seek to define their role in the new energy economy, three vital policy areas energy, industry and trade are becoming more and more interlinked.

“While this leaves governments with tough and complicated decisions ahead, this groundbreaking new IEA report provides a strong, data-driven foundation for their decisions,’’ said IEA executive director, Fatih Birol.

Countries will seek to increase their energy security, maintain their economic advantage and reduce emissions, the report said.

The IEA found that the bulk of investments were concentrated in the areas that have already taken clear steps in the sector and want to expand their foothold in it.

These are: China, the European Union, the United States and increasingly India.

The agency added that, in spite of measures taken by the EU and the U.S., China was set to remain the world’s centre of clean energy technology production for the foreseeable future.

Nigeria pledges to tackle oil spills, gas flaring in Niger Delta

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria pledges to tackle oil spills, gas flaring in Niger Delta

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government, has reaffirmed commitment to address oil spills and gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

Niger Delta
Participants at the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta, held in Abuja

The pledge was made at the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta, held in Abuja on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The conference is themed, “Advancing the Recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC)”.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, represented by Mr. Busari Kamoru, Director, Upstream, highlighted the Niger Delta’s rich resources and potential.

Lokpobiri emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable environmental l practices.

In his address, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State noted that international oil companies’ unchecked activities have devastated the state’s rivers and soil.

He cited a report from the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, “An Environmental Genocide,” which revealed alarming statistics.

According to Diri, 40 per cent of Bayelsa’s mangroves have been destroyed and toxic spills have contaminated soil and water.

He also said that oil pollution and gas flaring have caused over 16,000 neonatal deaths in 2012 alone.

Diri urged global stakeholders to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

Also, Sen. Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, called for collective action to address environmental pollution.

Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reducing gas flaring through initiatives like the Hydrocarbons Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

“We must shift from environmental destruction to restoration,” he said.

Lawal was represented by Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

Earlier, Nnimmo Bassey, Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), emphasised the critical timing of the conference, citing the devastating impact of extractivism and pollution on Nigeria’s socioecological landscape.

By Doris Esa

Helping African smallholder farmers fight soybean rust with early warning systems

Michael Simire
-
0
Helping African smallholder farmers fight soybean rust with early warning systems

A new partnership between Solidaridad, Kvuno, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Soybean Innovation Lab is bringing hope to smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. The goal is to tackle one of the most serious challenges they face: soybean rust, a disease that can destroy their crops.

Shungu Kanyemba
Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director, Solidaridad Southern Africa

As the climate changes, the risk of soybean rust, a destructive fungal disease, is quickly spreading. This disease threatens the food security for many farmers. To help farmers manage the disease, the partnership is promoting an Early Warning System (EWS) to notify farmers in real-time about potential rust outbreaks and provide advice on how to protect their crops.

“Our mission is to create sustainable supply chains that are not only prosperous but also in harmony with nature and inclusive of all stakeholders. By prioritising farmers and workers, we ensure that every step in the supply chain is accountable and drives positive impact from the ground up. As we empower farmers with real-time data and tools to combat diseases like soybean rust, we’re strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers across Southern Africa. This Early Warning System is a crucial step towards sustainable farming practices that protect both livelihoods and food security in our region,” says Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director, Solidaridad Southern Africa.

What is Soybean Rust?

Soybean rust is a disease caused by a fungus that can reduce crop yields by up to 80% if it is not controlled. Smallholder farmers, who often rely on just one or two crops for their livelihood, are particularly at risk. The EWS will allow farmers to detect the disease early, giving them time to act before it spreads.

“We encourage smallholder farmers across Southern Africa to adopt the Early Warning System. This system, developed by IITA and the Soybean Innovation Lab with support from Kvuno and Solidaridad, uses special ‘sentinel plots’ – small areas of land that are monitored closely to detect signs of rust early. When rust is detected, farmers receive alerts on their mobile phones through a simple app,” said Dr. Harun Murithi, Crop Health Specialist at IITA and Soybean Innovation Lab.

Early Warning System Meets Leading Expertise

The EWS works by planting soybeans in a small plot a few weeks before the main crops. When rust is detected in the small plot, farmers receive alerts and can take action, such as applying fungicides, to protect their main crops before it’s too late.

Farmers in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique are already using these sentinel plots to protect their soybean crops. This early detection system helps prevent devastating crop losses and ensures that farmers can continue to provide food for their families and communities.

With that said, IITA has been working in Africa since 1967 to help farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods. With decades of experience in farming and research, IITA is working closely with farmers to bring new tools like EWS to Southern Africa.

Similarly, the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) works to improve food security and nutrition by offering proven solutions, tools, and technologies that help farmers produce soybeans profitably across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“As we expand the use of this Early Warning System, it is essential that farmers receive timely alerts. This system is changing how we fight soybean rust, and we look forward to seeing how it will help farmers across the region,” added Dr Murithi.

Protecting Soybean Farmers in Southern Africa

As part of this initiative, sentinel plots have been set up in key farming regions in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. These plots are monitored closely to detect rust outbreaks, providing farmers with early warnings so they can protect their crops. This system is a major step forward in managing soybean rust and could soon be expanded to other countries in Southern Africa.

By using digital tools and sending timely alerts, the Early Warning System is helping farmers take control of rust management and improve their crop yields, securing food for their families and communities.

The partnership is inviting smallholder farmers to participate in the Early Warning System and take advantage of the real-time alerts to protect their crops. Agricultural organisations are also encouraged to support the initiative, helping the partnership reach more farmers and protect more crops across the region.

1...172173174...2,222Page 173 of 2,222

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×