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Floods ravage Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun

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August 30, 2016

About 60 houses were submerged by flood in Kaduna communities as a result of heavy rainfall which occurred as a result of long hours of heavy downpour that started on Friday morning till evening of that day.

Flood at Ladipo Bus Stop along Lagos Abeokuta Express Road before Oshodi in Lagos, caused by heavy down pour which started on Saturday and rained till Sunday evening in Lagos. Photo credit: Joe Akintola/vanguardngr.com

The flood affected houses, schools and shops within the state metropolis including Hayin Dan Mani, Hayin Bello new extension, Abubakar Kigo Road new extension, Barnawa, Narayi, Romi, Kinkino and Kurmin Mashi, among others.

The flood occurred weeks after the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) warned that floods would likely occur in eight major rivers and their tributaries in the course of 2016.

It was reported that the Director-General of the agency, Dr Moses Beckley, gave the warning at the presentation of the 2016 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, in July 2016.

Beckley listed the rivers to include Niger, Benue, Sokoto-Rima, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, Niger Delta, Komadougu-Yobe, Ogun-Osun and several other sub-basins of the country.

Similarly, thousands of Lagos and Ogun residents were displaced and property estimated at billions of naira destroyed after downpours on Saturday and Sunday left many streets and homes flooded. Many Christians could not hold their Sunday service as their churches were flooded.

Worst hit in Lagos were residents of Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ketu, Ikorodu, Lekki areas.

Indeed, about 200 residents were displaced after floods took over about 50 houses on Unity Estate in the Ita Oluwo area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that the Kaduna flood forced hundreds of people out of their homes as a result of the flood while the roads too were covered by water making it difficult for residents to evacuate their properties.

It was observed that most of the affected houses are located near the bank of River Kaduna and those built without drainage or with blocked drainages.

Similarly, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) weeks ago raised alarm that eight LGs in the state were likely to experience flood; thereby warning residents close to river banks and flood prone areas to vacate for their safety.

Kaduna State Emergency Management SEMA already sent their staff to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Ezekiel Baba Karik, said so far about 60 houses were affected by the flood.

“The flood was mild below what we expected based on NIMET prediction. Few houses within Kaduna metropolis and Kafanchan were affected. We are still assessing the extent of damage but the houses will not be more than 60 because the water came and passed. Water will always find its way,” he said.

According to him, the flood was caused by human induced factors including lack of proper drainage and blocked drainages among others. “Most of the affected victims are already taking their properties back to their houses because the water level has gone down,” he said.

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Shell trains youths on power plant operations

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August 30, 2016

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Shell trains youths on power plant operations

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) operated Joint Venture has trained 15 engineering graduates from host communities of the Afam VI Power Plant at Oyigbo in Rivers State on the operation and maintenance of combined cycle power plants. They are the second set of 30 graduates from the host communities to benefit from the initiative which incorporates training sessions in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Cross section of the graduating power plant engineers and officials of the SPDC at the close-out ceremony in Oyigbo, Rivers State… on Monday

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) issued the plant about 541,537 Certified Emission Reductions (CER) credits in 2015, the first energy efficiency project on power generation registered from Nigeria.

“We can confidently say that the trainees are the best set of engineers in the Nigeria electricity industry today,” Afam Power Project Manager, Ben Agbajogu, said during a ceremony in Port Harcourt to mark the end of the one-year training. “The trainees have been adequately equipped theoretically and practically on operating and maintaining modern power plants, and can compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.

The training included exposure of the graduates for 11 months at the Afam VI Power Plant, to operating and maintaining a combined cycle power plant and one-month specialised certificate training at the Osborne Training Services Newcastle, United Kingdom.

The member representing Oyigbo constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chisom Dike, said that the initiative had become a personal dream come true, as he recalled how SPDC accepted his proposal as a youth leader about 12 years ago to train over 100 youths in various skills.

“The success story of that initiative today is that our youths are major participants in virtually all construction and fabrication projects undertaken anywhere in Oyigbo Local Government Area and beyond,” he added.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, John Bazia, advised the graduates to make the best of the opportunity of their training by exploring entrepreneurial opportunities and providing employment to others.

Eze Elijah Adiele, traditional ruler of Ayama community, thanked SPDC for the sustainable community development programme, which has given bright future to graduates from Afam Power Plant communities.

The Power Plant Operations and Maintenance training programme began in 2013 with a set of 15 graduates of engineering background trained in Bangkok, Thailand.

Afam VI Power Plant commenced operations in August 2008. The 650-megawatt (MW) plant, with its unique combined cycle design, contributes 14-20% to the national grid, requiring only two-thirds of the gas needed by many of Nigeria’s existing power plants to generate each unit of electricity.

Radio signal spurs talk of alien life

Science & Tech

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August 30, 2016

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A “strong signal” detected by a radio telescope in Russia that is scanning the heavens for signs of extraterrestrial life has stirred interest among the scientific community.

“No one is claiming that this is the work of an extraterrestrial civilisation, but it is certainly worth further study,” said Paul Gilster, author of the Centauri Dreams website which covers peer-reviewed research on deep space exploration.

The signal is from the direction of a HD164595, a star about 95 light-years from Earth.

The star is known to have at least one planet, and may have more.

The observation is being made public now, but was actually detected last year by the RATAN-600 radio telescope in Zelenchukskaya, Russia, he said.

Experts say it is far too early to know what the signal means or where, precisely, it came from.

“But the signal is provocative enough that the RATAN-600 researchers are calling for permanent monitoring of this target,” wrote Gilster.

The discovery is expected to feature in discussions at the 67th International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 27.

“Working out the strength of the signal, the researchers say that if it came from an isotropic beacon, it would be of a power possible only for a Kardashev Type II civilization,” Gilster wrote, referring to a scale-system that indicates a civilisation far more advanced than our own.

“If it were a narrow beam signal focused on our Solar System, it would be of a power available to a Kardashev Type I civilisation,” indicating one closer to Earth’s capabilities.

Gilster, who broke the story on August 27, said he had seen a presentation on the matter from Italian astronomer Claudio Maccone.

“Permanent monitoring of this target is needed,” said the presentation.

Nick Suntzeff, a Texas A&M University astronomer told the online magazine Ars Technica that the 11 gigahertz signal was observed in part of the radio spectrum used by the military.

“If this were a real astronomical source, it would be rather strange,” Suntzeff was quoted as saying.

“God knows who or what broadcasts at 11Ghz, and it would not be out of the question that some sort of bursting communication is done between ground stations and satellites,” Suntzeff said.

“I would follow it if I were the astronomers, but I would also not hype the fact that it may be at SETI signal given the significant chance it could be something military.”

Manzanares emerges new interim head of GCF, Cheikhrouhou becomes Tunisian Energy Minister

Climate Change

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August 30, 2016

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Manzanares emerges new interim head of GCF, Cheikhrouhou becomes Tunisian Energy Minister

Mr. Javier Manzanares has become the Executive Director ad interim of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Secretariat. Mr. Manzanares, the Fund’s Chief Financial Officer, was appointed Executive Director ad interim by the GCF Board at its June meeting and takes up the role following the conclusion of the term of the current Executive Director, Ms. Hela Cheikhrouhou, who is taking up a new assignment in Tunisia.

The GCF was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the goal of supporting climate resilient and low emissions development in developing countries. To date, the Fund has mobilised more than $10 billion in resources and committed $424 million in projects and programmes.

Hela Cheikhrouhou, outgoing Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund. Photo credit: gettyimages.com

The GCF Board Co-Chairs, Ewen McDonald and Zaheer Fakir, congratulated Ms. Hela Cheikrouhou on her appointment as Minister for Energy, Mining and Renewables in the new Tunisian Government and, on behalf of the GCF Board, wished her well in her new role.

Mr. Manzanares will be the Executive Director ad interim until such time as the current selection process for a permanent Executive Director is complete.

Climate change could halve coffee production by 2050

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August 30, 2016

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Climate change could halve coffee production by 2050

Climate change is already putting production and cost pressures on the supply of coffee in significant parts of the world’s “bean belt” of coffee producing countries.

Selective coffee cherry picking on farms in the Kiambu district of Kenya. Climate change is posing a threat to coffee production. Photo credit: afkinsider.com

Increasing temperatures and extreme weather events will cut the area suitable for production by up to 50 per cent, erode coffee quality and increase coffee prices for consumers, according to The Climate Institute’s “A Brewing Storm: The climate change risks to coffee report”, released on Monday.

“Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every day, with nearly half of Australians drinking coffee regularly,” said CEO of The Climate Institute, John Connor. “Yet coffee is just one of a multitude of things increasingly subject to negative climate impacts, and its negative flow-on effects.”

“Our A Brewing Storm report, commissioned by Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand, researched available information on climate risks to coffee, and should give a jolt to Australian coffee consumers and provide more reason for urgent climate action.”

World coffee production has more than trebled since the 1960s to supply the $19 billion trade that continues to deliver a five per cent increase in consumption annually. Yet, between 80 and 90 per cent of the world’s 25 million coffee farmers are smallholders who are among those most exposed to climate change. They generally live and work in the “bean belt” which comprises around 70 mostly developing countries, including Guatemala, Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Climate change threatens their world, the report says.

“Without strong climate action, the areas suitable for growing coffee could halve in a few decades, pushing production upslope, away from the equator and into conflict with other land uses, such as nature conservation and forestry. By 2080 wild coffee, an important genetic resource for farmers, could be extinct.”

Heightened temperatures and rainfall have already increased the incidence of disease and pests affecting yields and quality. In already hot countries, more warming will also increase burdens on the physical and mental health of producers, labourers and communities – with clear productivity consequences.

“Companies such as Starbucks and Lavazza, as well as the International Coffee Organisation, have already publicly acknowledged the severity of climate risks,” Connor said. “Consumers are likely to face supply shortages, impacts on flavor and aromas, and rising prices.”

Recognising the impact of climate change, Fairtrade is working with commercial partners and coffee farmers on climate focused projects. These projects seek to prevent more greenhouse gases from being produced and provide technical and financial support for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“There are things we coffee drinkers can do to assist,” said Connor. “The first step is to learn about these issues and the steps being taken by Fairtrade and others; the second is to take real action by choosing to buy only the brands that are carbon or climate neutral, provide a fair return to farmers and their communities while helping to build their capacity to adapt to climate change; third is to demand climate action from the coffee companies and our governments to ensure all products, business models and economies are carbon or climate neutral.”

John Connor said The Climate Institute’s recently released National Agenda for Climate Action provided a blueprint for Australian businesses, communities and governments to get to carbon neutral and to go even further.

Water central to realising SDGs, say experts, as 2016 water week opens

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August 29, 2016

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Water central to realising SDGs, say experts, as 2016 water week opens

“Without reliable access to water, almost no Sustainable Development Goal will be achieved. To make that happen, we must ensure water’s centrality to the entire Agenda 2030. This will show the power water has a connector.”

Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) (left); Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström; and Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurría, separately making presentations at the opening of the 2016 World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, August 29, 2016

Those were the words Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), on Monday in Stockholm, Sweden while formally opening opening the 2016 World Water Week (WWW), which is the 26^th in the series.

According to him, Water connects not only sectors, but also nations, communities and different actors.

Water can be the unifying power, the enabler for progress in both Agenda 2030 and the Paris climate agreement,” said Holmgren.

Themed: “Water for Sustainable Growth”, the 2016 WWW is gathering some 3,000 people from over 120 countries in the bustling Swedish capital city.

With water crises being listed as one of the top global risks in the coming years by the World Economic Forum, and a rapidly growing world population putting pressure on scarce water resources, seeking solutions to the world’s many complex water challenges is becoming ever more urgent for the researchers, policy-makers, and representatives of civil society and the private sector meeting in Stockholm.

Addressing the opening session, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström, reinforced the message that water is a connector and an enabler in realising the SDGs.

“Successful realisation of Goal 6 of the 2030 Agenda will underpin progress across many of the other goals, particularly on nutrition, child health, education, gender equality, healthy cities and healthy water ecosystems and oceans,” Wallström stated.

Mayor of Stockholm, Karin Wanngård, underlined the role cities need to play in realising the development agenda.

Wanngård said: “Cities represent a large portion of future growth. We have the job growth, the universities, the creative ideas. We also face the biggest emissions, the social problems, and housing shortage.

“Our participation in the struggle for sustainable solutions is key for global success. And that means a growing responsibility, a moral responsibility towards future generations and their ability to live in cities where it is possible to work, live in security, breathe the air and drink the water.”

Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurría, said that water, from having been a subject that was rarely discussed with urgency, has come to the front and centre of international deliberations.

“Water now has the place it needs to have in international priorities,” said Gurría.

IUCN congress to set path for nature conservation

Conservation

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August 29, 2016

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IUCN congress to set path for nature conservation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress – believed to be the world’s largest and most inclusive environmental decision-making forum – will meet in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi from 1 to 10 September 2016 to define the global path for nature conservation for the years to come.

Hawaii, the 50th and most recent state of the United States of America, is hosting the IUCN's World Conservation Congress 2016 in September 1 to 10 — Hawaii, the 50th and most recent state of the United States of America, is hosting the IUCN’s World Conservation Congress 2016 in September 1 to 10

Over 8,300 delegates from 184 countries, including Heads of State and other high-level government officials from various organisations, are expected to attend the IUCN Congress.

The forum will be held under the theme “Planet at the crossroads”, emphasising that nature conservation and human progress are not a zero-sum game, and that credible and accessible choices exist that can promote general welfare while supporting and enhancing our planet’s natural assets.

This will be the first time the IUCN Congress will be hosted by the United States, home to over 100 IUCN member organisations.

Key issues that will be discussed at the event include wildlife trafficking, ocean conservation, nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and private investment in conservation.

At the Congress, IUCN’s 1,300 member organisations – some of the most influential government and civil society organisations from more than 160 countries – will collectively decide on actions to address the most pressing and often controversial conservation and sustainable development challenges.

Around 100 motions are expected to be adopted by the global environmental parliament of governments and NGOs, which will then become IUCN Resolutions or Recommendations calling third parties to take action.

Some of the motions to be voted on at the IUCN Congress were listed to include:

Flood victims receive donations from lawmaker

Sustainable Devpt

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August 29, 2016

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Victims of the recent flood that occurred in Bachaka town of Gudu local government area (LGA) of Sokoto State on Monday received a donation of relief materials worth N5 million from the member that‎ represents Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, Isa Kalanjeni.

The relief materials donated to alleviate the suffering of the victims include 300 bags of cement, 30 bundles of roofing sheets, rubber mats, plastic buckets and kettles.

“I visited to personally commiserate with you in your most trying times. My donation is not in any way a compensation for your huge losses because only God is capable of compensating you,” he said.

Calling on the victims to regard the disaster as an act of God, Kalanjeni disclosed that he had reported the incident to the House Committee on Disasters.

“I have also written to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its action,” he added.

District Head of Bachaka, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, commended the lawmaker and promised that the items would be distributed judiciously.

On behalf of all other beneficiaries, Ibrahim Gatari and Sambo Abdullahi also commended Kalanjeni and promised to make proper use of the materials.

By Abdallah el-Kurebe

20,000 beneficiaries eye Guinness, WaterAid’s Bauchi water scheme

Water & Sanitation

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August 29, 2016

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20,000 beneficiaries eye Guinness, WaterAid’s Bauchi water scheme

Alcoholic beverage maker, Guinness Nigeria Plc, is partnering with international charity organisation, WaterAid Nigeria, to construct two solar-powered water facilities at Gwam in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The venture aims at improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the community.

L-R: Country Director, Water Aid Nigeria, Dr. Michael Ojo; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; International Chief Executive, WaterAid, Ms. Barbara Frost; and Commissioner for Water Resources, Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Ghali Abdulhameed, at the commissioning of water and sanitation facilities constructed by Guinness Nigeria Plc in Gwam, Bauchi State

The Guinness Nigeria/WaterAid Gwam water facility, which was recently unveiled at a colourful ceremony, is one of two major water schemes which the brewing bigwig has delivered this year in collaboration with international not-for-profit partners, and the 34^th site for the Guinness Nigeria, Water of Life initiative in Nigeria.

Some 20,000 people will benefit from the water scheme, which comprises two solar-powered boreholes and two blocks of toilets.

Guinness Nigeria’s Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, at the occasion reiterated the company’s commitment to initiatives that improve access to safe water. In his remarks, he noted that Guinness Nigeria would continue to play a leading role in promoting water stewardship in Nigeria. He thanked Water Aid for its transformational work in promoting health and hygiene in the country.

Sobowale said: “Diageo’s water blueprint articulates the role we will play as a business to tackle a wide range of water-related issues both in Nigeria and globally. In furtherance of this blueprint, Guinness Nigeria has prioritised interventions that improve access to safe water especially in communities that face acute water scarcity.

“We have also invested in technologies that help us manage our water use. The construction of the Gwam water scheme is in furtherance of our efforts to help more Nigerians access clean drinking water. Our hope is that by improving access to clean water, we can help people in Gwam community improve their hygiene and overall wellbeing.”

Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Bauch State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Ghali Abdulhameed, expressed the state government’s gratitude over the newly-constructed facility. He submitted that the water facility would support the state government’s drive to improve health and hygiene for its citizens.

“This intervention is indeed timely and commendable. Water is an absolutely essential resource that is vital for the health and wellbeing of our citizens. We, the people of Bauchi State, are therefore delighted that Guinness Nigeria and WaterAid have joined forces to improve access to safe water in our state. We are immensely grateful for this intervention” he said.

Chief Executive, WaterAid International, Ms. Barbara Frost, underscored WaterAid’s vision to help create a world where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. She said: “It is great to see that the Bauchi State Government, Guinness Nigeria and WaterAid are working collaboratively to tackle the challenge of water scarcity in Bauchi State. I would like to thank the government of Bauchi State for creating a conducive environment that has enabled WaterAid to implement its programmes in the state. WaterAid will continue to partner various stakeholders in Nigeria to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation.”

Last year, Guinness had executed similar water projects in the Adigbe area of Ogun State and in 10 communities across three local government areas of Cross River State.

In February this year, Guinness Nigeria announced that, in furtherance its flagship “Water of Life” scheme, it would be partnering with WaterAid Nigeria and Oxfam, two leading international NGOs, to improve access to safe water in Nigerian communities that face severe water scarcity.

Images: Abuja, Calabar REDD+ validation meetings

Photo News

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August 29, 2016

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Images: Abuja, Calabar REDD+ validation meetings

Two separate validation workshops held recently Abuja, the federal capital city, and Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, displayed an increasing stakeholder ownership of the National Framework Strategy and Cross River State REDD+ Strategy development process.

The forums likewise set the stage for a somewhat vital next-phase for the UN-REDD Programme in the country.

While the pilot site, Cross River State, is rounding off the Readiness phase, two new states – Nasarawa and Ondo – will soon be welcome into the UN-REDD+ fold.