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Women engineers unveil ‘Lagos home gardening initiative’

Michael Simire
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Women engineers unveil ‘Lagos home gardening initiative’

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, unveiled the Lagos Home Gardening Initiative to promote food security in the state and across the nation.

APWEN Lagos Chapter
L-R: Farmer Mufutau Oyelekan, CEO, Farm Fresh Agricultural Venture; Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Chairman, APWEN Lagos Chapter; Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Government Area, Oladotun Olakanle, at the unvieling of Lagos Home Gardening Initiative by APWEN Lagos Chapter on Saturday in Lagos

Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Chairperson, APWEN Lagos Chapter, said that the initiative was in alignment with the association’s support for the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s, “Own a Garden” Competition.

Owolabi said this while delivering an address at the APWEN Lagos Chapter 2024 Public Lecture, Award and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

The theme of the lecture was, “Empowering Nigerian Women Engineers and Communities to Promote Sustainable Agricultural Solutions and Food Security in Nigeria”.

She explained that the initiative was developed to promote essential skills for practical home gardening, focusing on empowering women engineers and local communities.

“APWEN Lagos Home Gardening Initiative aims to enhance food security, encourage self-sufficiency, and foster environmental sustainability through practical and accessible gardening practices.

“Through this initiative, we seek to build a network of well-informed and skilled individuals who can lead by example and drive positive change in their communities,” she said.

According to her, the home gardening initiative aims to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain home gardens, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable living.

Owolabi added that the programme would provide women engineers with hands-on experience and training in home gardening, integrating this knowledge with their professional skills to foster self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

The APWEN chairperson said that the association, through the initiative, would also engage grassroots communities by targeting primary and secondary schools.

She said that the young scholars would be introduced to the benefits of home gardening to create a culture of sustainability from an early age and ensure long-term community impact.

“This year has marked a significant milestone for our chapter. We have made substantial strides in advancing our mission to empower women in engineering and to support our communities.

“Our achievements stand as a testament to the dedication and hard work of each member,” she said.

In his remark, Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Government Area, Oladotun Olakanle, lauded APWEN Lagos for the initiative, noting that insecurity has impacted adversely on food production.

Olakunle urged Nigerian to embrace home gardening initiative in a quest to enhance food production and sustainability, noting that food security is key to food sufficiency.

Guest Speaker, Mufutau Oyelekan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Farm Fresh Agricultural Venture, charged APWEN members and other agricultural engineers to develop and design agricultural tools for Nigerian farmers.

Oyelekan, also Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos Chapter, expressed worry that the tools presently used in the country are produced from China.

He advised the female engineers to collaborate with fabricators to design the tools and also establish farms individually or as a group, as well as develop agricultural product processors to promote food sufficiency.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Akindele Alonge, Dean, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Uyo, urged the female engineers to confront challenges impeding food sufficiency across the country, while tapping into opportunities in farming.

Alonge is also Past National Chairman of Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers

He said that for the country to attain sufficiency in food, agriculture engineers must promote mechanised farming and leverage digital technology in farming.

He said that they must also build their capacities, network and collaborate with other professionals.

He urged them to participate in policy formation, maximise access to funding, technological equipment, and also take agriculture as a business.

By Rukayat Adeyemi

China leads in new energy sector, says spokesperson

Michael Simire
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China leads in new energy sector, says spokesperson

Spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mai Ning, has stated that China’s new energy sector has positioned the country as one of the fastest in the world in terms of energy-intensity reduction.

China
China is said to have built the world’s largest industrial chain of new energy

Energy-intensity reduction involves using less energy to produce a product or service.

Mai said this while speaking at a global virtual news conference in Beijing, China, on Friday, August 23, 2024.

He said China had built the world’s largest industrial chain of new energy and provided 70 per cent of global PV components and 60 per cent of wind power equipment.

She added this had significantly boosted global energy transition and green, low-carbon, and sustainable development.

Mai highlighted China’s clean energy projects in Africa, such as the Garissa PV power plant in Kenya, which reduced CO2 emissions by 64,000 tonnes annually, and the Kaleta hydropower plant in Guinea, which had eased electricity shortages.

She emphasised China’s commitment to green development, ecological protection, and resource conservation, as outlined in the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Mai also addressed China’s economic growth, stating that the country had been among the fastest-growing major economies, accounting for around 30 per cent of global growth.

She highlighted China’s efforts to support developing countries’ capacity-building through international development cooperation.’

She also highlighted China’s commitment to building a modernised world with peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation, and common prosperity.

By Fortune Abang

NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, rains from Sunday

Michael Simire
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NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, rains from Sunday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy activities across the country from Sunday, August 25 to Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Thunderstorm
Thundery weather

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Saturday, August 24, forecast thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe states in the northern region during Sunday’s morning hours.

According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the region during the afternoon and evening hours.

“In the North Central region, thunderstorms with rain are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are expected over the entire region. Cloudy skies are expected over southern cities during the morning hours, with intermittent rain expected over most parts of the region later in the day.”

On Monday, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, and Jigawa states, with thunderstorms expected over the northern region later in the day.

NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara states.

It forecast thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, and Niger states later in the day, with cloudy skies over southern states.

NiMet anticipated intermittent rain over most parts of the region during the afternoon and evening hours.

“For Tuesday, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna states in the northern region.

“Later in the day, cloudy skies are anticipated over the entire region.

“In the North Central region, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Niger and Kwara states during the morning hours.

“During the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms with rain are expected over parts of Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, and Benue states. Intermittent rain is expected over the southern region throughout the day.”

The agency urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas due to the high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities caused by heavy downpours, while strong winds may precede rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

It further urged the public to adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities and stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website (www.nimet.gov.ng).

The agency advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

By Gabriel Agbeja

UNICEF targets 5,000 Katsina youths to effectively manage plastic waste

Michael Simire
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UNICEF targets 5,000 Katsina youths to effectively manage plastic waste

The United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) says it will engage about 5,000 youths across Katsina State as part of efforts to transform plastic waste into wealth.

Mrs Stella Terver
Mrs Stella Terver, UNICEF Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme Officer, Kano Field Office

Mrs Stella Terver, UNICEF Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme Officer, Kano Field Office, disclosed this on Saturday, August24, 2024, in Katsina, the state capital.

Terver explained that UNICEF was sensitising the youths on how they could become entrepreneurs and be able to innovate.

“Maybe they can use these plastic wastes to see if they can use them in making some household items, such as interlocks and other things.

“So, we just wanted them to think out of the box to exercise their energy in thinking and making the environment friendly for all humans, especially children.

“With that, the first engagement we had was an inception meeting, where we got to understand the youth groups that exist in Katsina, their various missions, visions and interests, to see whether it rhymes with climate change.

“So, we were able to find at least 30 youth groups that are into climate change activities across the state,” she said.

Terver said the state ministry of youths would now be an umbrella that would bring the youths together and manage them, “because we don’t deal with individuals, but government, and institutions.”

According to her, the ministry will be managing the youths, while UNICEF will support them in building their capacity, so that with the skills they acquire, “they will be able to plant trees, nurture them, and we support them in monitoring the progress.

“For plastic waste like I said, we want to see if we can have entrepreneurs among the youths that will be interested in making a business out of it.

“UNICEF is also engaging 30 youth groups, focusing on the fight against climate change impact on the environment as well as open defecation.”

She said that, recently, UNICEF had engaged the youths in an interactive session to educate them on how to protect their environment from the risks of climate change and plastic waste management.

The UNICEF WASH officer further stressed the significance of creating a conducive environment through tree planting and nurturing plants to maturity.

“The engagement will make the environment to be resilient to issues around heat waves, droughts, flooding, and a whole lot of other challenges.

“For example, Katsina is in the Sahel region, if you could recall over the time, especially recently, there has been extreme cold, rain, hit, and flooding, and almost everything is extreme.

“UNICEF engaging these youths is about making them key into the initiative of making the environment climate resilient like I said earlier,” she noted.

Terver added that they engaged the youths on tree planting, “not only the planting, but sensitising and supporting them to take ownership of the trees to nurture them to maturity.”

According to Terver, looking at the plastic waste management, when UNICEF sensitises the youths, it also advocates that they should be agents of climate change.

“For example, you will see all these plastic wastes all over, if you get to the farm, they are there too.

“You know, they are non-degradable, it will not allow the farm to yield very well, therefore, it could lead to food scarcity and lots more.

“It also blocks the drainages. So, what we are trying to do is to sensitise the youths and motivate them to be agents of plastic waste management, whereby, they can be entrepreneurs,

“They can gather all these plastic wastes and sell it to recyclers in tonnes. And we are also looking at sensitising them to see if they can think of other innovation,” she assured.

By Abbas Bamalli

Groups seek to unleash youth power, ignite climate action

Michael Simire
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Groups seek to unleash youth power, ignite climate action

“Young people are the most passionate, the most committed, and the most effective advocates for a sustainable future.” – Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

Millions of Africans have been disproportionately affected by the devastating impacts of the global climate crisis though being relatively low carbon polluters. The socio-economic impacts of climate change in Africa have left Africa as one of the most vulnerable regions in the world today, creating inequalities among several communities that are ill equipped to combat the realities of the climate crisis and disasters.

Youth Capacity Building Climate Justice Workshop
Participants at the Youth Capacity Building Climate Justice Workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

These environmental issues impact the socio-economic well-being of millions of Nigerians and there’s a greater need for ecological justice today.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, Prime Initiative for Green Development in collaboration with International Climate Change Development Initiative with the sponsorship of African Activists for Climate Justice held a Youth Capacity Building Climate Justice Workshop in Port Harcourt, Nigeria with the theme “Igniting Climate Action: Unleashing Youth Climate Power”. The workshop was hosted by American Corner Port Harcourt located at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Through engaging sessions on Understanding Climate Justice, Just Transition; The Niger Delta Conundrum, and Youth Involvement in Climate Change Advocacy, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of climate justice and its implications in our world today. The workshop equipped attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively contribute to the effective implementation of existing policies and laws enacted to protect public interest.

The interactive format of each session ensured very engaging discussions, with participants demonstrating interest through their thoughtful questions. Expert speakers provided insightful and actionable responses to their complex questions.

In the words of the keynote speaker, Barr. Dum Syl Aminikpo, Head of Programmes, Ken Saro Wiwa Foundation, climate justice is fundamentally a human rights issue that demands immediate attention.

Aminikpo said: “It is imperative that we deploy innovative strategies to create tangible and lasting positive impacts within our communities. The strategic utilisation of social media and cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance our ability to monitor, assess, and advocate for effective climate justice solutions. We must empower the current generation of young people to serve as catalysts for transformational change, driving a paradigm shift towards environmental protection and the sustained socio-economic well-being of our communities.”

A significant highlight of the panel discussion was exploring the role of gender equality and the inclusion of diverse voices in achieving climate justice in Nigeria today. It is indeed imperative to strengthen women’s leadership and representation in climate decision-making processes. By amplifying diverse voices, Nigeria can build a more just and equitable society, better equipped to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Concluding with a networking session among participants and group photography, the workshop provided a platform for knowledge exchange and relationship building among participants.

Truly, the future of environmental sustainability rests squarely on Africa’s youth. It is imperative that they are equipped, and their capacities built to effectively influence the realisation of climate justice across the continent.

Govt to revamp abandoned water projects across states – Minister

Michael Simire
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Govt to revamp abandoned water projects across states – Minister

The Federal Government has put measures in place to revamp abandoned water projects across the country to ensure availability of potable water for the citizens.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev

Mr Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said this at the end of a two-day inspection of water projects in Osun State.

The minister visited the Ilesa water dam in Kajola and Ife water dam, in Ogudu.

The minister, who was accompanied by the Osun State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Sunday Oroniyi, also said that ongoing water projects would be completed.

Speaking with newsmen at the Ilesa dam, Utsev said he was on a three-day inspection tour of water project sites across the southwest states.

“We’ve been going around the country, and now, we are touring the South West Zone of the country which brought us to these dam sites which is being constructed here in Osun.

“And the aim of this dam is to supply water to the treatment plant for onward supply to the inhabitants of this particular area. But visiting this particular dam, I’ve noticed that the quantum of water that was needed for treatment to supply to the inhabitants is not enough.

“Having spoken with the consultant, the stakeholders will deliberate on the reports they submitted and look at different options to arrive at an environmental-friendly and cost-effective ways of making sure that adequate water is available for the citizens,” the minister said.

After completing his tour of various water and other project sites across the country, he said, he will also device a means to ensure that Nigerians get value for money on all the projects under the ministry.

In his remarks, Oroniyi described the minister’s visit as a positive turn around for both Ilesa and Ile-Ife water projects.

“I want to believe that the visit of the minister will bring a lot of positive changes.

“This is because Ilesa dam has been on for long, and it has even stopped.

“But we want to see the reason the project stopped and that is the reason behind this fact-finding mission by the Minister.

“So, once we collate the problems, definitely, we will get the solution,” he said.

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Anambra warns against crisis in oil host communities

Michael Simire
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Anambra warns against crisis in oil host communities

The Anambra State Government on Thursday, August 22, 2024, cautioned against acts capable of instigating crisis in the oil host communities in the state.

Anambra
Participants at the Town Hall Meeting in Awka, Anambra State

Mr Anthony Ifeanya, the state’s Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, gave the warning in Awka, the state capital, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders.

The meeting, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (LSD) and International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), centred on the implementation of host communities’ provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in the state.

Ifeanya emphasised that peace between oil companies and host communities was crucial in ensuring the actualisation of benefits from natural resources.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace that progress can be made,” he said.

The commissioner added that the meeting aimed to enlighten both parties on their rights, duties, and liabilities under the PIA, ensuring peaceful coexistence.

He appreciated the centre for educating the people, saying that such intervention would go a long way in preventing the repeat of ugly experiences recorded in the Niger Delta.

Also speaking, Mr Monday Osasah, the Executive Director, Centre LSD, described the meeting as a significant step towards ensuring that petroleum resources were beneficial to the host communities.

“Petroleum should be a blessing to us, not a curse,” he added.

In his presentation, Dr Orji Orji, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), said the agency promoted transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Orji, represented by the Director, Policy Planning and Strategy NEITI, Dr Dieter Bassi, said the agency was committed to ensure that revenues were properly accounted for and utilised.

Earlier, Mr Chris Azor, the President, IPCRC, said the meeting was targeted at discussing the effective implementation of Host Communities’ provisions in the PIA to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development.

Azor said there was a need for improved understanding of PIA, enhanced stakeholders’ engagement, identification of priority areas, clarifications, and action plans for effective implementation.

The programme is themed, “Host Communities and Roles of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in PIA”.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Govt issues alert over rising level of River Niger

Michael Simire
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Govt issues alert over rising level of River Niger

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Friday, August 23, 2024, issued an urgent warning to the public regarding the rising water levels of the River Niger system.

River Niger
The River Niger

Mr Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, in a statement, noted that floodwaters from these countries are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi.

According to agency, the development is attributed to upstream activities in Niger and Mali, with reports from the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.

“NIHSA has assured that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba, situated on the River Niger, have been informed and are on standby.

“As of Aug. 22, the agency confirmed that these dams are not currently spilling water from their reservoirs.”

The D-G said the risk of flooding is expected to peak by the end of August and into September, urging states and communities along the River Niger system to remain vigilant.

He said the agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates to the public. 

The World Economic Forum said Nigeria witnessed the most devastating episode of seasonal floods in a decade in 2012, causing over 600 deaths and 1.3 million displacements from homes.

It added more than 200,000 houses and 266,000 acres of farmland were completely or partially damaged.

The last major flood emergency was between July and October in 2012, when the Niger and Benue rivers overflowed their banks.

By Tosin Kolade

Inconsistent rainfall may affect food harvests – Experts

Michael Simire
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Inconsistent rainfall may affect food harvests – Experts

 Some experts have restated that the inconsistence in annual rainfalls being experienced in the country may affect food harvests in 2024 and beyond.

Rainfall
Rainfall

The experts said this in separate interviews on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Lagos.

Ms Gloria Bulus, an environmental expert and founder of Bridge-that-Gap Initiative, said the inconsistent rainfall would result in increased food shortage and hunger.

“The inconsistencies in annual rainfall we have been experiencing means we will also be experiencing poor yields.

“There are certain crops that need to be planted at a particular time of the year for them to thrive, so with these inconsistencies, the harvest of such crops will be affected.

“Also, at the point some crops are meant to be harvested, and it is still raining, it will lead to the destruction of the harvest and automatically threaten food security.

“These rain inconsistencies will ultimately increase food shortage and poverty among farmers.

“Poor yields will affect incomes leading to increase in hunger, high cost of food and poverty levels in the country,” Bulus said.

On his part, an agriculture consultant, Mr Charles Idonije, said aside rain inconsistencies, issues of insecurity can threaten food security in the country.

“The rain inconsistencies may or may not affect food harvest this year because Nigeria is endowed with quality soil texture that can be able to retain ground water for a long time however serious farming even up north make do of irrigation systems.

“There has always been stop gaps of rain shortfalls in time past which was not too felt like the insecurity insurgence from herdsmen and Boko Haram.

“The food security challenges we are facing in Nigeria is not factored on natural tendencies but rather on human diabolic ways and means.

“While the government still has a huge role to play in ensuring that the right infrastructure is implemented such as mechanised divisional farming, building more dams for effective irrigation, roads networks from farm to table, silos, and agriculture financing etc.

“The major militating factor against food insecurity is the Boko Haram/herdsmen insurgencies that has almost become an incurable disease in the country,” Idonije said.

By Mercy Omoike

Group partners Kano on sustainable WASH services delivery

Michael Simire
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0
Group partners Kano on sustainable WASH services delivery

An international NGO, Self Help Africa (SHA), has partnered Kano State Government to provide support and strengthen sustainable and robust Water Sanitation and Hygiene WASH services.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State

This came to the fore at a two-day “Visioning Workshop” on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Kano.

Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes, said that Wash System for Health (WS4H) programme was being implemented by SHA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Kano State Government.

Gusuu said that the programme was a £5 million FCDO-funded initiative aimed at improving access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano State.

He highlighted the need to strengthen local institutions and communities for the effective management and sustainability of WASH services.

The head of the programme emphasised SHA’s role in advocacy and policy influence, working with the government to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources.

According to him, the project is focusing on identifying systematic issues and gaps that exist in the sector and also supporting the state to build strategies and ensure that those gaps are fixed.

He said that the visioning workshop was a participatory meeting where sector actors come together to carry out an evaluation of the WASH system, using the building blocks analysis.

“Building blocks means different building blocks that make up the system and each of the building blocks are analysed by team of small actors.

“This is to ensure that the gaps will be identified, and a work plan is developed to see how those gaps are filled.

“Our aims is to ensure that the system is strengthened and leading to sustainable WASH services delivery in Kano State,” he said.

Some of the stakeholders emphasised Kano’s large population and the urgent need for better access to potable water and sanitation facilities.

They also highlighted the state’s commitment to addressing these issues as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement.

They further pledged to come up with a robust plan that would ensure the success of the programme.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

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