President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, July 13, 2024, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of living in the country.
Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria
The President gave the reassurance at the public presentation of Chief Olusegun Osoba’s book “My Life in the Public Eye” held in Lagos.
A statement on the President’s speech at the event was made available to State House correspondent by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Nkwocha said the President represented by Shettima, noted that the recent decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential food items were short-term measures to address the rising food prices across the country.
“We are taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items,” the President stated.
He noted that the measures were specifically aimed at tackling food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.
Tinubu also stressed that the action was part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance living conditions for all Nigerians.
While addressing short-term challenges, the President also reiterated the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency.
“We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he added.
The President also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it a vital lesson for the nation, particularly during challenging times.
“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” Tinubu stated.
He urged Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.
The President commended Chief Osoba, whom he referred to as “Aremo 1,” for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.
Specifically, the President extolled his contribution to nation building as a two-time governor of Ogun as well as his important involvement in the National Democratic Coalition” activities in restoring democracy to the country.
Every year on July 14, the world celebrates Shark Awareness Day. It is not just a tribute to one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures; it is a call to action. Sharks have cruised the oceans for over 450 million years, playing a vital role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. But today, these apex predators find themselves under increasing pressure, with many species teetering on the brink of extinction
The Angel Shark is assessed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List
Sharks: More Than Just Jaws
Hollywood might portray sharks as mindless killing machines, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sharks come in a staggering variety of shapes and sizes, from the filter-feeding giants like the whale shark to the sleek and speedy blue shark. They possess incredible senses, like electroreception, that allows them to detect electrical fields emitted by prey, and an amazing ability to navigate vast distances.
As apex predators, they help maintain the balance by regulating the populations of species below them in the food chain. This includes controlling the numbers of mid-level predators and helping to ensure species diversity among smaller fish and invertebrate populations. Their feeding habits help keep marine ecosystems healthy and functional. For instance, by preying on weak or sick individuals, sharks help prevent the spread of disease and ensure a healthier gene pool within the prey population. Their disappearance could have devastating consequences, leading to population explosions of prey species and ultimately, the collapse of entire ecosystems.
A Cause for Alarm: Why Are Sharks Endangered?
Despite their importance, many shark species are alarmingly close to extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third or 30% of shark species are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. Some of the most threatened species include the Great Hammerhead, the Oceanic whitetip, and the Basking shark.
The main culprit behind this is overfishing. Driven by demand for shark fins (a prized ingredient in shark fin soup) and meat, millions of sharks are caught every year, often through unsustainable practices like finning, where fins are removed, and the body discarded.
Another major threat is habitat loss. Sharks rely on healthy coral reefs and mangroves for breeding and feeding. However, these vital ecosystems are being degraded by pollution, climate change, and coastal development.
The Whale Shark
A Ray of Hope: Conservation Efforts Underway
The silver lining in the story of sharks is the growing awareness and effort towards their conservation. Governments, NGOs, and international bodies are working together to protect these magnificent creatures:
Protected Areas: Many marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established to provide safe havens for sharks where fishing is restricted or banned.One notable example of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that provides a safe haven for sharks is the Chagos Marine Reserve in the Indian Ocean. This reserve is one of the world’s largest marine protected areas and encompasses a variety of marine environments. It offers significant protection to various shark species, among other marine life, by enforcing strict regulations that limit fishing and other extractive activities.
Another example is the Jardines de la Reina National Park in Cuba, which has been particularly successful in conserving shark populations. This MPA provides a refuge for several species of sharks and has implemented strict no-take policies and eco-tourism guidelines that help maintain the health and biodiversity of its waters.
Regulations and Bans on Shark Finning: Shark finning, the brutal practice of removing a shark’s fins and discarding the rest of the body, has prompted global action through stringent regulations and international cooperation. Many countries now enforce laws that require sharks to be landed with fins naturally attached, enhancing sustainable practices and compliance. Furthermore, international agreements like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) play a critical role in regulating the trade of endangered shark species to ensure their survival. These efforts are crucial in curbing unsustainable exploitation, promoting marine conservation, and supporting the recovery of shark populations worldwide.
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Minimizing bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species in fisheries, is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity, including sharks. Sustainable practices such as gear modification, implementing time and area closures, and employing bycatch reduction devices can significantly reduce unintended catches. Regulations that require fisheries to use circle hooks and turtle excluder devices (TEDs) help prevent the capture of non-target species like sharks and turtles.
Additionally, real-time management of fisheries based on immediate data and promoting consumer awareness through eco-labeling, as mandated by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), can drive demand towards sustainably harvested seafood. These strategies not only help conserve marine species but also enhance the overall health of marine ecosystems and support the economic stability of fishing-dependent communities.
On this Shark Awareness Day, let’s not only admire the majestic Great Whites and the elusive deep-sea dwellers but also ignite a global commitment to safeguard their future. Every shark species plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems, balancing marine life and ensuring the health of our oceans.
Today, we must transcend admiration and take decisive action. Let’s pledge to protect these magnificent creatures, understanding that saving sharks is fundamentally about preserving the entire marine ecosystem. By protecting sharks, we are not just saving individual species; we are investing in the health and sustainability of our entire ocean. Join us in this crucial mission – educate, advocate, and participate. Together, we can turn the tide for sharks and secure a vibrant future for our blue planet.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative has unveiled conversion centres in Abuja to help convert petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to the use of CNG.
CNG station
Mrs Omolara Obileye, Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy of the initiative, who spoke during the exercise on Friday, July 12, 2024, said the initiative would reduce the dependence on fuel.
According to her, conversion has started for commercial vehicles.
“We are starting with Abuja and Lagos, and we will keep rolling out; the announcements will be made regularly as we go to each of the states.
“Private cars are supposed to pay a fraction of the cost of the conversion while the transport associations have 100 per cent conversion free.
“However, the cost depends on the vehicle size because there are different types of vehicles; and there is need to understand what exactly we need to configure in the system.
“We have over 12 conversion centres in the FCT; we will continue to increase the number and update the public,” she said.
The CNG Conversion Centres visited in Abuja include NIPCO Oil and Gas station at Airport Road, Kia Motors at Utako, Mijo Gas Auto in Jahi and ABG CNG, Kubwa.
At Mijo Gas Auto, the head of the Centre, Mr Gaurav Goyal, described CNG as very safe and clean.
“So, what we want from every Nigerian is to go green; it will be a very good initiative for bringing down the price of items including the cost of PMS.
“CNG is not only pocket-friendly, it will reduce food prices because transportation will also be cost effective,” he said.
One of the CNG engineers, Mr Joseph Smith, said the price of a litre of CNG was N230 at NIPCO Oil and Gas station, adding that a driver could use CNG of N3000 to travel to Kaduna from Abuja.
Smith explained that there was an automatic switch button that could alternate between CNG and Fuel in the car without causing an issue or challenge.
Car owners were seen at the centres trying to convert their petrol-powered cars to CNG while others who had already converted theirs, were buying CNG at N230 per litre.
Baku will host a parliamentary meeting within the framework of the COP29, which will be held in Baku in November 2024, said Sahiba Gafarova, the Speaker of the 6th convocation Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament).
Parliamentary Forum of the BRICS countries
Gafarova made the announcement on Friday, July 12, 2024, while speaking at the Parliamentary Forum of the BRICS countries in St. Petersburg.
Calling parliaments to be active in finding solutions to the climate crisis, Gafarova highlighted that this meeting will be a favorable opportunity for parliamentarians to exchange ideas and find solutions to combat climate change.
She also pointed out that the parliament will contribute to the implementation of multilateral activities in this field.
Gafarova invited the event participants to the parliamentary session.
In a related development, Russian president’s special envoy for relations with international organisations to achieve sustainable development goals, Boris Titov, will pay a working visit to Azerbaijan, his office said.
Titov will be in the country from July 12 through 15.
The visit programme includes meetings with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev.
The visit of the Russian presidential envoy will take place within the framework of preparations for COP29 to be held in Baku in November 2024.
The Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) says investigation has begun on a leak from its Ogboinbiri-Tebidada pipeline in Bayelsa State.
An oil spill site
The company made the disclosure in a statement by its parent firm, the Eni Group, and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Friday, July 12, 2024.
It said that although the oil spill had been traced to a ruptured pipe, a joint investigation visit to the incident site was necessary to ascertain the cause.
“Joint investigation visits with representatives of the authorities and the communities are ongoing to ascertain the facts and to agree on the way forward,” the company stated.
The people of Olugboboro community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa have already written to the state government to intervene on the matter.
The community had appealed to the state government to support the residents with relief materials to cushion the impact of the spill.
According to community sources, the spill which occurred about two months ago along Ogboinbiri/Tebitada pipeline, has affected their sources of livelihood.
The Federal Government has approved a $21 million contract for the construction of a metering system for 187 crude oil flow stations in the country to curb oil theft.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), disclosed this on Friday, July 12, 2024, in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on some latest developments in the oil and gas sector.
The minister said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Bola Tinubu approved the contract on Wednesday, saying that it was a bold step to reorganise the oil and gas sector.
Metering Flow refers to the process of measuring and regulating the flow rate of a fluid (liquid or gas) through a system.
“One of the key approvals by the FEC has to do with awarding a contract for the metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“NUPRC is the apex regulatory commission for the Nigerian oil and gas upstream sector. As part of our steps to ensure that we have proper accountability, FEC approves the metering of all our oil production.
“We have 187 flow stations in the country across the Niger Delta area, and there is a contract awarded for us to meter all the flow stations to be able to properly account for what we produce and export.
“This is a major development, and this project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days,’’ he said.
Lokpobiri said it was paramount for Nigerians to know some of the key steps that the government was taking to ensure maximised opportunities that other countries were getting by the availability of oil and gas.
The minister disclosed the second key issue approved as Advanced Cargo, of which he described as part of the steps towards ensuring accountability of production and Nigerians getting maximum value from her resources.
“The second memo that was approved by the council has to do with what we call the advanced cargo, which means we are awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within 180 days.
“This will enable us to know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that is loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination.
“From terminals, I can stay in my office and know when it is taken off from Nigeria up to the final destination.”
He said these new developments were major steps to tackle oil theft because it would ascertain from the beginning what was being produced to the point of loading from the terminals up to the point of destination.
He said FEC approved the memo and awarded the contract to be delivered within 180 days and to provide the software by the NUPRC, to ensure proper monitoring of crude oil loaded from terminals to final destination.
This, he said, would ramp up production for national revenue hence oil remained the fastest way to raise funding to be able to address the economic and social problems.
He said this digital system would also ensure that the database and the control centre were dedicated to tracking crude oil export from the point of loading to the final point.
The United Nations (UN) has pledged to support Enugu State Government to actualise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 for the well-being of Enugu people.
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, made the pledge when he paid a working visit to Gov. Peter Mbah at his office in Enugu on Friday, July 12, 2024.
While decorating Mbah, as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) champion, Fall described his leadership as the model that Nigeria, the UN, and Africa need.
He said Africa was tired of depressing stories, hence the need to celebrate and support leadership models anywhere on the continent that show the vision, drive, discipline, rigorous planning, and improved efficiency to change the narratives and inspire hope.
The UN Chief, who met with the state’s Executive Council and had an interactive session with the media, acknowledged the difficulty faced by the international communities in meeting up with their commitments to the people.
He regretted that, with only six years left to attain the SDGs by 2030, many nations, including Nigeria, still struggle with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He commended in particular Gov Mbah’s strides in education, healthcare, water and other critical sectors, noting the governor’s ability to block leakages and waste to improve efficiency in a very short time.
“We are fed up with having states and nations that keep having problems in conflicts and fighting. That is why every success recorded in Enugu will come to change the narrative about Nigeria and Africa.
“I think in these difficulties and a very gloomy backdrop, there are still leaders, who go out of their ways and try to bring wellbeing for their people.
“That is why Mbah’s leadership galvanised me. I have found exactly what we need in the African Continent and in the United Nations,” he said.
He further expressed happiness that several of the present set of state governors give cause for hope and should be supported.
“We have governors that are younger, extremely committed, have their hands on the deck and have such a good appetite for improving the wellbeing of their people and I think Enugu is one of those examples,” he added.
No fewer than 22 people have been confirmed dead and 132 injured in the school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Plateau school building collapse
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, confirmed the figures in a statement made available in Jos.
Ashoms expressed government’s deepest condolences to families of victims of the tragic building collapse that occurred at Saint Academy in Jos.
The commissioner stated that emergency responders were currently at the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
“As of 6:00 pm, 154 people have been removed from the debris.
Sadly, 22 individuals have died.
“The injured students and staff are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Jos.
“Breakdown of hospital admissions and casualties shows that 39 were hospitalised at Plateau State Specialist Hospital where three deaths were dead.
“Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital had 32 hospitalised and five deaths; Bingham University Teaching Hospital: 55 hospitalised and 14 deaths.
“In Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), six were hospitalised and there was no death,” he said.
According to Ashoms, the state government activated emergency response protocols immediately upon notification of the incident.
He stated that emergency services, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, security agencies, and healthcare professionals, were working collaboratively in the search, rescue, and resuscitation efforts.
He added that to ensure prompt medical attention, the government directed all major hospitals in Jos to prioritise treatment of the victims, regardless of documentation or payment.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang has specifically instructed these hospitals to accommodate all those affected by the collapse.
“The government emphasises the importance of adhering to established safety standards in building construction.
“In line with Executive Order 003, the government urges schools and other facility owners with structural concerns to close their facilities immediately.
“The Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) will conduct inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said.
Tomorrow cannot wait. Someone else won’t do it. If ever there was a time for promoting inclusivity in the agricultural sector with a special focus on women empowerment and youth development – it is now!
Sheila Garakara, Country Manager for Zambia at Solidaridad
That’s the crux of the message by Sheila Garakara, Country Manager for Zambia at Solidaridad, as she strives to fortify sustainable smallholder farmers and SME value chains across Zambia.
One such practical example is how Garakara leveraged K’fuya, a service offering implemented by Kvuno, to enhance women’s participation in agriculture. K’fuya focuses on empowering women through poultry farming, providing additional income, ensuring food and nutrition security, and promoting village banking.
Each one, teach one
“Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for achieving sustainable development in agriculture. One thing that resonates with me is positioning women as vital stakeholders who are worthy of being counted. To this end, we have set a target of calling for a turnaround by incorporating no less than 30% women in our agricultural training activities.
“However, our vision extends beyond numbers. We encourage an inclusive approach where everyone – men and women alike – are part of the conversation and solutions,” says Garakara. “Men who bring their wives to training sessions are awarded extra Z’wardy points, which they accumulate and can redeem as gifts such as small farming equipment. This incentive is designed to foster an environment where women’s contributions are valued, and their voices are heard.”
Z’wardy is a rewards programme used to promote the adoption of climate-smart practices and other activities that boost production and productivity.
K’fuya’s holistic approach is already making significant strides in local communities. By engaging women in poultry farming, it addresses critical aspects of income diversification and food security while promoting financial literacy through village banking systems.
One step for humankind
Lydia Banda, Regional Manager at Kvuno, emphasises the importance of gender inclusivity to drive the Zambian agricultural industry forward.
“At Kvuno, inclusivity is at the core of our operations. We believe that by adopting a gender-inclusive approach, we can unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector. It’s not just about empowering women; it’s about creating a balanced environment where everyone can thrive,” says Banda.
Kvuno, a leading provider of digital empowerment solutions for smallholder farmers, is not only about empowering individuals but also about fostering impact investments that support sustainable development goals. By working together, both organisations aim to create a resilient agricultural value chain that benefits all stakeholders.
“Impact investments are crucial in this journey. We call upon stakeholders, investors, and partners to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for the Zambian Agricultural Sector,” concludes Banda.
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture has significantly expanded its educational initiatives by inducting 27 Nigerian academics and research interns. This year’s programme, a 35% increase from the previous year, welcomed eight professors, four senior lecturers, and 15 other participants.
A cross section of participants in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Joint Venture’s 2024 sabbatical and research programme in a group photograph with the leadership of SPDC’s Corporate Relations team at the induction ceremony held in Port Harcourt
Held at the company’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the induction ceremony marked the beginning of a one-year programme focused on knowledge exchange and skill development. Drawn from 13 Nigerian universities, these participants will gain valuable industry experience in fields like biodiversity, petroleum engineering, and environmental impact assessment.
“The research and internship programmes are central to our commitment to supporting higher education in Nigeria,” explained Shell Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Relations, and SPDC Director, Mr. Igo Weli.
He described the programme as mutually beneficial nature by offering Shell access to specialised expertise from professors and lecturers, who in turn acquire practical industry knowledge and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Despite operational challenges, Mr. Weli reaffirmed Shell’s position as the industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering people.
Representing the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Mrs. Bunmi Edith Lawson echoed Mr. Weli’s sentiments. She highlighted the programme’s significance in scientific exploration, environmental stewardship, and knowledge advancement.
“This is an investment in the next generation of innovators,” she stated, “and a way for us to give back to our stakeholders.”
The 2024 programme includes participants from a diverse range of universities across Nigeria, including the University of Benin, Rivers State University, University of Ibadan, Niger Delta University, and Ahmadu Bello University.
Others are Bingham University Karu, Federal University Wukari, University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, Covenant University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo, University of Uyo, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
