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Women, girls in focus as AU, SADC stress financing gender data for development

Michael Simire
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Women, girls in focus as AU, SADC stress financing gender data for development

African policymakers, gender experts, and development actors are calling on countries and the region to invest and collaborate more to finance the production and use of gender data to improve the lives of women and girls.

Africa Gender Statistics Forum 2024
A session at the Africa Gender Statistics Forum 2024

Senior public sector officials and civil society actors from nearly 40 African countries are convened in Gaborone, Botswana, from July 8 to 12, 2024, for the Africa Gender Statistics Forum 2024 (AGSF24). This year’s AGSF aims to take stock of Africa’s progress and gender perceptions in the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the 3rd Africa Programme on Gender Statistics.

Held under the theme Pooling Together for Gender Statistics: Financing the Numbers that Make Women and Girls Count, the 2024 theme is informed by the International Women’s Day 2024 call: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.

“The financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stands at $1.3 trillion per year,” said William Muhwava, Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics Section speaking on behalf of Oliver Chinganya, Director of the African Centre for Statistics, at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

“Africa needs at least an additional $800 million per year towards meeting the SDGs. At the current pace, gender equality will only be achieved in 2094,” said Muhwava.

While development assistance for gender equality has increased every year since 2015, funding for gender data and statistics has fallen by nearly half compared to averages from 2019.

“Investing in the production and use of gender data and leveraging this for gender equality is thus the crucial shared goal of AGSF24,” said Aleta Miller, Representative for UN Women’s South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO).

As one of the most significant annual meetings of producers and users of gender statistics in Africa, the AGSF provides an invaluable platform for raising the bar on how the region makes available and uses the data that can be applied for evidence-based policy and decision-making, including gender-responsive budgeting to improve the lives of African women and girls.

“This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration, share best practices, and strategize on how best to raise and pooling resources for the production and use of gender data,” said Ms. Bridget John, Botswana’s Permanent Secretary for Youth, Sports, and Culture.

“Sharing expertise and fostering cross-pollination of ideas through this cross-disciplinary forum will ensure that we gain the new practical knowledge necessary to move forward this agenda,” said Principal Secretary John.

The bottom line remains that gender data and statistics are crucial to effectively catering for the diverse realities of women and men, boys and girls in Africa’s development.

“Without a gender-specific approach to statistics, the planning and implementation of policies, programs and projects will not sufficiently take into account the difference in the status of men and women,” said Koffi Marc Kouakou, AfDB Principal Gender Statistician-Economist speaking on behalf of Nathalie Gahunga, Manager of AfDB’s Gender and Women Empowerment Division.

The sixth AGSF is jointly hosted by Statistics Botswana, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), PARIS21, the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) and UN Women under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

COP29: Organising committee meets, final text of Host Country Agreement ready soon

Michael Simire
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COP29: Organising committee meets, final text of Host Country Agreement ready soon

The fifth meeting of the Organising Committee has been held in connection with the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Fifth meeting of COP29 Organising Committee
Fifth meeting of COP29 Organising Committee

The final text of the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the UNFCCC will be ready soon, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Nuriyev, said at the meeting.

He noted that the text of the agreement is being prepared taking into account the conclusions of the relevant government bodies.

He added that, after the Bonn Climate Conference, Azerbaijan entered the active phase of its chairmanship at COP29.

Nuriyev said that, based on proposals from government agencies and discussions with the UN and international organisations, an initial list of 14 initiatives has been prepared. Also, in agreement with the UN, thematic days of COP29 have already been distributed.

The meeting was addressed by the head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and chairman of the organising committee, Samir Nuriyev; Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev; assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov; head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov; assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev; Ombudswoman of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva; Minister of Emergency Situations, Kamaladdin Heydarov; Head of the Baku Executive Power, Eldar Azizov; and others.

Instructions were given on the implementation of the Action Plan related to the organisation and conduct of COP29 and other relevant issues.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is discussing 15 initiatives as part of its COP29 chairmanship agenda, Director-General of COP29, Elnur Sultanov, said.

“Azerbaijan can come up with its own initiatives within the agenda of its chairmanship at COP29. We are already discussing 15 initiatives and I am confident that in terms of effectiveness and the process itself (of preparation for COP29), Azerbaijan will make its contribution and become a good example for other countries,” Soltanov told journalists.

He also noted that negotiations within the COP29 are ongoing.

“With less and less time left before COP29, we must complete more than 50% of our work by November 11 to successfully implement the entire program. The negotiation process continues, we take a neutral position in it, decisions must be made by other countries,” Soltanov added.

By Michael Simire

Logistics challenges, flooding cause of fuel queues – NNPC

Michael Simire
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Logistics challenges, flooding cause of fuel queues – NNPC

The NNPC Ltd has said that the fuel queues seen in the FCT, and some parts of the country are because of disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, between Mother Vessels and Daughter Vessels resulting from recent thunderstorm.

Fuel subsidy removal
Fuel sale

The adverse weather condition has also affected berthing at jetties, truck loadouts and transportation of products to filling stations, causing a disruption in station supply logistics.

The NNPC Ltd also states that, due to flammability of petroleum products and in compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) regulations, it was impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.

Adherence to these regulations is mandatory as any deviation could pose severe danger to the trucks, filling stations and human lives.

Similarly, the development was compounded by consequential flooding of truck routes which has constrained movement of PMS from the coastal corridors to the Federal Capital, Abuja.

According to NNPC Ltd, it is working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the logistics challenges and restore seamless supply of petrol to affected areas.

“Already, loading has commenced in areas where these challenges have subsided, and we are hoping the situation will continue to improve in the coming days and full normalcy would be restored.”

The NNPC also calls on motorists to avoid panic buying and hoarding of petroleum products.

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to transboundary water management

Michael Simire
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Nigeria reaffirms commitment to transboundary water management

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to managing transboundary waters for the Niger Basin region’s benefit.

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

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this pledge on Monday, July 8, 2024, during a regional workshop in Abuja to validate a mission’s results for a pilot demonstration project.

Utsev was represented by Mr Adeyinka Adenopo, Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services at the ministry.

He noted the project’s focus on innovative technologies, capacity development, and joint monitoring to support Mount Mandara ecosystem governance.

He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in managing the Mount Mandara Plateau and Sena Oura/Bouba Ndjida (BSB) ecosystems, shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad.

He thanked the Global Environment Facility, UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme and the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) for their ongoing support in enhancing regional water governance.

The minister urged participants to contribute their expertise to refine these reports, enhancing the governance and preservation of the transboundary ecosystems.

He noted the significance of preserving the Mount Mandara Plateau and Sena Oura/Bouba Ndjida ecosystems and the vital role of transboundary cooperation in achieving sustainable management.

Earlier, NBA Executive Secretary Mr Abderahim Bireme, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for hosting the workshop and acknowledged the efforts of various stakeholders in organising the event.

Mr Allomasso Tchokponhoué, the Regional Project Coordinator of NB-ITTAS, representing the Executive Secretary, stressed the project’s importance in supporting sustainable management and governance of the Mount Mandara Plateau ecosystems.

He underscored the NBA’s role in promoting international and cross-border cooperation for natural resource management and poverty reduction.

He outlined the project’s goals to enhance knowledge-based management, governance, and conservation of the Niger Basin’s resources and aquifer systems.

Bireme reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to inclusive development initiatives in the Niger Basin and the preservation of the Mount Mandara Plateau’s biodiversity.

The event was attended by representatives from UNDP, NBA, local authorities, and various socio-professional organisations.

The workshop served as a platform for presenting consultant reports on capacity building, sustainable management, and establishing a joint monitoring mechanism.

It concluded with a call for continued support and dedication to the noble objectives of conserving the Niger Basin’s natural resources.

The Niger Basin Authority defines its purpose as the promotion of cooperation among member countries to ensure integrated development of resources.

The nine member states are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali and Niger and Nigeria.

By Tosin Kolade

June marks 13th straight month of record global average temperature

Michael Simire
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June marks 13th straight month of record global average temperature

Global temperatures have averaged 1.64 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels over the past year, with scientists warning it marks a “large and continuing shift in our climate”.

Carlo Buontempo
Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)

The latest figures from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service found June was the 13th month in a row that was record-breaking for the time of year.

The month was 1.5C above the estimated June average for 1850-1900.

The baseline used to measure temperature rises caused by human activity as the world has industrialised and used fossil fuels, and cleared forests, at increasing levels.

It is the 12th consecutive month to reach or break the key 1.5C threshold.

Countries have committed to curb global warming to 1.5C to avoid the worst impacts of floods, drought, heat, extreme weather and rising sea levels.

Although the past 12 months reaching that level did not mean the threshold has been permanently breached, as it is measured over a long timeframe.

Scientists have warned that records would continue to fall if humans do not halt greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere.

The average global temperature for the past 12 months, from July 2023 to June 2024, is the highest on record and has been 1.64C above pre-industrial level, Copernicus warned.

It also found that the average sea surface temperature for June 2024, away from the Polar Regions, was 20.85C, the highest value on record for the month.

This made it the 15th month in a row that seas have seen record warmth for the time of year.

Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), said.

“June marks the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures, and the 12th in a row above 1.5C with respect to pre-industrial.

“This is more than a statistical oddity and it highlights a large and continuing shift in our climate.

“Even if this specific streak of extremes ends at some point, we are bound to see new records being broken as the climate continues to warm.

“This is inevitable, unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans.”

Responding to the announcement, Teresa Anderson, global climate justice lead at ActionAid International, said: “the nightmare of climate change is now real as intolerable heatwaves, devastating cyclones and ecosystem losses spread across the planet.

“The fundamental injustice of climate change is that millions of the poorest people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, who have done the least to cause the problem, are forced to suffer the worst impacts.

“This is a terrible warning that climate action has to move into a much higher gear,” she advised.

She urged the wealthiest polluting countries had to stop fuelling the fire and agree to pay for the damage they were causing.

World Zoonoses Day: What zoonotic diseases are and how they spread

Michael Simire
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0
World Zoonoses Day: What zoonotic diseases are and how they spread

Arguably one of the greatest threats to human health comes from zoonotic diseases, those that can jump between animals and humans. In fact, 75% of new human diseases identified in the last three decades are zoonotic.

Zoonotic disease
Zoonotic diseases can jump between man and animals

The recent outbreak of Mpox, a virus that can be transmitted from rodents and primates, in South Africa, Nigeria, and the DRC, has again highlighted the crucial need for awareness. This comes swiftly after COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, a zoonotic disease thought to have originated in bats and probably spread to humans from raccoon dogs on sale as bushmeat.

Emerging infectious diseases are on the rise. Biodiversity loss, the extinction of species or a significant reduction in population sizes, has been identified as a major driver of outbreaks. A recent metaanalysis covering 1,000 studies made this clear.

Habitat loss, the degradation and destruction of natural ecosystems, while itself not linked to infectious disease outbreaks in the analysis, contributes to biodiversity loss and is caused by agricultural expansion, logging, mining, livestock grazing, and population growth. Deforestation, even of select species of trees, can have knock-on effects, as seen in Uganda, where the cutting of palm trees caused changes in animal diets.

Linus Unah, West Africa Director at Wild Africa, highlights the impact of zoonotic diseases causing 2.5 billion cases of illness and 2.7 million deaths worldwide each year. But this goes further than health, he argues.

“Zoonotic diseases, brought about by biodiversity loss and harmful practices within the bushmeat trade, have far-reaching economic consequences, too. In 2015 for example the Ebola epidemic cost countries, like Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone estimated losses of US$1.6 billion in forgone economic growth, according to the World Bank.”

The public needs to better understand how these diseases can be spread. The greatest transmission risk occurs when humans and animals, both wild and domestic, interact in close proximity. Humans are at risk when exposed to infected live animals or livestock products, such as meat, milk, and eggs.

The bushmeat trade poses several risks as it can involve exposure to pathogens carried in wild animals, often in poor health from immense stress, poor diet, dehydration and poor hygiene in the transport and handling process. Widespread bushmeat trade networks can spread pathogens over large areas and habitat disruption increases the likelihood of exposure to never-before encountered pathogens.

Zoonosis Infographic

    Zoonosis infographic

While up to 200 zoonotic diseases exist, these have recently come to attention:

  1. Mpox: Similar to smallpox but less severe, it can be transmitted to humans from various wild animals, including rodents and primates. 
  2. COVID-19: COVID-19 is caused by a Coronavirus, specifically SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have originally come from bats and possibly transmitted to civets or raccoon dogs, then to humans. 
  3. Anthrax: Spores can be found in soil and infect herbivorous animals, including wild game, which can then transmit the bacteria to humans.
  4. Lassa Fever: Spread by rodents, specifically the Natal multimammate mouse, common in West Africa.
  5. Ebola Virus Disease: Primarily transmitted to people from wild animals, such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys.
  6. HIV/AIDS: Believed to have originated from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) found in chimpanzees and sooty mangabey monkeys.
  7. Marburg Virus Disease: Similar to Ebola, Marburg virus is linked to fruit bats and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever. 
  8. Yellow Fever: Transmitted by mosquitoes, it can spread from monkeys in the jungle to humans. 
  9. Zika Virus: Also spread by mosquitoes, it can be transmitted between monkeys and humans.
  10. Bird Flu: As the name suggests, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu comes from birds – both domestic and wild, like seagulls and cormorants.

“Collaboration across governments, NGOs, and society at large is crucial to combat new outbreaks,” continues Unah.

“Governments need to be prepared and ready for pandemics, but we also need to address the root causes of these new diseases, which is our behaviour towards nature. If we protected and respected wildlife and their habitats, the risks would be much lower. By keeping wildlife wild, we really are keeping ourselves safe. Protecting nature protects us all,” he adds.

Enugu adviser, Okereke, unveils state essay competition on climate change

Michael Simire
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Enugu adviser, Okereke, unveils state essay competition on climate change

The Senior Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, has announced the launch of an essay competition on climate change in the state.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke

The competition is part of the Mbah-Climate Education, Innovation and Training Initiative (MBAH-CEITI) aimed at raising climate awareness in the state. The initiative is said to align with the governor’s vision to enhance climate education in Enugu State.

Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is currently in talks with two international donors to secure funding for various climate awareness projects, including the development of a climate policy and action plan for the state. The MBAH-CEITI campaign is one of the several initiatives led by the Senior Adviser’s Office on Climate Change in collaboration with the state government.

The essay competition, titled “What measures can Enugu State take to address climate change while also promoting economic growth, and what role can the youth play in this process?”,  commenced on Monday, July 1, 2024, and will end on July 31, 2024.

Speaking on the upcoming essay competition which is open to young adults from Enugu State and those living in the state between the ages of 18 and 35 years, the SA to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, said that the competition aims to increase public awareness of, and engagement with climate change in Enugu State and Nigeria more broadly. He stated that the essay competition is one of the campaigns in place by his office for the youths in Enugu State.

Prof. Okereke emphasised that his office has plans to implement additional projects in the state to enhance public awareness of climate change in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

“My office is currently developing more public awareness campaigns, which will encompass the Enugu State climate policy and action plan, the Enugu State tree planting and urban greening campaign, the Enugu clean cooking initiative, and the Enugu youth technical empowerment programme.”

He asserted that these campaigns would not only educate the youth of the state about climate change but also provide them with training opportunities to enhance their capacity for self-sustainability.

“The competition will present a valuable opportunity for young individuals to take the lead and drive climate action in the state by proposing measures that can combat climate change while fostering economic growth. I am confident that we will receive high-quality submissions from the young people of Enugu State.”

Prof Okereke also emphasised the ongoing threat of climate change to human existence and highlighted the crucial role that young people must play in taking climate actions and participating in decision-making processes to safeguard our environment.

He also stated that his office would continue to develop engaging activities and competitions to enhance public awareness and understanding of climate change in Enugu State and Nigeria.

“My office is planning to organise more captivating competitions to raise public awareness and foster engagement with climate change in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.”

This first edition of the essay competition will see the winner getting a cash reward of N100,000, the second position N75,000, and the third position will get N50,000.

Youths from Enugu State and those living in Enugu are encouraged to submit their essay by visiting the website at www.enugustatesaclimate.com, and for further details call 07037631055.

The top three essays will be announced during a hybrid event scheduled for August 30, 2024.

By Anieze Elochukwu, PA to the Senior adviser on Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Technology for early warnings and risk-informed adaptation

Michael Simire
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Technology for early warnings and risk-informed adaptation

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world, early warning systems (EWS) can save lives and livelihoods. The June 2024 UN Climate Meetings in Bonn brought together experts to discuss how innovative technologies can boost risk-informed adaptation and climate resilience.

Simon Stiell
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing risk knowledge, strengthening EWS, and informing climate development and investment policies, particularly in vulnerable regions.

A side-event on technology, convened during the June Meetings by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the UNEP Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), focused on scaling up EWS globally and supporting the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure that by 2027 every person on Earth is protected by EWS.

Cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, remote sensors and satellites can be used to analyse data, predict extreme weather events, and provide targeted alerts for communities at risk, among other things.

EWS will be greatly boosted by artificial intelligence, says UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell.

“AI can offer remarkably precise foresight on imminent climate impacts and disasters,” he said at a recent meeting on climate and AI. “This could be instrumental in helping countries and communities prepare – providing real time information that saves lives and livelihoods on a massive scale. As we fight for an equitable and just transition, we need to make sure that these technologies are accessible to all.”

During the technology side-event, UN Climate Change Senior Director, Daniele Violetti, emphasised that nearly 50 percent of countries have included early warning systems in their national climate plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs), and that one in four prioritise enhancing technology and innovation.

Prioritising people-centred solutions

A policy brief on innovation for risk knowledge is being developed by TEC and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and will be launched later this year. TEC Chair Thibyan Ibrahim noted that the brief highlights the importance of context-specific technology and locally led, people-centred solutions.

Location-based messaging, for example, can help communities receive targeted warnings directly on their phones, ensuring they have the information they need to protect people and livelihoods ahead of extreme weather events. Similarly, real-time monitoring can empower residents to take swift community action and build resilience.

The Maldives – the first country to launch a roadmap for achieving Early Warnings for All – serves as a key example. Gaia Righini, from the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), noted how improved monitoring networks, supported by Italy, have strengthened the Maldives Meteorological Service since 2017.

However, in vulnerable regions, deploying innovative technologies remains challenging. Lack of funding, insufficient technical expertise, and inadequate infrastructure can significantly hinder progress. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to achieving the UN Secretary-General’s vision of Early Warnings for All.

Fostering collaboration

Anne Rasmussen, lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), emphasised the challenges remote island communities face in accessing modern technology. She stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific data to improve EWS effectiveness, and the need for international cooperation to better prepare Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for climate-related disasters.

A significant part of the side-event focused on the need to scale up technologies for climate information and early warnings in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and to address global disparities accessing disaster risk data, especially in LDCs and SIDS. Insights from the discussions will feed into the joint policy brief under development by TEC and GEO.

Ambrosio Yobanolo, co-lead of the TEC Activity Group on EWS, and Fred Onduri, CTCN Advisory Board Chair, concluded the event by stressing the need to stay abreast of the latest technologies, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and leverage EWS to create more resilient and climate-adaptive communities.

Group pledges climate-smart agriculture for Nigeria’s food security

Michael Simire
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0
Group pledges climate-smart agriculture for Nigeria’s food security

Propcom+, a rural and agricultural market development programme, has pledged to promote climate-smart agricultural practices among smallholder farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs to support Nigeria’s food security agenda.

Propcom+
Participants at the Propcom+ media session in Abuja

Dr Adiya Ode, Propcom+’s Team Lead, made the commitment during a media conference in Abuja on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

She emphasised promoting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance rural incomes and livelihoods, saying fostering resilience among the rural poor was crucial to Nigeria’s food production.

“The role of the media cannot be overemphasised. For the media to effectively bring critical agricultural development issues to the fore and report on progress, they need access to the right data and support to improve their content.”

She said propcom+ is designed to support economic growth in conflict and climate-affected regions of Nigeria.

According to Ode, its key objective is to revolutionise agriculture, ensuring people are resilient enough to adapt their livelihood strategies to climate change.

“Propcom+ will work as a market facilitator to identify constraints in market systems and implement interventions through three broad-based and interlinked pillars.

“They are scaling proven climate-smart interventions, piloting and scaling new business models, and supporting a strengthened enabling environment for sustainable food and land-use systems.”

Theresa Tella, Propcom+’s Communication Manager, noted the importance of media engagement, stating, “We need to shine a light on what Propcom+ is doing, as well as the efforts of media representatives.

“It’s about making our actions visible and appreciated by the masses.”

Tella outlined Propcom+’s communication objectives, which include establishing the programme as a leader in climate-smart agriculture, encouraging farmers to adopt best practices and technologies.

She added that working with policymakers would create an enabling environment for sustainable agriculture.

“The programme employs diverse channels, from traditional media to digital platforms, to ensure farmers receive necessary information, stressing the importance of face-to-face engagement and mass communication”.

Participants at the meeting emphasised the need for grants to media houses to ensure effective collaboration.

They underscored the importance of maintaining relationships established at the roundtable and suggested exploring various partnership models to keep the media engaged.

The 95 million pounds, eight-year UK International Climate Finance programme aims to support more than 4 million people, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

They will be adopting and scaling sustainable agricultural practices that increase productivity and climate resilience, while reducing emissions and protecting natural ecosystems.

The programme’s initial focal states include Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Edo, and Cross River, where it will deliver climate-smart agricultural interventions.

It also aims to address issues around deforestation and foster sustainable land-use management in some southern Nigerian states.

By Tosin Kolade

African Energy Bank in Nigeria to advance energy goals – IPPG

Michael Simire
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0
African Energy Bank in Nigeria to advance energy goals – IPPG

The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) says Nigeria’s selection as the host of the African Energy Bank (AEB) headquarters highlights Nigeria’s leadership and strong commitment to advancing Africa’s energy goals.

Abdulrazaq Isa
Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)

The IPPG also congratulated the Federal Government on the momentous occasion of Nigeria being selected as the host of the headquarters of the African Energy Bank.

The IPPG Chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, made this known on Saturday, July 6, 2024, while congratulating Nigeria on the feat.

He said: “This significant honour highlights Nigeria’s leadership and strong commitment to advancing Africa’s energy goals.

“This landmark achievement also underscores Nigeria’s leading role over the years in fostering regional integration and progress.

“Not only is this decision to host the Headquarters of the AEB in Nigeria a further acknowledgement of Nigeria’s position as the continent’s leading hydrocarbon resource holder and human capital base in the energy sector.”

He said that the country’s selection also demonstrated the robustness and highly advanced nature of the country’s financial services sector.

“The AEB will provide a solid foundation for financing and advancing energy projects across the continent, enabling the development of critical infrastructure and innovative technologies in the energy sector,” Isa said.

He said the initiative would not only promote sustainability but also drive economic growth and industrialisation.

Isa said that the initiative would create massive job opportunities and ultimately contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future for the entire continent.

He said IPPG’s strong advocacy for the siting of the headquarters of the bank in Nigeria was premised on the immeasurable benefits it would bring to the sector’s development, particularly at a time when the nation is grappling with an energy crisis.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of Nigeria’s energy sector.

“His administration’s proactive and strategic efforts have played a crucial role in securing this notable achievement.

“Special recognition also goes to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), who passionately and vigorously championed the realisation of this significant milestone.

“His relentless commitment in ensuring Nigeria hosted the AEB’s Headquarter has simply been extraordinary.

“This achievement will enable the continent to look inward and deepen collaboration in charting a course for meeting its energy needs.

“IPPG is extremely delighted by this news and looks forward to partnering with the AEB in ensuring affordable energy, enhancing energy security and lowering the continent’s carbon footprint,” Isa added.

By Emmanuella Anokam

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