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NCDMB to achieve 70% local content by 2027 – Executive Secretary

Michael Simire
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NCDMB to achieve 70% local content by 2027 – Executive Secretary

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to achieve 70 per cent local content by the year 2027.

Felix Omatsola Ogbe
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe

Mr Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, said this on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Nigerian Content Seminar, a flagship programme of the 2024 Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Conference (NOG), in Abuja.

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) declared the conference and exhibition opened.

Kyari, represented by Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd. toured the exhibition pavilion comprising oil and gas products and services.

The 2024 NOG conference, scheduled to hold from June 30 to July 4, is themed, “Showcasing Opportunities, Driving Investment, Meeting Energy Demand”.

“The Presidential Directive and our modalities are in accordance with the objectives of our 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, as they will significantly contribute to the deepening of Nigerian Content.

“This will ultimately help us achieve our overarching aim of increasing the level of Nigerian Content to 70 per cent by 2027,” he said.

Ogbe said the Presidential Directive sought to deepen local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, while enhancing competitiveness, mitigating risks of approving unqualified contractors, improving timeline approval and creating an enabling business environment.

He expressed commitment to implementing the Presidential Policy Directive on Local Content Compliance, assuring that when fully implemented; it would significantly impact Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensure cost competitiveness and attract further investments.

The NCDMB boss said that the NCDMB had designated five focal areas for implementing the Presidential Directive.

He listed the areas as Promoting the Utilisation/Growth of In-Country Capacities, Enhancing the Cost Competitiveness of Oil and Gas Projects and the Non-Inclusion of Intermediary Entities Lacking the Essential Capacity to perform from the Nigerian Content Plan (NCP).

He included the approval of Nigerian Content Plan (NCP), consisting of contractors to meet legal definition of Nigerian Companies and demonstrate capacity to execute projects within Nigeria, and Entities acting solely as intermediaries.

Ogbe listed some of the accomplishments that the Board had made under his leadership to include, the Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detection Device and Printed Circuit Board manufacturing facility in December 2023 in Idu, Abuja.

He said the facility represented a new era in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and a significant advancement in research and technology innovation.

“It is a testament to Nigeria’s ability to create indigenous innovation that will be implemented to address the obstacles that the Nigerian oil and gas industry is currently encountering,” he said.

Ogbe said, in June 2024, the NEDOGAS Kwale Gas Gathering and Injection Facility, one of its partnership initiatives with significant advancement in attaining the Federal Government’s flare-out policy was commissioned in Kwale, Delta state.

“The Final Investment Decision (FID) made on the Ubeta Field Development Project by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and its JV Partner, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is another significant accomplishment.

“This project will add over 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to our country’s gas production capacity.

“The Board is determined to establish an enabling business environment that will attract more investors to the country’s oil and gas sector,” he said.

The flagship programme featured panel sessions on “Nigerian Content as a Business Enabler”, “Exploring Nigerian Content Solutions to Meet Energy Demands’’ and “Exportation of Local Capacity: Maximising Regional Opportunities’’.

By Emmanuella Anokam

ACReSAL reclaiming degraded land in Gombe, says coordinator

Michael Simire
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ACReSAL reclaiming degraded land in Gombe, says coordinator

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project Coordinator in Gombe State, says efforts are being intensified towards reclaiming land lost to desert encroachment and desertification in the state.

Dr Dahiru Hashim,
Dr Dahiru Hashim, coordinator, ACReSAL

Jauro communicated this while inaugurating a tree planting campaign in collaboration with Jewel Bikers Motorcycle Club (JMBC) at the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo in Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state.

The ACReSAL is a World Bank assisted Project aimed at addressing the challenges of land degradation and climate change in Northern Nigeria on a multi-dimensional scale.

He said within the year under review, his team had been “aggressively” involved in tree planting across the state in line with the mission of ACReSAL towards addressing environmental challenges arising from climate change and poor land-use practices.

According to him, through the support from the state government, several erosion control projects have been executed while others are ongoing towards restoring the environment.

“So far, in our two years under review, we have planted nearly 100, 000 hectares of land with assorted trees.

“This year, we have written to all the chairmen of the 11 LGAs of the state and they have all donated not less than 140 hectares of land and we are still asking for more.

“Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, you will recall, set up a committee to reclaim numerous reserves that were encroached by individuals and groups and those reserves reclaimed will be given to ACReSAL so that we can put in our own green investment.’’

Jauro said 6, 000 trees would be planted at the Polytechnic, adding that the institution would assist when it got courses related to environmental science.

“We will establish orchard plantation that will serve as demonstration plots for students, to make them better educated,” he said.

The ACReSAL project coordinator said the state government, under the leadership of the governor, had been proactive in the implementation of the World-Bank-assisted project.

He said that Gombe had clinched the index of the best implementing state in the country.

On his part, the Rector of the institution, Dr Suleiman Lame, commended ACReSAL and Bikers Association of Nigeria for coming to plant trees to help combat environmental challenges at the institution.

Lame said the impact of climate change had made it timely for all hands to be on deck towards addressing the challenge.

Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, Chairman Board of Trustees, JBMC of Gombe said tree planting is an annual event of his association.

Ibrahim said partnering with ACReSAL became imperative in view of the impact of climate change on the environment and Agriculture sector.

The ACReSAL project which covers environment, agriculture and water was designed by the Federal Government to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

Climate change: Polaris Bank commences tree planting in Ogun

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Polaris Bank commences tree planting in Ogun

Polaris Bank on Monday, July 1, 2024, flagged off its tree planting project at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, in Ogun State.

Tai Solarin University
Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)

Mr Chris Ofikulu, an Executive Director of the bank, in his remarks at the event, said that forest regeneration through tree planting was vital to fighting the devastating effects of climate change.

Ofikulu said that tree planting would also enhance environmental sustainability.

He disclosed that the pilot project by the bank in partnership with Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) entailed planting of 500 tree seedlings in Ogun.

Ofikulu said that the initiative would further give bite to the bank’s serious commitment to fighting environmental degradation.

The executive director further said that the initiative was to commemorate the World Environment Day held on June 2024.

He revealed that 250 tree seedlings would be planted in the university while the remaining would be planted in other parts of the state to be determined soon.

“The 2024 theme focuses on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience, which aligns with the United Nation Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

“In support of this, Polaris Bank has committed to sustainable practices and land restoration by planting trees nationwide in regions affected by erosion, such as Ogun.

“It is noteworthy to mention that we are commencing this initiative with Ogun.

“At Polaris Bank, sustainability is not just a catchphrase, it is our ethos.

“Our sustainability practices involve promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and sustainable economic growth.

“We aim to ensure that every decision we make, from investments to operations, is guided by the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles,” Ofikulu said.

The executive director further said that the tree planting scheme demonstrated the bank’s dedication to encouraging sustainable economic growth and appreciating the importance of environmental preservation.

He explained that the choice of TASUED as the starting point for the bank’s Tree Planting Project was borne out of the long-standing relationship with the university.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, appreciated the bank for its committed interest in partnering with the university over worthy causes such as the issue of tree planting.

Banjo, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, solicited for more collaboration from the bank.

Earlier, Ayodele Alamu, Senior Manager, Partnerships, NCF, said that the whole essence of the initiative was to achieve afforestation and restore the forest cover in Nigeria.

Ofikulu later led the university management team in symbolic planting of some tree seedlings in the university.

By Joy Akinsanya

10 African startups to receive funding to develop blue, green economy solutions

Michael Simire
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10 African startups to receive funding to develop blue, green economy solutions

BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have selected 10 innovative, future-looking startups as part of the Africa Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives. Each startup is set to receive $55,000 in funding, to advance their solutions for the blue and green economy in Africa.

Startups
The African startups

Recognising the wealth of ideas and the potential of Africa’s young innovators, BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the IUCN launched the Africa Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives to unlock solutions for Africa’s blue and green economies. These Waves were implemented by TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Action), an initiative of BFA Global, with support from OceanHub Africa and funding from FSD Africa and the Canadian Government.

Through a fellowship programme, the Waves supported founders in creating solutions that promote sustainable livelihoods, the use of ocean and freshwater resources, and the restoration and regeneration of landscapes. The fellowship culminated in a final pitch day, during which founders presented their solutions to a group of advisors, industry experts, and peers.

Founded in seven African countries – Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania – the startup ideas were rigorously evaluated and chosen for their innovative approaches to addressing critical challenges in the fish trade, environmental pollution, renewable energy certification, eco-friendly fertilisers, waste reduction and management, clean cooking, cold storage and sustainable drainage solutions. Notably, 50% of the selected startups are women-led companies.

“We are proud to support these visionary entrepreneurs who are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing environmental and climate-change-related challenges. The diversity and ingenuity of these startups reflect the continent’s potential for sustainable development. With the funding and support provided, we are confident they will drive significant positive change in their communities and beyond,” said Rasima Swarup, TECA Director, BFA Global.

The selected startups and the solutions they are developing include:

ARK (Kenya): facilitating new revenue streams for renewable energy projects by assisting them to enter the market and trade international renewable energy certificates.

Eco Guardian (Rwanda): developing a digital device and service for environmental pollution monitoring.

Khwezi Innovations (South Africa): creating a biodegradable, 2-in-1, hand glove sanitiser.

Mada Fia (Madagascar): utilising Japanese techniques (Himono) and establishing a marketplace for drying and smoking fish.

Lima Aja (Rwanda): specialising in organic fertiliser production in Rwanda, utilising IoT sensors to create pH-correcting fortified organic fertilisers for smallholder farmers.

PETsPoint (Nigeria): providing a digital platform enabling both formal and informal waste collectors to efficiently manage recyclable waste collection.

Plas Tech (Kenya): converting plastic waste into safe cooking gas, offering a more climate and forest-friendly cooking energy source.

Samaking (Kenya): establishing a chain of franchisable and tech-enabled fish retail shops, combined with upstream capabilities to aggregate produce from farmers and fisherfolk at scale.

Sunwave (Tanzania): designing and manufacturing solar-powered ice makers for fish storage.

Xi Bassile (Mozambique): providing sustainable drainage solutions with its Bioswale and Planter Box technology by utilising soil, plants, repurposed solid waste, and biomaterials to filter and retain stormwater, thereby mitigating flooding and improving water quality.

“Africa’s talent is at the heart of a successful green transition on the continent. It is an honor to work alongside our partners to support innovators who are working towards solving critical climate challenges. The 10 selected startups have the potential to significantly improve the lives of climate-vulnerable communities while maintaining biodiversity, reducing waste and improving climate outcomes. We look forward to walking alongside them as their journeys unfold,” said Mary Kashangaki, Assistant Manager for Digital Innovation, FSD Africa.

“The triple planetary crisis is not waiting for us. It’s up to us to catch up and turn things around. Unleashing the regenerative potential of our economic engine represents the best chance for the world to address this crisis at both the scale and speed required. The Africa Blue Wave and these startups are the perfect illustration of how to walk the talk and represent an incredible source of blue hope for the continent and beyond!” stated Thomas Sberna, Regional Head, Coastal and Ocean Resilience, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa.

The startups represent a diverse group of entrepreneurs who are poised to make significant contributions to Africa’s blue and green economies. The funding provided will enable them to further develop and scale their solutions, driving positive change in their respective sectors while promoting environmental sustainability.

TECA and OceanHub Africa will offer hands-on venture-building support and connections to investors, advisors and support networks to progress their solutions.

Cholera vaccines to be delivered in few weeks – Pate

Michael Simire
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Cholera vaccines to be delivered in few weeks – Pate

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, says the cholera vaccines the nation is expecting will be delivered in a few weeks.

Cholera vaccine
Cholera vaccine

He disclosed this in Abuja, while fielding questions from newsmen.

He said, “We have ordered for the vaccines through the Global Vaccine Alliance. They have approved it.

“We are expecting them in the next couple of weeks, so that they will be utilised in the areas that are hotspots.”

He, however, said that cholera was preventable with better sanitation, a stop to open defecation and end to contamination of water and food.

Pate said that President Bola Tinubu set up a multi-sectoral cabinet committee, comprising ministries of water resources, environment, information, education, health, and state governments to address the disease.

“The President set up a cabinet committee that has worked very hard, 10 ministries, and in the last four weeks, we have seen dramatic reduction in the numbers of cholera reported.

“However, we are not relenting; it’s too early to declare victory.

“It can come back, because we are still in the rainy season, and we have deployed materials to all the states through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the emergency operations centre led by the NCDC.”

Cholera, an infection of the small intestine, is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae, causing serious disease outbreak and even death.

It is a water-borne disease that spreads rapidly in conditions where clean water and proper sanitation are lacking. It kills within hours if not immediately attended to, and if unchecked, it spreads fast.

The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, and through open defecation.

The symptoms of cholera include vomiting, dehydration and diarrhoea.

As of June, a state of emergency was declared over an outbreak of cholera in Lagos, which has since spread to other states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with more than 2,809 suspected cases across 33 states, resulting in 82 deaths.

By Folasade Akpan

Climate change: Report examines opportunities, risks for vulnerable populations

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Report examines opportunities, risks for vulnerable populations

A new report published by the UNFCCC Katowice Committee of Experts on the Impacts of the Implementation of Response Measures (KCI) sheds light on how climate policies can substantially boost opportunities for vulnerable populations, but can also create disproportionate risks, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to climate policymaking.

Vulnerable people
Vulnerable people

Established in 2018, the KCI is a constituted body that supports work to assess the impact of mitigation policies, programmes and actions taken to combat climate change by Parties under the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

The paper examines four key mitigation policies: carbon trading and energy efficiency, phase-out of coal, adoption of renewable energy, and forestry sector reforms. It analyses the potential positive and negative impacts of each policy on various vulnerable groups, including women, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and the poor.

“This paper fills a gap of limited studies quantifying and assessing the economic and social impacts of response measures on people in vulnerable situations,” write former KCI co-chairs Catherine Ann Goldberg and Peter Govindasamy in the report’s preface.

One of the report’s key findings is that people in vulnerable situations are often marginalised during the planning and implementation of climate policies. This lack of participation can lead to policies that have negative and unintended impacts for vulnerable groups.

For example, the report notes that while some mitigation policies, such as those promoting cleaner energy sources, have the potential to reduce women’s fuel-gathering activities and domestic burden, others may have adverse effects, like limiting women’s land tenure rights or their ability to participate in the workforce.

Similarly, local communities and Indigenous Peoples can be negatively impacted by renewable energy projects that disrupt their traditional practices or displace them from their land. However, these communities can also benefit from renewable energy projects that provide access to clean energy and create economic opportunities.

The report emphasises the need for a more inclusive approach to climate policymaking. This entails actively engaging people in vulnerable situations throughout the design and implementation of climate policies. Stakeholder engagement at the national level and beyond is crucial to understanding the potential impacts on these groups.

“We trust that this report will serve to support countries’ understanding of the impacts of implementation response measures and inspire Parties in the direction of efforts needed to keep 1.5°C within reach,” write former KCI co-chairs Peter Govindasamy and Catherine Ann Goldberg.

The report also calls for further research to better quantify the impacts of climate policies on vulnerable populations. This research is essential for designing policies that minimize negative impacts and maximise positive ones.

The report concludes that by integrating a human rights-based approach into climate action, we can build a more sustainable future for everyone.

The KCI’s report is a valuable resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and anyone interested in ensuring a just transition to a low-carbon future. By understanding the potential impacts of climate policy-making on vulnerable populations, we can develop more effective and equitable solutions to tackle the climate crisis.

Read full report

NNPC Retail debunks ‘Lubricants-for-Petrol’ claims

Michael Simire
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NNPC Retail debunks ‘Lubricants-for-Petrol’ claims

The NNPC Retail Limited says that its attention has been drawn to a recent video clip making rounds on social media (X to be precise) concerning a fuel pump attendant in one of NNPC filling stations.

Huub Stokman
Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Mr. Huub Stokman

In the said video, customers were coerced to purchase lubricants or engine oil as a prerequisite for purchasing or dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

Still in the video, the attendant alleged that this was a directive from NNPC Retail Management.

“NNPC Retail wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is entirely false and does not represent the Company’s Customer Service Charter. At all NNPC Retail filling stations, customers are not obligated to purchase lubricants or engine oil or other products as a precursor to buying PMS (petrol),” declared the organisation in a statement.

Speaking further on the incident, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Mr. Huub Stokman, said: “We are dedicated to providing clear, transparent and quality service to all our customers, guaranteeing that their needs are met without any recourse to unnecessary and unscrupulous conditionalities.”

The organisation advised the public to disregard the information in its entirety and report any such occurrences to the appropriate authority.

In the meantime, NNPC Retail Limited has launched an investigation into the incident and assures that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the culprit(s).

Govt tasks states, LGs on accelerating the SDGs

Michael Simire
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Govt tasks states, LGs on accelerating the SDGs

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called on State and Local Governments as well as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to double their efforts in the quest to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the global community seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Global Agenda in the Decade of Action for the Goals.

SDGs
SSAP-SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right), with Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, during the the Advocacy and Sensitisation Meetng on Accelerating the SDGs

The Presidential Aide made this call at the ongoing Advocacy and Sensitisation campaign in Kano and Ondo states.

A statement issued by Desmond Utomwen, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the SSAP-SDGs, noted that with the global community lagging behind in the efforts to attain the SDGs and with Nigeria facing various challenges, the need for all stakeholders, particularly State and Local Governments, to accelerate progress has become more imperative.

According to Orelope-Adefulire, despite the commitment and efforts as a country, Nigeria is faced with issues and challenges in the desire to achieve the SDGs. She noted that, partly due to the now Triple C Crisis – COVID, Climate Change, and Conflicts, the implementation is off-track globally, and only 15 percent of the SDGs targets are on track as of 2023.

“In Nigeria, the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report (2022) shows that about 63 percent or 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor. The report shows that poverty levels vary significantly across the states and the geopolitical zones. Specifically, multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 percent of people are poor, compared to 42 percent in urban areas. Overall, the report revealed that 65 percent of poor people live in the North, while 35 percent live in the South.

“Relatedly, the National Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Report (2022) shows that the Under-5 mortality rate, which represents SDG 3.2.1, is 102 per 1,000 live births – with Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Jigawa recording the highest, and FCT, Benue, Kwara, and Ebonyi states recording the lowest.

“On SDG 4, quality education among children and adolescents aged 7-14 years, only about 27 percent have foundational reading skills, and 25 percent have foundational numeracy skills. This translates to a low out-of-school rate found in Ekiti State at (2%) and Imo (1%), while the highest rates are found in Kebbi (65%) and Zamfara and Bauchi states both at 61%.

The SSAP-SDGs noted that the Federal Government has demonstrated strong commitment towards the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria and requires the sub-national governments to match these efforts, particularly as the tier of government closest to the people. She noted that institutional frameworks have been established at the national and sub-national levels to guarantee effective implementation of the SDGs.

The SDGs require a whole-of-society approach and clearly cannot be achieved with stand-alone policies and projects. They must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans.

“As we approach the 2030 deadline, we must recommit to accelerating the implementation of the SDGs, especially at the state and Local Governments level. As part of the transformative actions needed to deliver on the SDGs, we need the expertise and resources of the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, development partners and the donor community, academia, civil society, and concerned citizens in support of the SDGs,” Orelope-Adefulire stated.

In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, maintained that the Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for a better future for all, addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Ondo State is said to be naturally endowed and positioned to achieve these goals of the SDGs. The state is blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant population, and a rich cultural heritage. He expressed his commitment and optimism that, through continued partnerships with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, Nigeria can deliver on the SDGs.

“I am confident that through seamless collaboration and innovation, we can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs at the sub-national level. On our part, the Ondo State Government is committed to playing its part in achieving the SDGs. We recognise the importance of these goals and are actively working to integrate them into our policies. Together, let us build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all,” the Governor stated.

In the same vein, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Shegagi, maintained that the state is committed to delivering on the Targets of the SDGs, while leaving no one behind.

NCF, Continental Reinsurance plant trees to boost environmental sustainability

Michael Simire
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NCF, Continental Reinsurance plant trees to boost environmental sustainability

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with Continental Reinsurance Company on Friday, June 28, 2024, planted 2,000 trees to boost environmental sustainability.

Lekki Conservation Centre
The Lekki Conservation Centre, head offices of the NCF in Lagos

The tree planting which took place at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) in Lagos, NCF’s head offices, is said to be critical in challenging the impact of climate change within the Lekki Epe corridor.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, noted that the month of June is a very special month for nature with many events aimed at nature conservation.

Represented by Mr Uchenna Achunine, Director, Business Development and Communications, NCF, Onoja extolled the quality of the partnership between the NCF and Continental Reinsurance.

“Though our partnership has not been for many years, we have become a family.

“They have treated us very well as partners,” Onoja said.

He said that the insurance company with presence in six African countries has an ambitious project of planting one million trees in Africa.

“The company invited us to speak at their ninth Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) summit in Zimbabwe in May, thus giving us the opportunity to talk about nature conservation to insurance CEOs.

“We are working out all the details of playing a key role in that sector and how it can be achieved,” Onoja said.

He noted that the NCF is the foremost environmental conservation organisation in Nigeria and has been advocating environmental sustainability and nature conservation for over 44 years.

Onoja said the foundation launched the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) project in 2017 with an ambitious target of restoring and recovering Nigeria’s lost forest cover to 25 per cent.

“Today Nigeria’s forest cover hovers around four to eight per cent.

“It is still a far cry from where it is supposed to be,” Onoja said.

In his goodwill message, the Group Executive Director, Technical Operation, Continental Reinsurance, Mr Chukwuemeka Akwiwu, said that the tree planting event was in line with the GRN project of the NCF.

“We are pleased to support this noble goal with a donation of 2,000 trees for now.

“It is my intention of having this conversation on an annual basis,” Akwiwu said.

He noted that, following the participation of the NCF at the ninth CEOs Summit in Zimbabwe, Continental Reinsurance would continue the advocacy for climate change in the insurance industry.

“We will mobilise key players in this regard. These trees are not just ceremonial trees, but a symbol of hope in combating climate change,” Akwiwu said.

According to him, NCF’s participation at the ninth CEOs summit inspired the audience of insurance industry leaders by showcasing what NCF does.

He added that the input of NCF at the summit demonstrated how the company can support such impactful work of the foundation.

“Today’s event is a significant milestone of broader goal of achieving our environmental target as Continental Reinsurance.

“Working together we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in environmental conservation.

“At Continental Reinsurance, we are unwavering in our commitment to make a positive difference in our environmental future.

“We believe that through collaboration and shared effort, we can create a lasting impact,” Akwiwu said.

The climax of the event was the tree planting exercise at the conservation area of the LCC.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Tinubu congratulates Nigerian winner of Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability award

Michael Simire
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0
Tinubu congratulates Nigerian winner of Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability award

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Ridwan AbdulRazaq, a renewable energy expert, on winning the 2024 Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award.

Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria at UNGA 2023

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Friday, June 28, 2024, said President Tinubu commended the Nigerian green-solution pacesetter.

AbdulRazaq was honoured for advancing solar energy system design and deployment in Nigeria, especially in off-grid rural communities.

Tinubu stated that AbdulRazaq’s achievement reinforced the long-held conviction that Nigeria’s climate goals, and his administration’s green industrial vision were realisable with the active participation of the nation’s gifted youths.

“The President affirms that Nigeria can lead Africa and even the rest of the world in science, technology, cutting-edge manufacturing, and other spheres of human pursuits with the composite ingenuity of the youth.

“Tinubu enjoins Nigerians not to relent in applying the resources of their talents in any given area as his administration remains committed to providing support and giving flight to their dreams,” said the statement.

By Salif Atojoko

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