August 2024 marks a new turning point for African Meteorology Centres as the African Union through the Intra-ACP Climate Service and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme sends out a team of experts for the verification of the service delivery of the freshly deployed and installed climate infrastructure in Kenya.
Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AUC
The verification team comprises AUC staff led Dr. Jolly Wasambo, AUC-ClimSA Programme Coordinator, together with the experts from Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR) and IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC).
The deployment of these ClimSA and PUMA Stations infrastructure is expected to support all African Union ClimSA programme beneficiaries with capabilities to retrieve, process and visualise weather and climate datasets for the generation and delivery of reliable and timely climate information services needed by decision-makers to adapt to the impacts of climate change, manage risks associated with extreme weather events, and make long-term plans that take climate change into account.
The equipment installation and training commence in Kenya and will continue to the rest of Africa until 2025. The National Meteorological Services, Regional Climate Centres and the Regional Training Centres will be trained on the use of the infrastructure, administration and maintenance of the system as part of a sustainable measure. The training will also include Training of Trainers to pass down the knowledge to other experts from AU member States.
The European Union is providing both financial and technical support through the Intra-ACP Cooperation – 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, respectively.
Tecnavia SA (the contractor), with the support of the JRC and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), is contracted by the AUC to supply, deliver, and install the infrastructure, as well as to deliver training on the infrastructure. Both the Climate Station (developed by JRC) and the PUMA Station (developed by EUMETSAT) have evolved over a long period of time, while considering emerging environmental and climate challenges, as well as socio-economic development needs of Africa.
The AUC as a continental body has facilitated this coordination and installation verification.
Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the AUC, observed that “the infrastructure will enable AU member States and the African continent as a whole to develop and provide timely, science-based and sector-specific climate information for decision-making, development and adaptation planning, and overall climate-informed action”.
“This verification, therefore, is critical for the AUC to ensure that the contractor delivers services that are beneficial to Africa and compliant with predetermined specifications,” Nyambe remarked.
The beneficiaries of the ClimSA programme are the African Union Member States, Regional Climate Centres, and Regional Meteorological and Training Centres. As part of the contract agreement signed between AUC and Tecnavia SA on November 26, 2023, the verification ensures that all hardware and software specifications and related services (including training) meet the requirements of the agreement. Its success is the first milestone on the way to deployment of the climate infrastructure to the Member States.
The socio-economic benefit expected from the infrastructure are numerous and some of which include: efficiency in climate observation on regional and national levels; efficient numerical prediction; enhanced expertise in furcating; and improved forecasting and support for timely national decision making and action.
Communities benefit from reliable and timely weather and climate information, among others, include: climate-informed decision-making and action; safety of life, property and infrastructure; sustainable and secure livelihoods; safety in transport (at sea, land and in air); communication; sustainable energy planning and use; sustainable agriculture and food security; tourism; development of the climate policy and environmental protection.
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), in keeping with its objective of empowering communities by enhancing access to and raising awareness of preventative health services, has announced plans to implement a health and well-being programme in Pella.
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) during a medical outreach programme in Adamawa State
This gesture, according to SELF’s Executive Director, Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta, reflects her organisation’s ongoing dedication to improving people’s quality of life by empowering and building local relationships. It also symbolises a watershed moment in her group’s efforts to address the vital health requirements of citizens.
The politician, who is now a human rights campaigner, stated that her organisation’s work with Pella Women in Health Primary Health Care Centre illustrates their commitment to ensuring the best use of existing healthcare facilities in the country.
Pella, like many other communities in Nigeria, is confronted with several health issues. Thousands of lives are lost each year as a result of a lack of access to basic health services, proper awareness of preventive measures, and inadequate healthcare delivery. Fakuta revealed that these problems influenced the programme’s design, with the hope that these efforts will bridge current gaps and equip individuals to take steps that improve their health and overall well-being.
She went on to say that it was also meant to complement various government and development partner initiatives aimed at accelerating the provision of sustainable health and advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3), which calls for ensuring that everyone in the state and beyond has access to good health and wellbeing.
“We are at a tipping point in our history when it comes to addressing our people’s critical health needs. This life-saving effort, we believe, will have an impact on the national health landscape as well as the Pella community’s future,” Fakuta, who contested for the Federal House of Representatives in Adamawa State during the 2023 elections, said.
To achieve this goal, she urged everyone to continue to uphold the values that promote sustainable living, embrace the spirit of care, support one another, invest in humanitarian efforts that foster healthier, more resilient communities, and harness the power of collaboration and determination to drive positive change and set precedent for responsible stewardship in the country’s health sector.
“At SELF, our motto, “Dare to Care,” embodies our commitment to go beyond the norm and actively engage in meaningful humanitarian service,” SELF’s executive director asserts.
When asked why his organisation opted to support the initiative, Pharm Jesse Chidama, founder of the Jesse Chidama Care Foundation, hinted that it was because of the influence that SELF has exhibited in the state and beyond.
“I have been following the work of the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) closely and have witnessed the significant impact it has on the lives of our people, especially the youth,” he said.
In the same spirit, another collaborator, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, president of the Emnamu Foundation, disclosed that his organisation chose to partner with SELF on this medical outreach because of their proven expertise, strong community engagement, and shared commitment to improving healthcare access and education.
As a result, he encouraged all members of this community, particularly women and young people, to take advantage of the life-changing programme to help create a healthier and more prosperous future for all.
“Together, we aim to maximise our impact and create lasting improvements in health outcomes for underserved communities,” he stated.
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for Kenya, Cabinet Secretary, Adan Bare Duale, says the African continent has not received sufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on their current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) even as countries are building momentum towards a new set of NDCs.
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry for Kenya, Cabinet Secretary, Adan Bare Duale
Speaking when he officiated at the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) COP29 Preparatory Meeting held from August 12 to 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, Duale said the lack of clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement NDCs undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement.
“As countries are building momentum towards a new set of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the African continent has not received sufficient financial and technical support to effectively implement, track and report on their current NDCs,” said Duale.
“We also lack clarity on the amount of current and future funding, capacity building and technical support required to implement our NDCs. This vagueness undermines the transparency of support framework under the Paris Agreement and should be prioritized in the upcoming negotiations,” he added.
Duale reiterated Africa’s climate-induced socio-economic challenges and outlined the continent’s priorities for COP29 scheduled for Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024.
“African countries have seen major droughts and floods; storms and cyclones have intensified and become more frequent, while the financial and technical capacity of the continent to adapt to climate change and increasing climate and natural hazards continues to be limited,” he said, adding that by 2050, negative climate impacts could cost African countries up to $50 billion annually.
“Our priority, therefore, is to increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production. A crucial and most urgent objective of this meeting is to prepare our common position paper for COP29. Firstly, finance will lie at the heart of climate diplomacy at COP29 as a critical enabler of climate action. Climate finance is flowing to the continent at an insufficient scale and in unequal directions. Securing a strong favourable finance deal at COP29 is therefore vital.”
Secondly, adaptation and loss and damage are another priority for Africa as climate impacts worsen. COP29 is a pivotal opportunity to prioritise adaptation and loss and damage and secure the necessary financial and technical assistance to close the adaptation finance gap.
AGN Chair and Kenya Climate Envoy, Ali Mohamed, who spoke at the meeting urged negotiators not to lose focus on Africa’s key priorities of finance and adaptation in the context of the continent’s sustainable development and poverty eradication agenda.
“As we deliberate, the bigger picture for us remains climate finance and adaptation as we strive to achieve our sustainable development objectives as a continent. It is clear that our development challenges, which include high poverty levels, poor access to energy, clean water, food security and primary health care amidst a debt crisis, are already being compounded by climate change. It follows therefore that finance is at the pinnacle of our challenges and must be addressed, even as we strive to meet our climate obligations,” he said.
The African common position for COP29 is envisaged to be presented to the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) next month for consideration and adoption.
The common position includes elements that are considered a priority for Africa and for COP29, climate finance and adaptation rank top on the list.
Harsen Nyambe, Director for Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, said: “Africa’s progress in achieving sustainable development hinges on its ability to tackle the climate crisis, which has a direct impact on the continent’s natural resource base. The African Union Commission is therefore keen to support and maintain Africa’s unity of purpose in climate conversations at a global level.”
Dr Rose Mwebaza, UNEP Africa Regional Director, said: “Africa’s unified position on climate finance, adaptation, and ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflects the continent’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and resilience. The energy transition journey we embark on today is not just about shifting resources but redefining Africa’s future in a way that prioritises both people and the planet. UNEP looks forward to working with the Africa Group of Negotiators on Climate to enhance global support for a green inclusive climate resilient future.”
David Abudho, Regional Climate Justice Advisor, Oxfam in Africa, said: “In 2022, rich countries claimed that they over-delivered by reaching $115 billion of climate finance, but our analysis shows that only $35 billion was mobilised, less than a third of officially reported totals. Oxfam’s analysis shows that the reported figures are counted at face value instead of in grant equivalents, and they do not reflect the true financial effort of contributors. Climate finance continues to be dominated by loans (including a large share of non- concessional loans), contributing to the worsening debt crisis in many lower-income countries.
“Oxfam’s Climate Specific Net Assistance calculations therefore help ensure that the agreement on NCQG, to be adopted at COP29 in Baku later this year, does not repeat the mistakes of the $100 billion goal but instead enhances transparency and accountability over the actual effort undertaken by developed countries.”
Dr. Seif Hamisi, East Africa Director, Conservation International, said: “AGN is such an important voice in shaping the International Climate Regime under the UNFCCC. It is therefore important for the group to continue to use its strong position and voice to obtain the best possible outcomes for the people of Africa. As we go to COP29, we are keenly following key issues on the protection of natural resources in the African region and their importance to both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Of particular interest is the refinement of the rules guiding Carbon Markets under Article 6 and the implications for the region as well as the importance of leveraging natural climate solutions.”
Nihan Erdogan, Deputy Regional Director, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) East and Horn of Africa, said: “Despite contributing only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces disproportionate impacts from climate change, affecting habitability, human security, and livelihoods. This has led to diverse movements, from temporary and long-term displacement to internal and international migration and planned community relocations. Those unable to move, trapped populations, also face increased vulnerability. In East and Horn of Africa, climate change is already the leading cause for migration.”
Stakeholders and science journalists in West Africa have converged on Abuja, Nigeria, to exchange ideas and deliberate on the challenges and opportunities of genetic bio-control technologies.
Participants at the workshop organised by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium in Abuja
The event, organised by African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium, provides a platform for interaction among African experts and institutions to enhance opportunities for technical capacity strengthening, knowledge exchange and deliberation of genetic bio-control technologies.
In her opening remarks, the Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency in Nigeria (NBMA), Dr Agnes Asabgra, said that the mission was to advance understanding of genetic bio-control technologies, which are innovations with immense promise for addressing critical challenges such as vector-borne diseases.
“As we delve into the complexities of gene drives, synthetic biology, and other emerging biotechnologies, we recognise the need for informed decision-making and robust oversight,” she said.
She said that the aim of the three-day workshop is to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of these technologies and safeguarding the Africa ecosystems.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making,” she stated, explaining that, “together we can shape a future where genetic bio-control contributes to a healthier, more resilient Africa.”
Project Manager, Population Health Sciences, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Washington, DC, Mr. Alex Sullivan, reiterated the organisation’s efforts at supporting scientists and journalists across the Africa continent.
He promised that the organisation would continue to support Africa in training and capacity building for scientists, regulators, communicators, and more, through efforts such as this workshop.
“I and my colleagues at GeneConvene are pleased to support this group of experts convened here to help continue building bridges between scientists and journalists in West Africa and the rest of the continent,” he said.
Stressing that the workshop plays a crucial role in helping experts and journalists to strengthen capacity building, Mr. Sullivan said that his organisation would continue to support efforts in this regard.
“I look forward to an exciting and productive workshop, and on behalf of GeneConvene, we look forward to continuing to support you all as we move forward with these efforts.
“I’m here on behalf of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, an organisation based in Washington, DC, and an organisation that is home to the GeneConvene Global Collaborative. for those not yet familiar, GeneConvene is a collaborative entity established more than 20 years ago to support informed decision-making, offer technical information, advice, training, and coordinate research on gene drive and other genetic biocontrol technologies,” he explained.
According to him, these technologies, which can use genetic variants of a target species, like a disease-transmitting mosquito, to control its undesirable impacts, have the potential to greatly improve public health.
Mr. Sullivan said that decisions about these technologies that are effective and ethical require informed stakeholders capable of addressing these questions.
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Editors Guild, Rosalia Omungo, said that the training would add value and critical knowledge for science reporters to enhance better understanding of science.
She also called for continuous training to promote quality, accurate and ethical reporting.
“We believe the training will add value and critical knowledge for science reporters in order to enhance better understanding on science.
“Continuous training to promote quality accurate and ethical reporting in the subject should be enabled for all journalists. It is my hope that by the end of the three-day gathering we shall “expand Awareness and Understanding of Genetic Biocontrol in Africa,” she said.
According to her, the consultative workshop on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies could not have come at a better time of renewed deployment of technologies in Africa.
The Consultative Workshop on communicating the uncertainties associated with emerging biotechnologies is hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium in collaboration with the NBMA.
The workshop brings together communicators, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives across West Africa.
The Consortium was officially launched on November 30, 2020, by inaugural not-for-profit member organisations based in Africa.
The member organisations include the Africa One Health Network (AfOHNet), Africa Biological Safety Association (AfBSA), The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Pan-African Mosquito Cont Association (PAMCA) and the GeneConvene Glo Collaborative (GeneConvene).
When the construction of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Limited began in 2016, Nigerians were upbeat that it will crash the high price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel and also stop its importation.
Dangote Refinery
The refinery in size of nearly 4,000 football fields and located at the Lekki Free Zone, outside of Lagos, was inaugurated in May 2023.
It has the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest oil producers, with its oil reserve at 37.50 billion barrels; yet lacks capability to refine its oil; forcing it to rely on imported fuel for so long.
Industry watchers were hopeful that the opening of the refinery will trigger the processing of enough oil; not only to make Nigeria self-sufficient, but to supply petrol, diesel and jet fuel to other countries.
However, perceptive observers are worried that the recent faceoff between Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the owner of the refinery, and the managers of the country’s oil and gas industry, appears to be dashing the expectations of Nigerians.
They regret that the 19 billion dollars refinery is now operational but has not refined PMS due to numerous challenges outlined by the owner himself, Dangote.
Worthy of note, Dangote has accused certain “mafias” of attempting to sabotage his refinery project.
He lamented that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were hampering the refinery production by either refusing to sell crude oil or charging him up to four dollars extra, above the standard price.
Dangote complained that efforts to hit the ground were being frustrated as the refinery was unable to secure its full crude oil requirement from domestic production for its operation.
He acknowledged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) supplied about 60 per cent of the 50 million barrels it lifted.
Piqued by aforementioned, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Refinery, urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to fully enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Our concern has always been NUPRC’s reluctance to enforce the DCSO and ensure that we receive our full crude oil requirement from the NNPC and the IOCs producing in Nigeria, which always redirect us to their international trading arms.
“Consequently, we often purchase the same Nigerian crude oil from international traders at an additional three to four dollars premium per barrel which translates to three to four million, per cargo,’’ he said.
At the other end, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Dangote were also at loggerheads over indiscriminate issuing of licenses to individuals who allegedly imported contaminated fuel.
Dangote’s accusations against some high-placed individuals of the importation of contaminated fuel was, however, refuted by the NMDPRA which was of the opinion that no dirty fuel was imported into the country.
NMDPRA added that it took seriously its statutory mandate to ensure that only quality petroleum products are supplied and consumed in Nigeria.
NMDPRA said that the Dangote refinery was at its pre-commissioning stage, while its diesel was below international standard, adding that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid monopoly by the refinery.
Dangote, however, refuted the NMDPRA position on the issue and also declared that NNPC Ltd. no longer owned a 20 per cent stake in its Refinery, after it failed to pay the balance of its shares, which was due in June.
The company maintained that the Nigerian oil company owned only 7.2 per cent of the refinery.
For NNPC Ltd., Dangote’s decision amounted to a breach in their agreement, as the decision to cap its equity participation at the paid-up sum was made and communicated to Dangote refinery several months ago.
Dangote subsequently alleged that the NNPC Ltd. opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta, where they brought in poor quality products with fake certificates.
The NNPC Ltd. swiftly refuted the allegation and urged Dangote to disclose the identity of workers of the company whom he claimed owned blending plant in Malta or make them known to relevant security agencies for necessary actions.
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, had also convened a high-level meeting with key oil managers which marked a significant step in resolving the challenges and issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.
The meeting had in attendance Dangote, Mr Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC and Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd.
Weighing in on the imbroglio, President Bola Tinubu recently directed the NNPC Ltd. to commence crude oil sale to the refinery and other local refineries in naira denomination, to promote crude oil trade, using the local currency.
Policy analysts are the view that the president’s directive– Naira Crude Sales Initiative– marks significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic prosperity and all eyes are on the promising future and development.
Nonetheless, the refinery is yet to buy crude in naira; hence the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr Wale Edun, is initiating a meeting of relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the policy objective.
Reacting to the current crisis in the industry, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo said that cabals in the Nigeria’s oil sector would continue to frustrate the Dangote Refinery because they were benefiting from the refined petrol import.
Obasanjo expressed worry that those profiting from the lucrative fuel importation business will do everything thing within their powers to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.
Sharing a similar stance, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), warned that the whole issue on Dangote Refinery was shocking and creating bad waves for Nigeria globally.
According to Adesina, Nigeria cannot and must not undermine, disparage or kill local industries.
“It is more than simply delivering the cheapest product to the market; it is about domestic supply security, driving (and yes, protecting) globally competitive industries, maximising forward and backward linkages in the local economy, job creation, reducing forex expenses and shoring up the naira,’’ he said.
Reflecting on the impasse, an Economic Expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, said the situation would impede the economic and beneficial projections for 2024 and 2025.
“There is a myriad of by-products from the refining of crude oil which will also add to the export products of Nigeria through Dangote Refinery.
“When more of these products are exported, there will be more foreign currency inflows and attendant increase in their liquidity while the exchange rate is expected to drop accordingly.
“The production of the refinery will obviously reduce the amount of foreign currencies hitherto deployed to import same; our foreign reserve can be used as a buffer for other obligations.
“These are all the beneficial projections which are made for 2024 and 2025 but with the current impasse between the refinery and their regulators therefore, these projections are not likely to materialise,’’ he said.
More so, an Oil and Gas Consultant, Mr Henry Adigun, described the refinery as one of the best in the world and called for a proper engagement between the Dangote group and the regulators than imbibing wild accusations, threats, misinformation and media war.
Adigun advised that issues of crude supply, petrol pricing and subsidy among others in the country should be worked out.
He explained that the call for IOCs to give out crude at less than market prices as expected by Dangote was against the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which dwelled on willing buyer- willing seller, and not because Dangote was involved.
According to Adigun, the PIA, which is the law governing the oil and gas industry, should be obeyed and respected while the national assets must be protected.
“Even if Nigeria gives all her crude oil, it will not be enough hence Dangote will still need crude oil from outside the country to blend.
“We do not have enough crude oil to offer; we are producing 1.6 million barrels per day; if all the refineries start working, that might not even go round,’’ he argued.
Meanwhile, Speaker, House of Representative, Tajudeen Abbas, has constituted a new seven-member panel that will be part of the joint committee to probe alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.
The development followed the recent dissolution of the adhoc committee earlier set up by the House to probe alleged infractions in the oil and gas sector.
All in all, it is stakeholders’ opinion that the squabble in the Nigeria’s most strategic sector will be counterproductive as the nation drudgeries through economic recovery.
They urge all parties entangled in the melee to put national interest above private interests and resolve the complications amicably.
By Emmanuella Anokam, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the country’s regulators and the film and cinema industry to protect the next generation of Nigerians from the predatory tactics of the tobacco industry by sustaining the #SmokeFreeNollywood campaign.
Some participants at the second edition of the Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention (LIFACC) held at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island Lagos, on August 14 and 15, 2024
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the tobacco industry had a track record of surreptitiously using movies and music to entice young persons to take up the deadly habit of smoking.
“This is not only unlawful but also undermines tobacco control efforts and worsens Nigeria’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden,” Oluwafemi said.
The tobacco control expert spoke during the second edition of the Lagos International Film and Cinema Convention (LIFACC) held in Lagos, on August 14 and 15, 2024.
LIFACC is promoted as the finest gathering of cinema owners, top executives, film distributors, film producers, cinema set-up facilities/equipment manufacturers/suppliers, and all sundry businesses around the cinema business worldwide.
Oluwafemi, represented by CAPPA’s Policy and Research Manager, Zikora Ibeh, spoke on “Smoking in Movies and Urgency of Regulatory Action: Lessons from Other Film Hub.”
“Tobacco is a killer,” he said, “the tobacco industry is built on deception, lies. The industry is notorious for exploiting the film industry worldwide to influence youths.
“Nollywood films and Nigerian music videos are watched by families and youths in Nigeria and beyond. We must protect them from harmful images encouraging tobacco use.
“There is enough data to show that a lot of teenagers take up smoking because of what they watch on screen. Entertainment is used by the industry to influence young people to use tobacco. Nigerian entertainment is watched across the continent and even Asia and Europe. We cannot allow tobacco corporations to continue exploiting these films to compromise the health and the future of our children.”
Oluwafemi urged Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, to be wary of the industry’s tricks, adding that “the depiction of tobacco use in films is a form of promotion that influences tobacco use, particularly by young people.”
He explained that the industry targets Nollywood through indirect marketing in movies through “product placement, products mention, actors’ outfits/props, unnecessary smoking scenes and endorsements.”
The CAPPA ED urged stakeholders to comply with the directives of the National Tobacco Control Act and the National Tobacco Control Regulations that already prohibit the use, promotion or sponsorship of tobacco in films.
Oluwafemi also commended recent efforts by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to sanitise the entertainment industry with its latest subsidiary regulation, aimed at prohibiting the glamorisation of tobacco and nicotine products in movies, musical videos, and skits.
He noted that the NFVCB Regulations 2024 mirrors global best practices and should be upheld by all stakeholders in the industry to safeguard the well-being of the public who consume their content.
The event featured the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu; Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shuaibu Husseini; President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria, Ope Ajayi; Chairman, Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce; and Association of Nollywood Core Producers’ Board of Trustees member, Alex Eyengho, actors, producers, and directors, among other stakeholders.
The book, An Imperfect Storm: A pandemic and the coming of age of a Nigerian institution, written by the immediate past Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, with his wife Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, is a memoir written like a fast-paced thriller, which will keep you turning the pages, not just because it captures the tense and trying COVID-19 years, but for its down-to-earth narration – peppered with suspense and revelatory intrigue.
Hamzat Lawal
It grips you in an exciting ride to that climactic realisation that, perhaps, the unseen hands of the Almighty Creator had prepared an ordinary hardworking Nigerian to lead his compatriots in a life-or-death fight against a strange pandemic of global dimension.
In this book of 27 chapters, divided into four distinct periodic and thematic parts (The Gathering; Synchronicity; Attenuation; and Full Circle), there is so much information crammed into 263 pages, that anyone from any discipline would certainly encounter a key that opens the door to personal reflection.
Granted, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all of us, and so could be the common denominator for every reader. But I am persuaded to believe that there is something magnetic about a man and or a woman that carries on a mission with passion. Ihekweazu’s single-minded devotion to his life work and professional calling, as depicted in every fabric of the account, sparks a light that warms the reader from the beginning to the end. He was able to take us on a virtual reality ride into his personal life, the way only a gifted storyteller could do.
In chapter seven “Blueprint for fighting pandemics”, I felt goose pimples as I read his experience during the 2017 meningitis outbreak in Northwest Nigeria, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. He narrated how the lack healthcare infrastructure caused ‘scales of idealism to fall from his eyes’.
“Centre’s providing care were comprised of essentially of people, even children, being treated underneath trees whose branches held infusion bottles, the intravenous lines swaying carelessly in the wind while attached to the patients,” he recalled.
I could relate. This was almost the exact picture of the situation when I worked in Bagega, Zamfara State in 2010, during the lead poisoning public health emergency. In fact, I chuckled when I read that when images of children receiving medication under the shade provided by trees were published on the front pages of most dailies, without the expected outrage.
He expected condemnation and a demand for accountability; but there no none. He was shocked that there was no public outcry and no allocation of resources to address the situation. This was the exact sense of outrage that overwhelmed me in Bagega which led to the #SaveBagega campaign when I demanded for fiscal transparency in government’s intervention in the endangered community back in 2011.
Then, 10 years later, I activated the same #FollowTheMoney campaign to ensure that monies budgeted for COVID-19 were deployed transparently.
An Imperfect Storm ushers you into the life of a man and his mission. Starting from the cradle in Hamburg, Germany, to the classroom in Nsukka, Nigeria, we encounter a boy who initially wanted to be like his medical doctor father; and who, after doing all in his power to specialise as a surgeon, was finally pushed by fate to public health. The same fate joined him with a life partner who helped shape his career, from London to Johannesburg, and then to Abuja when he was appointed to head the infant Nigeria Center for Disease Control.
In 2016 when he assumed office, the NCDC had no legal mandate as a government establishment (which means no funds to function); had no strategic plan; had less than seventy staff; had no website; and had no reference laboratory. Hence, An Imperfect Storm, solves the riddle of how such a fledgling institution with a ragtag staff and scanty infrastructure was able to seamlessly morph into the well-oiled machine that drove Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the space of three years.
During the uncertain days of the pandemic, those updates from NCDC to our phones and social media handles had a soothing effect on the jarred psyche of anxious Nigerians. One never, for one moment, imagined that the agency was actually a baby in the bureaucratic world – now being forced to become an emergency mother to all of us.
In the chapter “The interface of politics and policy” the book, through a concise and clear narrative, like surgical blades, wades through the conspiracies that defined the lockdown days in 2020, especially the one surrounding the COVID-19 related death of late Chief of Staff to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari.
Indeed, one could say that the book is the first authoritative account dispelling several pandemic-related conspiracies – including the one about the Infectious Diseases Bill.
Similarly, in chapter 15, “The consonance between clinicians and academics”, we see how the pressure inflicted by the pandemic – dying patients, stalled economies and public panic – set off medical quackery that dominated global conversations and nearly derailed response efforts. In Nigeria there were three major waves of such “fixes” and pseudo-scientific theories. They were the hydroxychloroquine theory; the Madagascar cure; and the zinc and ivermectin medications.
An Imperfect Storm makes it clear that it was not only about contact tracing, testing and isolation; the NCDC and its indefatigable staff led by a determined public health expert must have to communicate with the right tone, language, and message, that informed Nigerians of the situation while allaying their fears and providing reassurances.
In the book, I saw a man who was able to show that managing the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic was indubitably the most difficult professional challenge he had faced in his career. I also saw a woman giving all in her world to support her husband, and enable him achieve to optimum capacity in service to nation. It is a tale of love, fear, faith, service and patriotism woven into one buffet of literal clarity.
Personally, I was inspired to discover that I share similar leadership philosophy and style with the author. Just like Ihekweazu revealed, I also see my staff as colleagues, and I always make them, “forget that I’m the DG/CEO”. I want their opinion, to understand their motivation and assess their understanding of their responsibilities.
Additionally, the chapter on “Bureaucratic battles” was a mirror of sort to see my own career and the challenges I faced as a young Nigerian perceived by some ‘elders’ to be trying too hard to make a change. Ihekweazu, with his progressive and inclusive methods at the NCDC, came face to face with some reactionary forces that did not want him to shake the table, so to speak. As he wrote, “whispers circulating along the corridors of the ministry indicated that I was a ‘young’ man who was ‘pushing too hard’ and not ‘carrying everyone along’”.
Fortunately, with his actions, appearance, strategic planning and commitment to excellence, he was able to deliver results and establish the NCDC as one of the most respected public health agencies in the world, leading to more countries following Nigeria’s lead in setting up a national public health institute.
What was left out? I feel the memoir is incomplete without the Ihekweazu’s taking us into their vision for a personal project (Foundation) that would leverage their experience and networks to give a legacy value to their country, Nigeria. Secondly, I must mention that his alternating time-line style of writing has a dramatic effect that could be better explored through a movie script in order for his COVID-19 story to go beyond a documentary.
All things considered, An Imperfect Storm is worth a space in every library in the nation and beyond. Importantly, as the World Health Organisation just declared the MPox an international health emergency, we now have a resource in An Imperfect Storm to guide us as the threat evolves.
By Hamzat Lawal
Hamzat Lawal (Hamzy!) is a renowned activist and campaigning currently mobilising, organising and leading a group of young people in bringing needed changes across African communities using Follow The Money. He is currently the Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE)
The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion.
NNPC officials briefing the media at the World Press Conference in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024
In a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr. Umar Ajiya, said the release of the AFS is a testament to the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Ajiya stated.
Ajiya added that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltd’s commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the Company’s shareholders.
Explaining that the NNPC Ltd will announce Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, Ajiya also debunked claims on subsidy payment, saying the Company was only taking care of the shortfall on PMS importation between it and the Federation.
Speaking earlier at the press conference, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure, said that the excellent performance came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, the commitment of the Board, Management and staff of the company.
Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with PIA 2021 provisions.
In her remarks at the briefing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said with improvements witnessed as a result of the renewed vigour in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, NNPC Ltd is targeting 2 million barrels per day crude oil production by the the end of the year.
On the current fuel queues in parts of Lagos and the FCT, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr. Dapo Segun appealed for understanding from Nigerians, saying that the the Company is working with relevant stakeholders to address the distribution, evacuation and logistics challenges.
It will be recalled that, in 2021, NNPC declared profit in its operations for the first time. From a loss position of N803 billion in 2018, it reduced the loss further down to N1.7 billion in 2019.
However, in 2020, it posted its ‘first ever’ profit of N287 billion, then in 2021, it recorded a N674.1 billion profit and in 2022, the profit grew to N2.548, an unprecedented achievement in its financial performance. The N3.297 trillion profit declared for 2023 is the highest since the Company’s inception, 46 years ago.
Local farmers have lauded the drop in food prices for the month of July 2024 as reported by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Agriculture
The farmers, in separate interviews, also called for the sustainability of the price-drop.
Mr Femi Oke, Southwest Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said the palliatives of the Federal Government to the sector also aided the drop in the food prices.
“It is laudable that the food inflation rate dropped in the month as reported by the NBS. It is good that the government is now taking cognisance of agriculture.
“The palliatives to the farmers and subsidisation of agro-inputs by the government has really been helpful this period. Their prices have been subsidised by the government,” Oke said.
He also noted: “We were also pre-informed on when to begin our farming because of effect of climate change. So, this helped most farmers prevent loss of crops and capital.
“With these measures the government has put in a place for the benefit of the sector, we are not surprised the prices came down a bit in the month of July.
“If the government continues with its palliative measures, definitely drop-in food inflation rates will be sustainable.
“With the introduction of mechanised farming that the government is promoting there is no way a farmer cannot produce all year round if he so desires.
“The reason we were not able to produce all year round is because of the nonchalant attitude previously paid to the agriculture sector,” AFAN chairman said.
According to Oke, the price of tomatoes and habenero pepper also known as “Ata rodo” has drastically dropped, compared with previous months.
“Some state governments have also started giving interventions and helping various value-chains in the agriculture sector.
“We, however, need enough extension service agents to help educate farmers on adequate farming techniques for greater yields.
“They should be educated on seed varieties, soil tests, application of fertilisers and agrochemicals, to help increase yields,” he said.
Mr Mojeed Iyiola, Lagos State Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), also urged the government to put in more efforts for food price stability.
“The reason for the drop-in food inflation rate in July is largely because of the harvest season as attested to by local farmers.
“However, after some time if adequate measures are not put in place and sustained, we may return to status quo.
“Two tubers of yams were sold at N5000 last week and this week, but weeks ago one tuber sold for as high as N7,000. This price drop is only sustainable for a while because of the harvests.
“However, to a limited extent the government’s palliatives to the sector have also contributed to the drop in some food prices.
“We hope the government’s intervention in the sector will be sustainable, so we do not experience a price reduction just for few weeks and price hike in later weeks.
“We need a programme that will cushion the effect of the issues prompting food hike at least for a period of time,” Iyiola said.
He also reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems, to ensure consistent harvests.
“We also need to invest in irrigation systems due to inadequate rainfall, to achieve continuous harvests.
“Irrigation systems will help us ensure timely harvests, to stabilise food prices.
“If majority of local farmers are waiting for the rains, then this will be disastrous to food prices,” the PAN chairman said.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has inaugurated a 40 Kilowatts peak solar hybrid mini grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A solar mini-grid system
The project, which was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call 2 programme, will provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity for the community members.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, said that residents of Rafinzurufi community would experience socioeconomic transformation like never before.
The minister, represented by her Special Adviser, Mr Michael Bawa, said that access to sustainable electricity would create opportunities and possibilities to previously unconnected citizens.
“This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programmes,” she said.
The REA Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, said that the project reiterated the agency’s commitment to electrifying rural communities.
Abba, represented by Mrs Doris Uboh, Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, said that the mini grid would brighten the community.
“Today, as we officially inaugurate this mini grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community but unlocking opportunities for all,” he said.
Mr Anayo Okenwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Nato Tropical Technology Limited, said that the project would reverse rural urban migration.
According to him, the community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings.
“We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank REA for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” he said.
The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, represented by Mr Muhammad Gasheda, congratulated the people of Rafinzurfi. Giri appreciated the community’s support and cooperation during the implementation of the project.
“It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.
On his part, the Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, said that the project had made the community to believe in the promises of the Federal Government.
“Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” he said.
