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NEITI hails Seplat Energy’s entrance into EITI

Michael Simire
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NEITI hails Seplat Energy’s entrance into EITI

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has welcomed Seplat Energy Plc as the first independent, strictly private sector-led Nigerian company to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Seplat Energy
Seplat Energy officials

This milestone comes a few years after the NNPC Ltd., Nigeria’s national oil company, took a similar bold step, reaffirming the country’s commitment to openness and accountability in the extractive sector.

This is contained in a statement by NEITI Ag. Director, Communication and Stakeholders Management, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Abuja.

Onuorah commended Seplat Energy for demonstrating leadership in corporate transparency, accountability, and responsible resource governance.

She said by voluntarily aligning with the EITI’s global principles, Seplat Energy had reinforced its commitment to high standards of corporate governance, ethical business conduct, and sustainable development.

“As an EITI Supporting Company, Seplat Energy will be expected to publicly endorse and promote EITI principles in Nigeria and globally disclose material payments and other financial transactions in line with EITI’s reporting standards.

“It is expected to support NEITI’s industry reforms and participate actively in policy engagements encourage contract transparency, beneficial ownership disclosure, and environmental, social, and governance reporting.

“Engage with stakeholders, including civil society, government, and other industry players, to foster trust and accountability.

“By joining the EITI, Seplat Energy stands to gain numerous advantages, including demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability elevates the company’s standing among industry peers and stakeholders,” she said.

She added that transparent operations could lead to increased trust from investors, potentially facilitating better access to finance while active engagement with governments, civil societies, and local communities could fosters trust and smoother operations.

On risk management, she said transparency in operations could help in identifying and mitigating risks related to corruption and governance issues.

Onuorah said it would ensure that all companies adhere to the same transparency standards to promote fair competition.

“Seplat will be joining other Notable companies that have embraced the EITI as supporting entities including Pertamina: Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company, and the first in Southeast Asia to support EITI and NNPC Ltd. to enhance transparency in its operations.

“With this fundamental step, NEITI expects other indigenous companies in the oil, gas, and solid minerals sectors to emulate the bold and courageous example set by Seplat Energy by embracing the EITI as a Supporting Company.

“This is a common practice among resource-rich countries in the developed world and remains a key indicator of corporate responsibility in the extractive sector,” she said.

The decision by Seplat Energy to join the EITI is also a bold statement on the visible impacts of EITI implementation in Nigeria and the work of NEITI in fostering openness, efficiency, and value optimisation in the industry.

This development presents a significant opportunity for Seplat Energy to deepen its collaboration with NEITI, through structured engagements under the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group, Oil Producers Trade Section and the NEITI-Companies Forum.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Centre enlightens women farmers on climate-smart agriculture, agroecology

Michael Simire
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Centre enlightens women farmers on climate-smart agriculture, agroecology

The International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) has trained 100 women farmers in FCT and its environs on climate-smart agriculture and agroecology practices.

Women
Women farmers

Speaking at the event on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Abuja, Dr Ndudi Bowei, Consulting Partner for ICEHD, said the initiative aimed to help women farmers adapt to the problem of climate change.

Bowei said the initiative aimed to help women farmers adapt to the problem of climate change.

She said that the initiative which was in collaboration with the Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF) aimed to help women farmers adapt to the problem of climate change.

She explained that the training would also help the women to apply adaptation practices that would enable them to adapt to the problem of climate change.

Bowei said that the training would also assist the women to mitigate the impact of climate change on themselves as farmers and on their incomes.

She said that the women farmers were taught on how to grow their farm businesses, how to process their produce, package, label and export them.

”So from this training, they are going to increase their knowledge of smart agriculture, everything that has to do with climate agriculture.

”Now climate change is affecting women farmers terribly, starting from the dryness of the soil to the reduction in the nutrients in the soil.

”We want to teach women to produce tomorrow. We also have farming tools and implements we want to give them.

“When a woman has economic power,” Bowei said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Oloruntosin Taiwo, National Coordinator, ROSF, said that the initiative sought to get stability for widow farmers.

”We have our widows that are also farmers. So what we hope to achieve working with ICEHD is to get stability for our widows farmers.

”So from this training, they are going to increase their knowledge of smart agriculture and everything that has to do with climate agriculture, so that even as they have a change in the climate, their produce is not affected.

”We want them to be able to take care of themselves and their children,” she said.

In a presentation, Mrs Iyabo Mustapha, Assistant Director, Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services underscored the importance of agriculture.

Mustapha said that information was important when talking about climate -smart agriculture.

She urged participants to incorporate climate – smart agriculture practices into farming to maintain its productivity.

At the end of the training, the women were empowered with farming inputs and implements, which included solar powered irrigation pumping machines, knapsack sprayers, sprinklers, bio-fertiliser among others.

Speaking, Mrs. Comfort Peter and Ruth Sunday beneficiaries of the initiative appreciated ICEHD and the foundation for the donation and pledged to utilise the training and farm tools given to them.

By Doris Esa

Expert outlines causes, measures to mitigate flood in Yobe

Michael Simire
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Expert outlines causes, measures to mitigate flood in Yobe

An environmental expert, Dr Babagana Boso, has called on stakeholders in Yobe to take urgent action to mitigate flood risks as the rainy season approaches.

Mai Mala Buni
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State

Boso, who works in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Yobe State University, made the call at a six-day workshop on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

The workshop was organised by Plan International, with support from the Zurich Foundation.

Boso highlighted global warming and climate change as key factors contributing to extreme weather events, such as increased rainfall intensity in West Africa.

“Global warming trends indicate a 1.1°C increase since pre-industrial times, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects increased rainfall intensity in this region,” he said.

Boso also outlined local causes of increased flooding in Yobe, including deforestation, poor land management, and rapid urbanisation.

 He added that the loss of vegetation cover and unsustainable agricultural practices exacerbate flood risks.

“Increased impermeable surfaces and inadequate drainage systems in urban areas further worsen the situation,” Boso added.

The environmental expert highlighted the severe impact of flooding on communities, which includes displacement, loss of homes and livelihoods, and agricultural damage.

Additionally, flooding results in the destruction of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.

“The socio-economic consequences of flooding are dire.

“Food insecurity arises due to crop and livestock losses, poverty worsens due to the loss of livelihoods, and there is an increased burden of diseases and malnutrition,” Boso said.

He urged government agencies, environmental organisations, and local communities to implement proactive measures to mitigate flooding.

Boso said some of the measures to include afforestation programmes, improved land-use planning, and the construction of proper drainage systems.

Stakeholders at the workshop emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events in Yobe.

By Ahmed Abba

WHO official dismisses rumors about new virus in Russia

Michael Simire
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WHO official dismisses rumors about new virus in Russia

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) country office in Russia, Batyr Berdyklychev, has dismissed rumors about a new virus in the country, local media reported Friday, April 4, 2025.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

The WHO representative in Moscow has confirmed that the recent suspected cases in Russia were caused by the known bacterial infection of mycoplasma pneumonia, the report said.

Berdyklychev said that the WHO had requested related data from Russian authorities in response to the reports of patients coughing up blood.

“Following investigations, including laboratory confirmation, it was determined that the five reported cases in Moscow and the Moscow region were caused by mycoplasma pneumonia.

“This is not a new virus, and the number of cases does not pose an increased epidemiological risk,” he said.

Berdyklychev said the WHO has established effective collaboration with Russia’s Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare.

“This is a very good example of the fact that the Russian Federation has set up a reliable epidemiological surveillance system.”

Philippines expresses alarm over rising adult tobacco, vape use

Michael Simire
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Philippines expresses alarm over rising adult tobacco, vape use

The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, April 4, 2025, expressed alarm over the increasing prevalence of adult tobacco and vape use, highlighting that the country continues to battle nicotine addiction.

Vaping and smoking
Between vaping and smoking

“Nicotine addiction from tobacco products remains a critical public health challenge in the Philippines,” said the health agency.

According to the 2023 national nutrition survey, tobacco use among adults aged 20 to 59 has risen from 19 per cent in 2021 to 24.4 per cent.

The DOH emphasised that tobacco use was a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over eight million annual deaths are attributed to tobacco.

In the Philippines, the top three causes of death, heart attacks, cancer, and strokes are all linked to tobacco use.

The country has also recorded its first case of a vaping-related death, involving a 22-year-old athletic male with no prior history of smoking, who developed vaping-associated lung injury after starting at an early age.

Ojulari takes over from Kyari, pledges to consolidate on predecessor’s achievements

Michael Simire
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Ojulari takes over from Kyari, pledges to consolidate on predecessor’s achievements

The new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has officially taken over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Mr. Mele Kyari.

NNPC
L-R: Former Group CEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari in a warm handshake with the new GCEO, Mr. Bayo Ojulari shortly after a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers, Abuja on Friday

In a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Friday, April 4, 2025, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC Ltd and his sterling service to the nation.

He disclosed that the objective of his management was to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

He said though the targets set for his management were quite enormous, he would be relying on the co-operation of the Management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.

“I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari told Kyari.

Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the Management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

He pledged to do everything within his power to support the new Management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

In a related development, following the appointment of the new GCEO and Board of Directors, the NNPC Ltd. also announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.

The team which would be headed by the GCEO, has Mr. Rowland Ewubare as the Group Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Adedapo Segun as the Group Chief Financial Officer; and Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power and New Energy.

Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer.

According to the NNPC, all appointments are with immediate effect.

Imo lawmakers advocate flood prevention measures

Michael Simire
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Imo lawmakers advocate flood prevention measures

The Imo State House of Assembly on Thursday, April 3, 2025, urged relevant government agencies to take proactive measures to prevent obstructions in waterways and ensure the free flow of floodwaters during the rainy season.

Imo State House of Assembly
Imo State House of Assembly

The resolution was made during a plenary session following a motion moved by Mr. Kingsley Ozurumba (APC-Isu).

Ozurumba noted that climate change and its challenges have remained a global concern, causing weather inconsistencies due to the depletion of the ozone layer, which leads to floods and other extreme weather conditions.

He added that Imo, as part of the global community, has faced its own challenges arising from adverse weather conditions, resulting in the destruction of lives and property.

He further noted that the state government had established solid flood control infrastructure in Owerri metropolis, including the deployment of balloon technology for flood management.

He also recalled that the government had procured waste evacuation trucks and other specialised vehicles and equipment to maintain a clean environment.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the balloon technology would not be effective unless residents adopted responsible waste disposal practices and ensured the proper clearing of waterways and canals.

He called on relevant government agencies to strategise and prepare ahead of the rainy season to prevent emergency situations that could lead to loss of lives and property due to flooding.

“There should be public sensitisation and mobilisation of the people to take responsibility for cleaning their environment to prevent the blockage of waterways. No infrastructure should be built on waterways or water canals,” he said.

He urged the House to direct the Commissioner for Environment and relevant agencies to engage Imo residents in clearing their surroundings.

This, he added, would prevent obstructions in waterways and canals, ensuring the free flow of floodwaters.

Supporting the motion, Mr. Sam Osuji (APC-Isiala Mbano) commended the governor for providing amenities to combat flooding, including a drainage system that is “second to none.”

He added that the people needed reorientation to ensure that the state does not experience the same challenges as in previous rainy seasons.

Also supporting the motion, Mr. Kanayo Onyemaechi (APC-Owerri West) stated that the governor had prioritised drainage, noting that flooding had reduced since the installation of the balloon drainage system.

He also condemned the indiscriminate disposal of refuse by residents, stating that it was a major contributor to the flooding issue in the state.

Following further contributions and votes in favour of the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele), ruled in favour of the motion’s prayers.

He directed the Clerk, Mrs. Chinelo Emeghara, to convey the resolution to the relevant government agencies.

By Ugonne Uzoma

Tropical forests struggling to keep pace with climate change – Researcher

Michael Simire
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Tropical forests struggling to keep pace with climate change – Researcher

Tropical forests in the Americas are struggling to keep pace with climate change, sparking concerns about their long-term survival, the University of Adelaide said in a news release on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest

Sami Rifai, a lecturer from the University of Adelaide, warned that, by 2100, temperatures could rise up to 4 degrees Celsius and rainfall could drop 20 per cent.

This is pushing forests further out of balance and making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events.

An international study involving more than 100 scientists and local partners, provides key insights for conservationists working to protect tropical rainforests, which are vital for global climate regulation and biodiversity.

However, their ability to adapt to climate change remains limited.

“Due to how rapidly climate change is altering temperature and precipitation patterns, tree communities are responding too slowly to remain in equilibrium with their environment,’’ Rifai said.

In spite of the decades of climate change, the study found that tree communities have shifted less than 8 per cent of what is needed to keep pace with changing environmental conditions.

He said that this slow adaptation threatens biodiversity, and a critical role rainforests play in climate regulation.

The research team analysed over 250,000 trees from 415 permanent forest plots spanning Mexico to southern Brazil, assessing how different species are responding to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.

This is according to the study published recently in Science.

By identifying which tree species are struggling or thriving under these changes, scientists hoped to inform conservation actions and the allocation of funding, said Jesus Aguirre-Gutierrez.

Aguirre-Gutierrez is from the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute, who led the research.

Gombe to experience 107 to 140 days of rainfall, says NiMet

Michael Simire
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0
Gombe to experience 107 to 140 days of rainfall, says NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that, in 2025, the length of rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 140 days.

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State

This is contained in the Agency’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document made available in Gombe, the state capital, on Thursday, April 3, by Mr. Gayus Musa, the Meteorological Manager for Gombe State.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2025 is predicted to be between 606 mm in the Northern part of the state (Nafada) and 789 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 27 (Shongom) and cease by November 3 (Yamaltu/Deba).

According to the document, the length of the season forecast for the state is expected to be mostly normal; however, parts of the state are likely to have below normal length of season in 2025.

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye are likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above).

Musa advised farmers in the state to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses.

He stated that the performance of rainfall prediction by NiMet in 2024 was 94 per cent, noting that farmers and other stakeholders could rely on the prediction for their activities.

Musa further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with rainy season.

He commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for his administration’s commitment to tackling challenges associated with climate change through massive tree planting campaigns, reclaiming erosion sites and desilting of drainages.

By Peter Uwumarogie

111 environmental groups call for ban on ocean fossil fuel exploration

Michael Simire
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111 environmental groups call for ban on ocean fossil fuel exploration

No fewer than 100 environmental organisations have called for an immediate ban on oil and gas exploration in the oceans ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June 2025.

Nicolas Entrup
Nicolas Entrup

In an open letter on Wednesday, April 2, the 111 groups emphasised that the ongoing search for fossil fuels in the seabed threatened marine ecosystems, adding that the UNOC3 must be a “moment of action”.

According to Nicolas Entrup from OceanCare, who initiated the open letter, these activities cause some of the most intense noise in our seas, with severe and even deadly impacts on marine life from the smallest plankton to large whales.

He noted that healthy oceans were crucial to combating the worst impacts of climate change and that the letter represented a call for coherence between climate and ocean policies.

”European governments could play a leading role in this effort, as France, Spain, and Portugal had already banned new oil and gas exploration,” he said.

The UNOC3 conference, scheduled for between June 9 and 13 in Nice, would be expected to address these critical issues and develop agreements to protect the ocean.

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