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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos has charged students and researchers to maximise opportunities presented by its Plastogas project, an innovative waste-to-energy initiative, to contribute to national development.
Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech)
The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, who gave the charge on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in an interview in Lagos, said that the project focused on converting plastic waste into gas.
Abdul said that improper disposal of plastic waste and lack of efficient recycling infrastructure had led to environmental degradation, causing public health risks.
“Plastogas project is a call to action for students and researchers to contribute to national development by transforming waste into resources,” he said.
The rector said that the initiative would promote a circular economy and sustainable practices.
“It aims to enhance the Nigerian environmental research landscape through inclusive and adaptive innovations; therefore, higher institutions must take the lead in finding innovative solutions,” he said.
He said that the project was being carried out with the support of the French Embassy in Nigeria.
“Beyond providing financial support, the French Government is deeply investing in fostering academic collaboration and research-driven innovations between the country and our institution.
“The proposal by the Yabatech project team emerged as one of the five winners of the French Embassy Fund Project in 2024 entitled: “Plastic Waste Management in Nigerian Campuses,” he said.
The initiative is part of the global effort to combat plastic pollution.
It also aims to support young Nigerian researchers in developing innovative solutions for a healthier environment.
The rector said that the project would address plastic waste pollution, noting that Lagos State experienced significant plastic waste pollution.
“The Plastogas project will have a profound impact on students, fostering skills, awareness and innovation in several key areas.”
He added that it would provide entrepreneurship and employability prospects as well as community engagement.
“The project aims to promote a circular economy by transforming waste into useful products; thus, enhancing sustainability practices.
“The project aligns with Yabatech’s goal of fostering innovation and practical solutions to environmental issues, positioning the college as a leader in sustainable waste management.
“On skill development, the project will train students and stakeholders on plastic waste gasification, briquette manufacturing, upcycling plastics into household items and producing building materials from recycled plastics, thereby equipping them with practical skills,” he added.
United States’ President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% universal tariff on nearly all imported goods, coupled with higher “reciprocal” tariffs targeting specific nations, poses a risk to the U.S. economy and ordinary citizens, but will not affect the energy transition and renewables trade globally, according to an analysis by 350.org.
Renewable energy
The renewables trade had already significantly shifted away from the United States, even before Trump’s tariffs, with most wind and solar equipment manufactured in China. Only 4% of Chinese clean tech exports actually go to the U.S. – in a trade sector where sales volume grew by about 30% last year, this makes the U.S. merely a footnote, not a global player.
Clean energy is a natural price stabiliser – sun and wind, as abundant domestic resources, are not commodities traded on volatile global markets that are prone to economic shocks or political upheaval. They are also now the lowest cost energy sources, both in up front and long-term expenses. With the cost of living a top concern globally – these facts cannot be discounted.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, says: “Trump’s tariffs won’t slow the global energy transition – they’ll only hurt ordinary people, particularly Americans. Despite his claims he ‘gets’ economic policy, his record tells a different story: tariffs are tanking U.S. stocks and fueling inflation. The transition to renewables is unstoppable, with or without him. His latest move does little to impact the booming clean energy market but will isolate the U.S. and drive-up costs for American consumers.”
ANALYSIS
Global Clean Energy Expansion: While advanced economies such as the USA and countries in Europe dominated the renewables market up until a decade ago, emerging and developing economies are projected to account for 70% of solar PV, 60% of wind, and 60% of battery storage market share by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook.
Diminishing U.S. Market Share: The United States now represents a mere 7% of the global market for newly installed solar power plants and an even smaller share of global renewables trade.
China’s Clean Technology Exports: China dominates the manufacturing of wind and solar equipment. China’s exports of clean technology, including solar, wind, and electric vehicles (EVs), have surged independently of Western markets. Only 4% of these exports are destined for the U.S., compared to 15% for China’s overall exports.This renders US tariffs ineffective to significantly curb a market where sales volume grew about 30% in 2024.
Tariffs’ Impact on U.S. Consumers: Historical data indicates that tariffs imposed during President Trump’s first term were largely passed on to consumers, leading to increased prices on everyday goods. Indicators of the first weeks of his presidency indicate rising inflation, and poor economic performance will harm the US economy and ordinary citizens.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called for a collaboration and a stronger working relationship between the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Federal Ministry of Power, especially in addressing challenges in the power sector.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu (left), with President, NSE, Margret Aina Oguntala
Adelabu made the call in Abuja during the visit of the NSE, led by its President, Margret Aina Oguntala, to discuss areas of collaboration between the NSE and the Ministry. The discussion further centred on strategic partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and the crucial role of NSE in providing technical advisory support to the Ministry on power-related issues.
According to the Minister, considering the number of engineers that the country has produced, Nigeria should have migrated from the engineering related problems facing the nation, especially in the power sector.
He challenged engineers in the country to take the issue of training seriously, encourage and be role models for the younger generation to enable them to show more interest in the profession while also assuring the NSE of willingness to work closely with the Society in addressing some of the challenges in the power sector.
“Let me thank you and your executive members for your visit to me and to the Power Ministry. There is no way to separate the Power Ministry from the NSE because most of our works here are engineering -related, so there is a natural relationship between us. But the issue is that, has this relationship crystallised to mutual benefits? Has the ministry benefitted from the competence of the NSE members to impact the power infrastructure in the country in the supply of a stable, functional, and reliable power?
“I want to challenge the body to let your activities impact on the efficiency of the critical infrastructure of the ministry. In this, you must be seen to have lived up to your responsibility. We have so many engineers in Nigeria, yet our power infrastructure is still like this. NSE was established in 1958, that is about 67 years ago and yet we are still having grid collapse, so what are our engineers doing? Should it be like this? The answer is definitely, no.”
While reviewing the activities of the Federal Government since the present administration took over, the Minister noted that it took Nigeria nearly 40 years to increase from 2000 megawatts in 1984 to 4000 megawatts that Nigeria had as at 2022, adding that less than two years of the present administration, this has increased to 6003 megawatts. He said though it was not where the country should be, it showed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on turning around the power sector.
“In 1984, the country generated 2000mw of electrify and this was not increased to 4000mw until about 40 years later around 2022 or so. We are about two years now, but we have been able to increase it to 6000 megawatts and this can be attributed to the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the realisation of the importance of the sector as a major factor to galvanise the economy,” the Minister said.
He advised the NSE to focus on the challenges besetting infrastructural development, saying that such efforts to develop the country is the way to show patriotism and nationalism.
“It is a slight on us if we cannot address these challenges, so I’m calling on your society to let us work together in addressing Nigeria’s problems, using your expertise. The ministry, does not give jobs out without such a company being a member of your society.
“We are not like any other ministry or government agency; the power sector is unique. So, on our part, we are fulfilling our obligations to you but you have not reciprocated this to us.”
Adelabu also emphasised the importance of manpower development, training and enjoined the NSE to take it seriously.
“I also want the NSE to take the issue of training very seriously. The profession needs constant training and retraining. We have a very vibrant training institute, the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) that you can partner with in this aspect of training. It is unfortunate that the issue of training has been relegated to the background. The last crop of our engineers that were trained were those from the old National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). We must go back to that era of rigorous training of our engineers.”
Also, on manpower development and local capacity building, the Minister called for collaboration with the Federal Government.
“We must be able to produce all the materials we need in our power sector locally. This will promote employment, patronage for our local industries and companies and help us to conserve our foreign exchange. You must also provide mentorship for the young ones coming behind you so that they can look up to you in the profession.
“In our younger days as accountants, we were always looking up and aspiring to be like the doyen of accountancy in the country like Chief Akintola Williams, the Dafinones. So, you have a responsibility to provide that leadership to keep those coming behind you focused,” he said.
In her remarks, the NSE president promised that the body would take up the challenges by the Minister and assured of NSE’s commitment to contributing technical expertise toward improving Nigeria’s power sector, fostering innovation, and enhancing capacity development within the industry.
