The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised disaster management stakeholders to proper waste management and flood preparedness in Abia State.
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
The sensitisation and public awareness campaign organised by NEMA Owerri Operations in Umuahia on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, had the stakeholders engage in panel discussion on waste management.
It was tagged “Awareness campaign on waste management and flood disaster, mitigation and response programme”.
The stakeholders were drawn from the ministries of Environment, Health, Works, Housing, security agencies, Nigerian Red Cross Society, civil society organisations and others.
The participants, who discussed critical issues concerning waste management and flood disaster, called for attitudinal change among the people in order mitigate the impact.
In a speech, the Head of Operations, NEMA Owerri/Abia, Mr Nnandi Igwe, said that improper disposal and inefficient recycling practices had led to overflowing landfills, polluted oceans, and compromised ecosystem.
He said that it was crucial to educate the communities on the importance of waste reduction and proper disposal.
According to him, waste management and flood disaster mitigation are intertwined challenges that demand immediate attention and concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
He called on the stakeholders to collaborate with NEMA in order to build a future “where waste is managed sustainably, and communities are resilient in the face of floods.”
Also in a remark, Dr Sunday Jackson, the Executive Secretary of Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that effective preparedness would lead to prompt response when disaster occurred.
He commended NEMA for the sensitisation exercise, saying that the state had been affected by flood devastation.
The SEMA boss disclosed that 2024 flooding had already claimed five lives in Obingwu Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
He expressed gratitude to Gov. Alex Otti for being supportive to issues pertaining to disaster management in the state.
“I describe him as a disaster management-friendly governor because of his actions in disaster curtailment activities,” Jackson said.
A two-month series of extreme fitness challenges designed to show the arduous work of wildlife rangers launched on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, World Ranger Day, to raise millions of dollars to conserve Africa’s natural landscapes.
A team of Nigeria National Park rangers. The wildlife ranger challenge is said to be about honouring rangers
The wildlife ranger Challenge connects over 170 wildlife ranger teams from 24 African countries and symbolises the growing movement of global solidarity with the wildlife ranger profession. Teams participate in a series of mental and physical challenges that culminated September 21, 2024, in a multi-nation half-marathon across some of Africa’s most remote and beautiful landscapes.
The Challenge is organised by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) with support from founding donor, the Scheinberg Relief Fund. Launched in 2020, the event has already raised more than $18.5 million to support more than 13,300 wildlife rangers who together protect more than 60 million hectares across Africa – an area larger than Kenya.
Africa’s wildlife rangers are tasked with the daunting role of protecting species and endangered ecosystems and endure harsh conditions, long hours, and immense risks, while facing underfunding, threats, and challenging working environments.
The wide-ranging duties of a wildlife ranger are not often understood. Responsibilities incorporate anti-poaching operations and law-enforcement, but also include habitat monitoring, environmental education, fire management, dog training, ecological research, intelligence gathering, the collaring of wildlife and removal of snares, assisting injured animals and acting as emergency first-responders for local civilians.
The Challenge aims to elevate the wildlife ranger profession, showcase their diverse roles and challenges, raise funds for their crucial conservation work, and build a supportive community among participants.
Precious Malapane, Operations Manager, K9 Unit Ranger and Dog Trainer of Southern African Wildlife College, said: “The wildlife ranger Challenge is about honouring Rangers, who work as nature’s eyes and ears. The more funds that are raised through WRC, the more boots on the ground there will be to protect the natural world. It is our duty to make sure we protect wildlife for future generations. I don’t want my children to know about Rhino from photographs. They need to see them alive, free and walking on the savanna.”
The cornerstone of a ranger’s role is liaison with local communities. Rangers act as diplomats, educators, intermediaries and peacekeepers, educating local people as to the broad benefits of wildlife conservation and encouraging them to live peacefully alongside endangered wildlife.
Charlie Mayhew OBE, Founder and President of Tusk, said: “We all know this is a critical time in the story of life on Earth. In less than 50 years we have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. This loss of nature and biodiversity profoundly affects us all: we depend on it for survival. One pragmatic strategy to help halt the loss of nature is to fully recognise, respect and invest in the vital work of wildlife rangers: thousands of brave men and women who work as guardians of vast areas of the planet’s land and water.”
Despite the vital nature of their varied work with both wildlife and people, the wildlife ranger profession is not fully understood. To be a ranger in Africa is to carry out hazardous and sometimes life-threatening work. They face threats to life from armed poachers and illegal wildlife trafficking networks, as well as attacks from predatory animals: violence, injury, disease and death are not uncommon in the line of duty.
Rangers endure tropical diseases, dehydration, bushfires and the isolating effects of long periods away from home. There is also a critical lack of insurance cover for rangers and their families: 50% of Rangers have no life insurance.
Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of GRAA, said: “Despite the risks they take and the incalculable value of their contribution to conservation, Africa’s wildlife rangers are often undervalued, under-resourced, under-paid and under-equipped. They frequently experience poor working conditions. Long hours, absence of adequate training and the lack of essential equipment such as first aid kits, boots, radios, tents, and vehicles are all too common. In order to protect the planet’s remaining biodiversity, we must fully recognise that wildlife rangers are key workers of conservation and are integral to urgent global efforts to maintain the world’s ecological balance.”
The wildlife ranger Challenge has become a lifeline for Africa’s Rangers. It raises vital matched funds that help to improve working conditions and provide professional training and field equipment.
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “The internationally agreed biodiversity plan of 30×30, would require a huge increase in the number of employed wildlife rangers needed to achieve climate mitigation and biodiversity goals. Focussed events such as the WRC allow Ranger teams to unlock much needed grants and galvanise international support for the profession.”
At the Climate, Conflict and Fragility Summit themed: “From Crisis to Resilience: Charting a Path Forward for Nigeria”, Clean Energy Hub alongside partners sought to proffer probable solutions to issues resulting from climate change and frailties that have resulted into conflicts across the Nigerian society.
R-L: Mohamed Kudu representing Etu Nupe; Bishop Mathew Kukah. Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; Rev. Fr. George Athusani, Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation; and Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training, Dawah Institute of Nigeria, at the Climate, Conflict and Fragility Summit
Organised by Clean Energy Hub in partnership with Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), the event held in Abuja on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Goodwill messages from Rukayat El’ Rufai were received at the summit as she addressed climate and environmental issues.
She said: “Climate change is not merely an environmental issue but also a catalyst for conflict. Food insecurity remains a constant and demands attention. We must prioritise mitigation and collaborative action.”
Key notes were given by Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training at Dawah Institute of Nigeria.
Lemu reiterated that “relationship between climate and conflict is so critical and often misunderstood and taken as simple”.
He stressed that it is better to prevent these issues than deal with the consequences thereafter.
“The environment is the canvass for all plans to materialise and when the canvass is threatened, what is the future of your plans?”
He described trees as self-technologies and 3D food printers, stating that “protecting a tree saves the next generation of trees through their seeds so when you cut a branch from a tree, you should know what you are doing”.
On his part, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, was quick to point out that it is frailties that bring about conflict and not conflict bringing about frailties.
He also said a lack of knowledge of those put by the government in places to handle climate change is also an issue that must be looked into.
“The problem is that of lack of knowledge and good governance as no one looks at a deserving person to be put into positions to address issues of climate change or conflict.”
He further questioned the authority of the government saying, “Does the Nigerian state command the requisite authority to command the loyalty of the citizens? This is because the state no longer has the moral capacity to question the citizens.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it hopes to achieve conversion of one million petroleum vehicles in the country to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027.
CNG station
Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Manager of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) Initiative, made this known at the “Park to Park” CNG Mobilisation Programme and signing of MoU with some conversion centres and distribution of free CNG conversion kits in Abuja.
The programmes were organised by the Pi-CNG.
“We are here to commemorate the handing over the physical conversion materials, especially to our conversion centre partners.
“President Bola Tinubu has given us the mandate, to convert one million commercial vehicles in the next two years.
“Today is just the beginning for this region that include the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi states.
“We are here to handover this conversion kits to different stakeholders like National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and many others.
“We had seven conversion centres last year, but now, we have over 120 across the country. We are also partnering with the private sector to ensure availability of CNG refuelling stations across the country, Oluwagbemi said.
He further explained that the stakeholders would participate in the conversion programme by nominating vehicles of their members to be converted at the centres.
The Pi-CNG Programme Manager said that Nigeria is sitting on a pillow of gas, which is cheaper and more reliable to power transportation.
“It will lead to between 40 and 70 per cent savings for road transport users or operators. The operators will pass on the savings they are realising to the consumers.
“This will lead to reduction in the price of transportation of goods, people and services.
“It is also worthy to note that we are focusing on mass transit which form about 90 per cent of the transport operators.
“But I can assure you that the private sector and some conversion partners are developing financing programmes to enable private sector, especially employee who earn regular salary to be able to get this opportunity as well.
“It will go round, but we are focusing on mass transit. And in the agreement, we have iron clause concerning its utilisation and protection of the materials. We are properly tracking them,” Oluwagbemi said.
He also stressed that there is proper certification to ensure that vehicles are properly converted and reliable, adding that after conversion, the vehicle will be running on petrol and gas alternatively.
“However, our intent is for them to run on gas as the number of gas stations becomes more available in this region”.
Also speaking, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, the Global Vice-President of International Transport Federation, urged members of transport unions and others to use the opportunity and be CNG complaint.
“They should also be patient and support the current administration. By the time the CNG start working, everything will come down including price of transportation and food stuff.”
Similarly, the NARTO National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal, commended Tinubu, adding that the Pi-CNG was a good development.
“This is one of the initiatives of President Tinubu and the initiative is trying to carry all stakeholders along. Please, Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu.”
On May 13, 2024, in line with his commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs, President Tinubu directed the mandatory procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies. The president’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.
Addressing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House, Tinubu affirmed that there is no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by his administration.
“This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people.
“It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead,” he said.
The president further directed the rejection of all memos brought by members of FEC seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.
The Kaduna State Government has unveiled its 10- year climate change policy to tackle the impact of climate change.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State unveiling the Climate Change Policy
Gov. Uba Sani unveiled the policy at the inauguration of the state’s Climate Change Policy and Position Statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Kaduna, the state capital.
According to him, the policy goal is to promote low carbon, climate resilient, gender responsive and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
He said the policy would also guide the government’s decisions on public education, monitoring systems, sustainable development initiatives as well as prepare the state for future climate challenges.
“The 2024 Climate Change Policy is the first in northern Nigeria which will address the increased extreme weather events and aligns with the National Climate Change Policy (2021-2030).
“Developed with input from various stakeholders and supported by organisations like ACReSAL and Lafiya Projects.
“This policy aims to reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience, and integrate climate considerations into state planning,” he said.
Sani called on all the citizens to support the policy for its effective implementation for a climate resilient state.
Earlier in his remark, Balarabe Abbas, Minister of Environment, commended the state’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
He emphasised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations, to drive sustainable solutions.
Abbas urged all the stakeholders to embrace and support the new policy and set an agenda for other states in Nigeria and beyond.
“Together we can achieve our shared climate objectives and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Abubakar Buba, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, revealed that the policy was part of the commitment made by the state at COP 28.
He said that the policy stood as a guide for the ministry’s budget in streamlining its focus towards issues of health, education, agriculture and Persons Living with Disabilities.
In the same vein, Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator ACReSAL, commended the state for the policy, saying it would go a long way in mitigating the effects of climate change in the state.
The University of Ilorin in Kwara State in Nigeria has announced its active participation in the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Programme for 2024, an initiative that aims to empower graduates with entrepreneurial skills and opportunities in the agricultural sector.
The four University of Ilorin winners of the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Programme
Out of eight innovative project proposals presented, four outstanding graduates have been selected as winners. Each winner received an award of N1,500,000 to support their agricultural venture.
The four winners awarded from the University of Ilorin are: Mustapha Ibrahim presented proposal on the Tomato Awakening Project (TAP), Olajire Adekunle Sherif on Catfish production, Oluwadare Ogunmonye for Maize production and Akinboye Anuoluwapo presented a proposal on scaling up his Tomato paste production.
Akinboye Anuoluwapo, one of the winners with his “Tomato Paste production,” expressed his gratitude and aspirations, saying: “I am honoured to be selected as a winner of the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Programme.
“This award will enable me to scale up my tomato cultivation project and contribute to food security in Nigeria. I am grateful for the support and mentorship provided through this programme.”
The event welcomed Mr Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), a key partner in the programme. Mr Odusanya reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria through initiatives like the Graduate Agripreneur Programme.
“The Graduate Agripreneur Programme is a testament to our dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting innovation in agriculture,” said Mr. Odusanya. “We believe in the potential of these graduates to transform the agricultural landscape and drive economic prosperity.”
The graduates were chosen based on their innovative project proposals, commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, and potential for scalability. They will each receive mentorship and support from industry experts to ensure the successful implementation and growth of their ventures.
The award ceremony, held on the university campus at the Faculty of Agriculture, Sasakawa extension hall, was graced by the presence of esteemed stakeholders from the University of Ilorin and BATN Foundation.
Representing the university were: Professor Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN); Professor Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology & Innovation); Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, Registrar, University of Ilorin; Dr. Kamaldeen Omopupa, University Librarian; and the Dean of the faculty of Agriculture, Professor Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole,
Other present stakeholders from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, include the Dean, Dr. Olusegun Adebayo Ojumoola; and Sub-Dean, Mrs. Rahmat Ahmed, Faculty Officer.
Heads of Departments present included Professor Foluke E. Sola-Ojo, Head, Department of Animal Production; Professor M. I. Abubakar, Head, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries; Dr Kehinde O. Affinnih, representing the Head, Department of Agronomy; Dr Kemi F. Omotesho, Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development; Dr O. Ahmed, Head, Department of Crop Protection; and Dr Nusirat A. Sadiku, Head, Department of Forest and Wildlife Resources.
Professor Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), representing the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the significance of the programme.
“We are delighted by the achievements of our graduates in the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Programme,” said Professor Omotesho. “This initiative aligns with our university’s mission to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with practical skills to drive economic growth. We congratulate the winners and look forward to their impactful contributions to the agricultural sector.”
Professor Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, stated the Graduate Agripreneur Programme is a significant step towards achieving this goal, fostering entrepreneurial spirit among its graduates.
The University of Ilorin says it remains committed to providing opportunities for its students to excel and make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.
According to BATN Foundation, it has continued to expand its impact through strategic partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and the government. By scaling up its initiatives, BATN Foundation says it aims to create more opportunities for young Agripreneurs across Nigeria, contributing to entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The Federal Government says the cultivation of climate-resilient crops and livestock will mitigate the impact of climate change in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the 48th Annual Conference of Soil Science Society of Nigeria, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that integrated pest management, nutrient management, and soil testing and analysis would also address the issue of climate change.
The theme of the conference is, “Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for Resilient Food Security System”.
The minister said that soil health was the foundation of sustainable agriculture, adding that climate-smart agriculture was essential for adapting to climate change.
He said that addressing soil degradation and climate change was a fundamental challenge for sustainable agriculture.
Abdullahi said that climate change posed an even greater challenge to the country’s arable land as was noted by President Bola Tinubu in his speech to the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He quoted Tinubu as saying that the challenges to the country’s arable land hounded by desert encroachment in the North, rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion in the South and rainy season brought flooding and displaced multitudes.
“All these challenges require not just a change in tactics and approach but injection of new knowledge, innovations, skills, techniques, technology and value orientation.
“However, the solutions to these problems are within our reach. These solutions include climate-smart practices such as conservation tillage and cover cropping,” he said.
Others Abdullahi said are, agroforestry and reforestation, the cultivation of climate-resilient crops and livestock, integrated pest management and nutrient management, and soil testing and analysis.
The minister said that it was very important to prioritise soil health and climate-smart agriculture, encourage investment from the private sector, and empower smallholder farmers.
The Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday, July 31, urged stakeholders to ensure continuous support to wildlife conservation for environmental sustainability.
2024 World Rangers Day
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said this at the 2024 World Rangers Day celebration.
“I implore us all to renew our commitments to supporting our rangers and protecting our biodiversity to make our environment a better place to live,” Lawal said.
Lawal, who was represented by Mr Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that Nigeria is indeed taking her rightful position in the global space as far as environmental issues are concerned.
“Rangers are the driving force behind the natural solution we seek, they embody hope and resilience in the face of great challenges,” Lawal said.
He advocated for increased budgetary allocations for the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure sufficient resources are available for it to function effectively.
“We must invest in robust policies and frameworks that empower rangers, creating a conducive environment for them to carry out their important work.
“By doing so, we strengthen our collective efforts and acknowledge the indispensable role rangers play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Minister said.
Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator General (CG) of NPS, said that rangers, beyond being skilled and courageous individuals, epitomise the essence of shared responsibility towards the environment.
“They are the foot soldiers in the battle against deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and climate change,” Goni said.
He said that the event is globally and annually celebrated on July 31 by all the 160-member organisations of the International Rangers Federation (IRF) representing around 60,000 rangers in countries across seven regions.
“This year, therefore, marks the 17th annual commemoration in a row since its inception in 2007.
“The theme for the 2024 event is very important and apt, ‘Rangers: The natural solution to achieving the 30 by 30 Biodiversity Targets’.
“It encapsulates the pivotal role that rangers play in safeguarding our natural heritage, joining hands to realise the ambitious global goal of conserving 30 per cent of our planet’s land and oceans by 2030,” Goni said.
Mr Chris Galliers, President IRF, frowned at the death of 140 rangers worldwide.
Galliers, who was represented by Assistant Conservator General, Oladipo Cornelius, said that IRF was determined to reduce death rates of rangers annually.
Mr Temitope Omole, the European Union representative, promised that the union would support all rangers in the ECOWAS region on wildlife conservation.
He assured rangers worldwide of support in the area of trainings and funding for effective performances of their duties.
Highlights of the event was presentations of awards to outstanding rangers, Garki Secondary School students and support to families of deceased rangers.
Access Bank has unveiled its “Switch to Solar” campaign for households and businesses to tackle climate change and promote a friendly and cleaner energy environment.
Solar panels installation
The campaign aims to leverage the rapidly improving economics of solar and storage technologies to enable households, commercial and industrial clients to adopt a cleaner environment.
The bank’s Group Head, Consumer Banking, Njideka Esomeju, said at the launch in Lagos that the campaign would offer consumers a reliable source of electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) and batteries.
Esomeju said that the campaign was in alignment with the bank’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
She said the bank would remain committed to promoting cleaner energy solutions within communities.
L-R-: Toyin Henry-Ajayi, Group Head, Retail Marketing, Communications and Analytics; Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head, Women Banking; Njideka Esomeju, Group Head, Consumer Banking; Bolarinwa Animashaun, Regional Sales Director, Lagos 1; Thelma Luck-Nwoye, Unit Head, Consumer Assets; and Gbenga Sheriff, Head, Risk Management, Environmental and Social Risk, all of Access Bank, during the launch of the bank’s ‘Switch to Solar’ campaign in Lagos
She added that the bank recognised the critical role that renewable energy played in reducing carbon footprints and fostering environmental sustainability.
“We are launching a targeted initiative to facilitate acquisition of solar power products through flexible financing options with the Switch to Solar product,” she said.
Esomeju said the initiative would enable households to have access to solar energy at a reduced cost to be financed by the bank.
She said that the bank was collaborating with accredited vendors across the country.
“We are collaborating with them to ensure that these are got at a good rate. Our aim is to ensure that all households, businesses and industrial factories are powered by solar,” she said.
Mr Gbenga Sheriff, the bank’s Head of Risk Management (Environmental and Social Risk), said the campaign would increase adoption of solar power products in targeted clusters and increase positive environmental impact through reduced carbon emissions.
Sheriff said that the campaign was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
He said the government committed to an unconditional contribution target of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction by 20 per cent and a conditional target of 47 per cent GHG emission reduction below 2018 emissions levels contingent on international support.
Mr Bolarinwa Animashaun, the bank’s Regional Sales Director, Lagos 1, said the “Switch to Solar” initiative followed the bank’s engagements with its customers.
Animashaun said the initiative was in line with the objectives of Economic, Social and Governance Goal 7.
“We needed to assist them to provide alternative ways to power their operations. We all know the cost of electricity,” he said.
He said the product could be acquired without pressure to customers, adding that payment could be made over a period of 48 months.
Animashaun said that an individual salary earner could be able to access N10 million.
The bank’s Group Head of Women Banking, Abiodun Olubitan, said the bank would finance the entire solar products – from panels, inverters and batteries to installation.
“We want to take this awareness, in collaboration with our partners, to the doorsteps of every community around us, one individual at a time and one cluster at a time.
“We also plan to educate people about the benefits of solar energy and its impact on environmental sustainability,” Olubitan said.
She said the campaign had to do with sustainability, social impact and providing finance for customers to purchase and pay over a period of 12 months to 48 months.
Olubitan identified the underserved as a major target market for “Switch to Solar”.
She said that the underserved had about 60 per cent of its population as women.
“We are trying to ensure that this product is also positioned to women’s reach.
“The product will be given to women at a very discounted interest rate to enable them to run their businesses in any scale that they want,” she added.
Switch to Solar by Access campaign will enable businesses to access up to N50 million and individuals, N10 million, for the financing of Solar PV, batteries and inverters along with installation, with about 10 per cent equity contribution on invoice value.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, has urged Nigerians to fight hunger to foster environmental sustainability.
Dr Iziaq Salako, Mr Koffy Kouacou and other delegates at the workshop for project preparation phase of the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP)
Salako said this at a workshop for project preparation phase of the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP) for transformation to sustainable crops, livestock and Aquaculture food systems in Nigeria (Kebbi and Niger states).
“We must tackle frontally the extensive amount of food waste as a resource management issue and a moral imperative to fight hunger, foster environmental sustainability, and aid in securing food security,” he said.
Salako said that managing losses and waste wisely is not only crucial to reducing the hunger experienced by millions suffering from food scarcity but also for the health of the environment.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for today and the future are not compromised, and growth is ensured in a milieu of environmental benefits.
“Our collective decision and action remain the panacea to forge a positive path for the future of agriculture, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for all of us,” the minister reinstated.
Mr Koffy Kouacou, Country Representative of FAO to Nigeria, assured that FAO would continue to support the government of Nigeria in tackling environmental challenges.
According to Kouacou, the project document development will focus on four main components, which are strengthening food systems governance.
“Supporting the introduction and improvement of sustainability standards, financial and risk mitigation products, and incentives for food systems transformation.
“Promoting sustainable and integrated management of landscapes and inclusive value chain enhancing food systems resilience to climate change and other shocks.
“FAO remains committed to supporting the government of Nigeria in achieving its climate action goals,” he assured.
Mr Shehu Muazu, Commissioner for Agriculture in Kebbi, assured that the state would ensure sustainable practices that would secure the environment.
Mr Ibrahim Mami, Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Niger, assured that the state would definitely deliver in the area of livestock.
