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Group questions Plateau’s commitment in early warning amid Jos flooding

Michael Simire
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Group questions Plateau’s commitment in early warning amid Jos flooding

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental advocacy organisation, has expressed concern over the recent catastrophic flooding that devastated several communities in Jos, Plateau State, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families.

Caleb Mutfwang
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State

In a statement endorsed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all who have suffered losses as a result of the disaster.

“We stand in solidarity with affected communities and call for immediate humanitarian support and long-term sustainable solutions,” he submitted.

While flooding in parts of Nigeria has become a seasonal threat, what remains unacceptable is the persistent lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warning signals by relevant government agencies at both federal and state levels, Nwafor stated, adding that the flooding in Jos is not merely a natural disaster but also a consequence of systemic negligence and poor environmental governance.

He noted: “It is alarming that despite repeated alerts from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasting high flood risks in 2025, little was done to preempt or mitigate the impacts in vulnerable areas like Plateau State. The absence of coordinated early warning dissemination, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and unregulated developments along flood plains are clear indicators of institutional failure.

“FENRAD strongly faults the Plateau State Government and relevant federal agencies for their inertia and poor disaster risk management framework. The lack of political will to implement climate adaptation strategies and enforce environmental regulations has left many communities defenseless in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.”

The group called on the Plateau State Government to:

1. Establish a functional Early Warning and Rapid Response System in collaboration with national agencies and community stakeholders.

2. Review and enforce urban and environmental regulations, especially in flood-prone zones.

3. Engage in sustainable drainage and infrastructure development to reduce flood risks.

4. Invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures, including public awareness, ecological restoration, and community-based disaster preparedness.

“We also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to expedite relief efforts, ensure equitable distribution of aid, and begin long-term recovery planning that includes rebuilding with resilience.

“FENRAD remains committed to advocating for environmental justice, sustainable development, and accountable governance. We will continue to monitor the situation and push for policy reforms that protect both people and the planet,” stressed the group.

Sponge bathing debate: A look into the effects on skin health

Michael Simire
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Sponge bathing debate: A look into the effects on skin health

Daily sponge bathing is a widespread habit. However, dermatologists warn that using sponges particularly loofahs and synthetic mesh types more than two to three times a week can harm the skin and increase infection risk.

African net bath sponge
African net bath sponge

Skin experts caution that sponges, if not properly cleaned and dried, can harbour harmful microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and mold. These can cause irritation, rashes, and even serious infections.

The topic has sparked debate. While some defend the practice, others share cautionary tales.

Mrs. Amidu, a businesswoman, shared that while sponge use hasn’t seriously affected her, some of her relatives; particularly her grandmother; have experienced negative effects. “Lately, I’ve also felt itchy after using a sponge,” she said.

Miss Oyindamola Abu, who sells wines, said she had to stop using sponges due to itching.

“Each time I bathe with a sponge, especially the normal ones, my body itches terribly. When I stopped using it and just used soap and water, the itching disappeared. But once I resumed, it got worse.”

According to her, she limits sponge use to occasional exfoliation.

African traditional bath sponge
African traditional bath sponge

Others, however, insist that sponge use is necessary based on their daily work.

Mr. Iyiola, a driver, in an interview emphasised that mechanics, bricklayers, and carpenters get really dirty in the course of their work, stressing that water alone can’t clean their bodies, so sponges are essential.

He added, “It’s easy for office workers in AC to skip sponges, but people who sweat and get stained need them. I use a sponge every day – I can’t do without it.”

Mr. Tope Opeyemi, a commuter, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I actually feel lighter and more refreshed after using a sponge.”

Whether for or against, the conversation about sponge bathing continues. Experts advise moderation, but many say the decision ultimately depends on personal skin type, lifestyle, and hygiene preferences.

As the varied testimonies suggest, it’s important for individuals to assess their needs, understand potential risks, and make informed choices about their hygiene practices.

By Omowumi Abraham

Championing wildlife and protected areas in Cameroon

Michael Simire
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Championing wildlife and protected areas in Cameroon

The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation friend of the month, Joseph Lekealem, a dedicated conservation leader who has spent decades working to protect Cameroon’s wildlife and forests. As the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameroon, Joseph’s work plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable coexistence between people and nature. In this feature, Joseph shares insights into his career journey, his passion for conservation, and the critical work being done to protect wildlife and habitats in Cameroon

Joseph Lekealem
Mr. Joseph Lekealem at APAC Congress Kigali

Could you tell us a bit about your current work?

I have the great pleasure of serving as the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. In my role, I oversee wildlife and conservation activities at both the central level and across 36 protected areas in Cameroon. This includes coordinating management plans for protected areas, managing human-wildlife conflicts, overseeing the ivory stockpile, and working closely with government institutions, NGOs, civil society, and local communities. I also ensure that Cameroon fulfils its commitments under key international wildlife and conservation conventions.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I graduated from the University of Dschang in 1996 with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife (Ingénieur des Eaux et Forêts). After my studies, I joined the Government Civil Service, where I’ve served ever since, working in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Prime Minister’s Office, and now in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. Over the years, I’ve participated in several specialised training programmes in countries such as the United States and Botswana, covering topics like wildlife crime investigations, ivory identification and stockpile management, and One Health issues.

I’ve also served as Cameroon’s National Focal Point for several key programmes and conventions, including the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme and agreements under AEWA and CMS. Additionally, I’ve helped coordinate strategic documents and management plans for protected areas, anti-poaching strategies, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and the conservation of species like elephants, lions, giraffes, parrots, and hippopotamuses. Throughout my career, I’ve held positions such as Chief of Service, Sub-Director, Research Officer, and now Director.

What inspired your passion for forest and wildlife conservation?

I grew up in the Mweh community of Lebang in Cameroon’s Southwest Region, where conservation was an integral part of our culture. Our traditional systems strongly emphasised sustainable natural resource management and the protection of sacred forests and cultural sites. My passion deepened during my student internship in 1994 at the Limbe Botanic Garden as part of the Mount Cameroon Project, where I worked on fauna and flora surveys, engaged with local communities, and wrote field reports. That hands-on experience truly sparked my lifelong dedication to conservation.

What are some highlights from your career so far?

Looking back on my career, there have been so many rewarding milestones. I’ve had the privilege of leading the development of management plans for over 15 protected areas, each one a step toward safeguarding Cameroon’s incredible biodiversity. One of my proudest achievements was establishing Cameroon’s National Ivory Stockpile Management System, complete with operational procedures that set a new standard for transparency and accountability.

I’ve also been deeply involved in resolving human-wildlife conflict and driving anti-poaching efforts, while building capacity by training ecoguards, local communities, and government officials. Empowering people to take ownership of conservation has been especially fulfilling, seeing communities actively participate in managing their wildlife resources is truly inspiring.

Beyond our borders, I’ve worked to strengthen transboundary cooperation with countries like Chad, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria, recognising that wildlife knows no boundaries. And on a global scale, I’ve helped ensure Cameroon’s effective participation in key international conventions, while also drafting strategic documents to tackle wildlife crime and protect flagship species. Each of these moments reflects my commitment not just to protecting wildlife, but to building a future where conservation and community thrive side by side.

What advice would you give to the public on helping to conserve wildlife?

I would encourage people to support conservation agencies, work closely with local communities, collaborate with government ministries, and help promote transboundary cooperation. Most importantly, we need sustainable financing mechanisms to keep these initiatives running long-term.

Human-elephant conflict is a growing challenge. What solutions do you recommend?

We need a human-wildlife coexistence strategy and action plan, better land-use planning to reduce conflicts, and less reliance solely on technical mitigation measures or compensation. Addressing the root causes through better planning and coexistence strategies is essential.

 Are you optimistic about human-elephant coexistence in Cameroon?

The Government has taken this issue very seriously, establishing an inter-ministerial committee to address it holistically. I truly believe coexistence is possible with the right strategies in place.

ICCDI enlightens young lawyers, activists on climate justice in Ibadan

Michael Simire
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ICCDI enlightens young lawyers, activists on climate justice in Ibadan

In a significant step towards fostering awareness and action on climate issues, the International Climate Change and Development Institute (ICCDI) recently conducted an enlightening workshop in Ibadan, Nigeria, focused on educating young lawyers and activists about climate justice.

Young lawyers
Participants at the ICCDI enlightening workshop on climate justice in Ibadan

The initiative aimed to empower the next generation of legal professionals and advocates to become effective agents of change in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

The workshop was designed with specific goals in mind, such as:

Enhancing Legal Knowledge: To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate laws, policies, and their implications, particularly within the Nigerian context.

Skill Development: To equip young lawyers and activists with essential advocacy skills, enabling them to communicate effectively and mobilise their communities for climate action.

Networking Opportunities: To create a platform for participants to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with like-minded individuals committed to promoting climate justice.

The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including environmental lawyers, policymakers, and seasoned activists, who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussions.

Some of the key highlights included:

Insightful Presentations: Experts shared valuable insights on Nigeria’s climate policies, the role of international treaties, and how young lawyers can leverage these frameworks to advocate for environmental justice.

Interactive Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including mock trials and advocacy training, which helped them apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Community Case Studies: Real-life examples of successful community-led climate initiatives were presented, illustrating how grassroots movements can influence policy and promote sustainable practices.

Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed enthusiasms about the knowledge they gained and the practical skills they developed.

Oluwabusayo Amoran, a lawyer, noted, “The workshop has not only informed me about climate justice but has also inspired me to take concrete actions in my community.”

Building on the success of the Ibadan workshop, ICCDI plans to roll out additional educational programmes in Abuja, focusing on various aspects of climate justice and sustainability.

These initiatives will include follow-up sessions, online resources, and opportunities for participants to engage in community projects.

The ICCDI’s workshop in Ibadan represents a crucial investment in the future of climate advocacy in Nigeria. By empowering young lawyers and activists with the necessary tools and knowledge, ICCDI is nurturing a new generation ready to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.

This initiative not only strengthens the capacity of individuals but also contributes to building resilient communities capable of advocating for a sustainable future.

By Rukayat Odebiyi, Director of People’s Development, ICCDI Africa

Fridays For Future to hold Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Belém

Michael Simire
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Fridays For Future to hold Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Belém

The global youth-led climate movement, Fridays For Future (FFF), has announced a Global Climate Strike to take place on November 14, 2025, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Under the banner #JustTransitionNow, young people around the world will mobilise to demand urgent, justice-centred action to phase out fossil fuels and build a sustainable future for all.

Fridays for Future
Fridays For Future (FFF), will hold a Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Brazil

The timing is said to be intentional. COP30 marks a decisive moment for global climate negotiations, and FFF is calling on world leaders to move from promises to concrete action that delivers a truly just transition, one that centres science, human rights, and communities most impacted by the crisis.

“Global leaders must stop listening to fossil fuel lobbyists or seeking alliances with groups like OPEC+. It’s time they start listening to science, to young people, and to traditional communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. A just transition is not a luxury or a campaign to be used for greenwashing; it’s a matter of survival and securing our future,” says Daniel Holanda from Fridays for Future Brazil.

“This summit in Belém must elevate the knowledge of Indigenous peoples, who have long protected the planet. We cannot allow fossil fuel expansion in the Amazon while the world watches. This region is being drilled by the oil industry while the conference is taking place. As Fridays for Future, we must denounce it,” declares another activist.

The Fridays for Future movement seeks to emphasise that, “on November 14, the streets of Belém and cities across all continents will see youth rising up with a unified message: COP30 must be a turning point—a moment when climate action aligns with climate justice.”.

 The global strike will highlight the urgent need to:

  • Accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels: End the financing and expansion of coal, oil, and gas projects.
  • Massively invest in renewable energy: Call for a significant increase in clean, affordable energy for all.
  • Ensure a just transition for workers and communities: Safeguard livelihoods and promote social justice in the shift to a green economy.
  • Advance climate justice for the Global South: Demand reparations and financial support for developing countries disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

Organised by youth across the five continents, it is believed that the mobilisation will send a clear message to world leaders: “The time to act is now. #JustTransitionNow is not a choice, it is an urgent necessity.”

When stakeholders examined agroecology principles to advance food sovereignty in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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When stakeholders examined agroecology principles to advance food sovereignty in Nigeria

Agricultural systems across the world are under increasing pressure to meet growing food demands. This pressure is high in Nigeria due to purportedly high population indices, coupled with climate change impacts, declining soil fertility, inadequate support for farmers and insecurity.

National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology
Some participants at the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology

As the nation grapples with these challenges, it must ensure that whatever actions taken are such that address the core barriers to food productivity, and that ensure environmental sustain-ability, public health, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.

Agroecology presents viable solutions to these interconnected challenges by emphasising ecological balance, biodiversity, farmer empowerment, and food sovereignty. The shift toward agroecology and organic agriculture is gaining momentum in Nigeria with the active support of civil society, public institutions, and farmer-led initiatives. However, there is need for cohesiveness of efforts to ensure not only the adoption of agroecological practices but also an enabling policy environment as well as relevant research.

The National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology held on July 21, 2025, brought together key actors in the agroecology and organic agriculture space including farmers, researchers, civil society organisations, youth and women’s groups, policy advocates and the media for a full day of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. The conference also featured a reportage on the progress of Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in Nigeria.

The conference was themed: “Advancing Agroecology Principles and Practice for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria.”

Specifically, the conference showcased and discussed the current state of agroecology and organic agriculture in Nigeria; fostered collaboration among farmers, civil society organizations (CSOs), government ministries, academia, and the media; identified policy gaps and opportunities to scale agroecological and organic practices and exposed false solutions to the food and climate challenges.

Observations

During dialogue at the conference, the following observations were made:

  • Agroecological practices can increase food sovereignty- which, beyond food security protects and promotes the right of choice and control by local communities and people of their seeds and foods.
  • Agroecology assures healthy and culturally appropriate nutrition, increased crop diversity, improved soil health by enhancing and improving soil microbial populations, climate change mitigation through reduced emissions from industrial processes, climate change resilience through biological diversity and empowerment of local communities.
  • Success stories abound on how agroecology can transform food systems e.g the introduction of drought-resistant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Pelungu, Ghana, improved food security and nutrition in a dryland farming area. In Kenya, the Participatory Ecological LandUse Management (PELUM) Network promoted African leafy vegetables, reviving traditional agricultural practices and organic farming techniques. This led to improved livelihoods, increased crop production, and stronger community-based enterprise. In Malawi, the “NeverEndingFood” initiative uses permaculture-based agroecology to combat food insecurity. By diversifying food production and improving nutrition, it has created year-round food sources for communities, transforming degraded land into productive farms.
  • In Nigeria, the Be the Help Foundation Agroeforestry farm effectively demonstrates how agroecology through agroforestry can assure economic empowerment for farmers as well as environmental sustain-ability.
  • Barriers to agroecology and by extension, food sovereignty include limited knowledge, poor access to land (including land grabs) and credit for farmers, poor extension service, and dependence on toxic/synthetic agrochemicals.
  • Another major barrier to food sovereignty in Nigeria is the spread of GMOs, which creates dependency on multinational corporations for seeds and food production. GMOs also lead to soil degradation through the use of toxic herbicides.
  • The goal shouldn’t be merely to achieve food security but food sovereignty where healthy food is guanranteed, and the local people are in control of their seed and food systems. Food sovereignty must take precedence over mere food security.
  • Food security cannot be achieved without local control over food systems, seeds and agricultural processes (food sovereignty). But this can only be achieved by creating policies that protect farmers’ rights and agricultural autonomy.

Declarations

Participants therefore declared their commitment to:

  • Champion the adoption of agroecological practices across Nigeria’s farming communities.
  • Prioritise food sovereignty over food security in policy discussions and implementation.
  • Advocate for research and development in agroecological methods suited for the Nigerian context, and strengthen both academic and farmer-led research initiatives.
  • Ensure farmers’ rights to seeds, land, water and other resources as well as a preservation of their traditional seed varieties.
  • Address the critical knowledge gap regarding agroecology’s importance for our national development.
  • Promote local food systems that preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural food practices.
  • Push for government investment in agroecological research and extension services
  • Create improved communication channels and knowledge-sharing practices among farmers, communities, researchers, and policymakers to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of agroecological methods.
  • Follow up with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on the plan to mainstream agroecology into national policies following the inclusion in Nigeria’s NDC 3.0.

Call to Action

At the end of the stakeholders’ conference on agroecology, the participants call on:

  • Government at all levels to recognise agroecology as essential for national food sovereignty and agricultural sustainability, and to create a supportive policy framework.
  • Nigerian citizens to embrace subsistence farming in their homes, support local food systems, and advocate for a healthy food policy.
  • Government at all levels to ban GMOs and promote/invest in agroecology research and practice for increased food productivity.
  • All stakeholders to promote structured youth training programmes in agroecology to ensure the intergenerational transfer of indigenous knowledge and sustain Nigeria’s cultural food systems.
  • Academic institutions to integrate agroecology into school curricula and prioritise it within research institutes to deepen knowledge and innovation in sustainable agriculture.
  • Government to enact policies to create and promote national seed banks that preserve indigenous seeds and protect farmers’ sovereignty.
  • Government and relevant authorities to address growing insecurity and lack of access to land for farmers, particularly women and youth, by ensuring secure, equitable land tenure systems and protection for farming communities.
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop and implement a comprehensive national standard for organic and agroecological practices, ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability in production systems.
  • Government to train and deploy extension workers with specialised knowledge in agroecology to support farmers in adopting sustainable, climate-resilient practices.
  • Government to create an enabling environment for marketing and promotion of agroecological produce and product.

Uganda launches NDC 3.0 process, reaffirming commitment to climate action, ambition

Michael Simire
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Uganda launches NDC 3.0 process, reaffirming commitment to climate action, ambition

The Government of Uganda, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has launched the stocktake of Uganda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and initiated the commencement of the NDC 3.0 development process.

Josephine Ngure
Dr. Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Acting Country Manager for Uganda

The launch, held at an inception workshop at in Kampala on July 15, 2025, represents a major step in Uganda’s climate action agenda, aligning national efforts with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement. It aims to strengthen Uganda’s climate ambition while addressing key national priorities.

A cross-section of stakeholders participated in the workshop, including senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of academia. The sessions featured an overview of Uganda’s NDC 3.0 roadmap, outlining the next steps: assessing the implementation of the updated 2021 NDC, identifying emerging priorities, refining targets, costing new commitments, and preparing bankable investment plans to support implementation.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Acting Country Manager for Uganda, emphasised the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the NDC process.

“As we adopt the inception report to take stock of Uganda’s updated NDC implementation and kick off the preparation for NDC 3.0, I am encouraged by the strong participation from government leaders, development partners, private sector actors, civil society, and academia. This inclusive approach is critical to ensuring that NDC 3.0 is ambitious, achievable, and finance-ready,” she said.

Dr. Anthony Nyong, the Bank’s Director of Climate Change and Green Growth Department, highlighted the significance of the event. “Quality NDCs will foster credibility and transparency in raising ambition on climate finance and other means of implementation,” he noted.

Strengthening the technical capacity of Regional Member Countries is at the core of the African Development Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Strategy 2010-2030. The Stocktake of Uganda’s Updated NDC is funded through the Africa Climate Change Fund Multi-donor Trust Fund.

Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, reaffirmed Uganda’s leadership on climate action and the significance of developing an investment-grade NDC.

“We aim to develop an investment-grade NDC that is implementable and trackable. Our focus is on adaptation, creation of green jobs, and security for the future of the next generation,” he stated. He also urged the private sector to actively engage, citing the vast opportunities embedded within the NDC process.

Participants reviewed the draft inception report developed by the independent consulting firm HEAT GmbH and discussed a proposed set of national indicators to guide the stocktaking exercise. Discussions focused on tracking implementation progress, identifying data and capacity gaps, and aligning Uganda’s climate targets with its long-term development aspirations.

The workshop adopted the draft inception report, identified key areas for refinement, and recommended a vigorous campaign to raise public awareness about the NDC 3.0 process. Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to developing a robust, inclusive, and actionable NDC that integrates adaptation, mitigation, and financing strategies.

With this launch, Uganda is taking decisive action toward submitting its third NDC under the Paris Agreement, reinforcing its commitment to a low-emission, climate-resilient future in line with Vision 2040.

WWF calls for global action to secure robust plastic treaty

Michael Simire
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WWF calls for global action to secure robust plastic treaty

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has called for a robust binding agreement as the world convenes from August 5 to 14 in Geneva for the final round of negotiations to end plastic pollution (INC-5.2).

Plastic treaty
A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is said to be within reach

This is contained in a statement signed by Susan McCarthy, Media Officer, WWF, and made available on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Lagos.

The agreement encourages the global community to urgently explore every procedural pathway available to secure a legally binding agreement.

The statement said plastic pollution, which threatened the health of people, ecosystems, and economies, had reached critical levels, with an estimated 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste entering the ocean daily.

WWF warned that failing to deliver an ambitious treaty at INC-5.2 risks locking in a high-pollution future that will be far more costly and potentially irreversible.

The statement quoted Mr. Erin Simon, the Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste & Business, WWF, as saying that the treaty must be sealed as soon as possible.

“The speed at which the treaty went from conception to near completion is exactly what the planet needed, but it was never going to be without challenges.

“As we approach the final stretch, negotiators must remember why we’re here: Our planet is overwhelmed by plastic waste, and it’s impacting everything that calls this planet home.

“A weak treaty is not an option.

“The world needs binding global rules to tackle plastic pollution at its root. Every day we delay makes this crisis more difficult and more dangerous to solve,” he said.

The statement noted that in spite of the strong momentum among a majority of countries, a small minority continues to stall the progress.

It said with consensus under strain, WWF urged negotiators to explore alternative procedural options that would ensure the treaty reflected the ambitious commitments made by the global community in March 2022.

“The WWF is calling for a treaty that includes: global bans on the most harmful plastic products and chemicals, mandatory product design requirements to enable a non-toxic, circular economy and financial and technical support for developing countries, among others,” it said.

The statement said WWF emphasised the wide-reaching benefits of a strong treaty, including job creation, improved public health, reduced taxpayer burden, and enhanced global economic competitiveness.

“As the final round of talks begins, WWF reminds governments that the world is watching,” it said.

It noted that the decisions made in Geneva would shape the planet’s environmental and economic future for generations to come.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Nigeria, consortium to sign MoU on green legacy programme

Michael Simire
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Nigeria, consortium to sign MoU on green legacy programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dalberg and Campo/Campos groups in pursuant of its Green Legacy Programme.

Shettima
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made this known at a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, July 28, 2025.

Shettima, while playing host to the groups who navigated Ethiopia’s 46 billion tree planting success, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the green revolution initiative.

“We have very tall and ambitious project here and where there is a will there is always a way.

“But experience is not something you buy in the market square, you have to have it and you have earned it by supporting the Ethiopian Government to succeed.

“We are optimistic of the 20 billion trees. If Ethiopia, a hilly country, made up of high lands and mountains can succeed in planting 46 billion trees, then I believe our 25 billion is even a modest figure.

“So, I want us to start planting up to 10 billion trees,” the vice-president averred.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a transformational leader bent on redefining the meaning and concept of leadership in Africa.

Shettima added Tinubu remained the most courageous leader in the contemporary history of Nigeria.

According to him, Tinubu is willing to take risks and far reaching decisions to transform the Nigerian economy and hence the reason why Nigeria will record success in this endeavor.

Meanwhile, Shettima had also played host to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Manssour Mussallam.

Shettima urged the OSC to look inward  to come up with ingenious solution towards addressing developmental challenges amongst its member states.

The vice-president stated that the South constituted for than 70 per cent of the global population.

“Part of the reasons why I was eager to meet with you has to do with the core mandate of the organisation of Southern cooperation buildings balance and inclusive education system.

“And in this age of economic nationalism, the South needs to look inward to come up with ingenious solution towards addressing developmental challenges amongst its member states,

“If you add China and India as part of the global south we constitute the chunk of the global solution. For me and my boss we are very passionate about education.

“Africa missed the agricultural age, we missed the industrial age. We are now in the post-industrial age, knowledge driven post-industrial age post industrial revolution.

“People are talking of Artificial intelligence, biotechnology and we are in a unique position to take advantage of these opportunities. For one Africa is a young continent,” he said.

Earlier, Mussallam sought the support of the Nigerian Government to establish the South-South Technology Transfer Centres designed  to facilitate exchanges of technologies amongst its member states

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Nigeria for its visionary decision to become a founding member state of the OSC and one of the first countries to ratify its charter.

He also sought the support of Tinubu and Shettima to reinforce cooperation with Nigeria to ensure that the country benefits more its membership with the OSC family.

Mussallam said, “Your Excellency, as you are aware, the Organisation of Southern Cooperation is relatively new into government organisations.

“We were born in January 2020 with the conviction as our countries, Latin America and Asia that it was necessary for us to finally have an organisation that is our own with an executive capacity that enable South South Cooperation.

“And in this regards the Secretariat on the direction of the General Assembly has for the upcoming two years set up a programme  founded upon six pillars.

“Building knowledge powered societies which of course we have a number of flagship initiatives including the establishment a Southern Research and Innovation and Application Fund that will bridge the funding gaps.

“Of course, the second is to become the drivers and this is why I have my under Secretary for Technology with me today.”

He stated the duo desired to become drivers rather than remaining passengers and that they should transit from mere consumers to producers of technology.

Musasllam added, “And in this regard of course, we have a number of flagship initiatives that had been launched, one of which being the Southern Commission for Artificial intelligence.

“And one of the key projects that we have for the upcoming three years that we want to start implementing in 2026 is the establishment of South South Technology Transfer Centres designed to facilitate exchanges in technologies amongst our continent

“We believe that Nigeria will be particularly well suited given its leadership in that field and its vision under your government to host the African centre and alongside the Latin America and the Asia South East representative.”

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Sanitation: WASH project targets 118 households in Bauchi

Michael Simire
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Sanitation: WASH project targets 118 households in Bauchi

A Bauchi-based group, Alliance for Child Care, Health and Women Initiative (ACCAWEI), says it has targeted 118 households to improved latrine use and water management in the state.

Bauchi
Participants at the close-out event of the WASH project in Bauchi

The project is being implemented by the Development Exchange Centre – Small Scale Project Fund (DEC-SSPF), to enhance hygiene, water management, and excreta disposal in Galambi and Birshi communities.

Juliana Enoch, WASH Desk Officer, said this on Monday, July 28, 2025, during the close-out of a six-month project at Birshi community in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.

She highlited that the project improved hygiene practices since inception in the benefitting communities.

“Based on a baseline survey, only seven out of the 70 households used dropholes to cover their pit toilets. However, by the end of the project, 67 households had adopted the practice.

“Also, during the initial survey, 77 households were found using cups to fetch drinking water from storage containers, and its completion, 115 households had adopted safer water-handling practices,” she said.

Enoch said the project also rehabilitated hand pumps to improve access to clean water in Birshi community, leading to the reduction in diarrhea disease cases from 227 to 22.

The WASH officer said the project also engaged 24 Village Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), who conducted house-to-house sensitisation to encourage behavioral change.

“We relied on our volunteers because house-to-house mobilisation is key to achieving our objectives.”

Enoch lauded the Bauchi Local Government WASH Unit, and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) for their supports.

Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, a community leader, commended the gesture, and pledged to step down hygiene messages to promote good sanitation in the area.

“Hygiene education remains instrumental in preventing diseases in our communities. Scaling this project to other areas in Birshi will go a long way in sustaining positive health outcomes,” he said.

Also, Sani Adamu, one of the VHP volunteers, commended the organisation for its commitment towards promoting good hygiene practices.

By Amina Ahmed

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