25.6 C
Lagos
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 320

Nigeria unveils climate change health policy

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria unveils climate change health policy

The Federal Government of Nigeria and stakeholders in Abuja on Saturday, July 20, 2024, developed a policy document that would mitigate the impact of climate change on health care delivery in the country.

Muhammad Ali Pate
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare

Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said this during a two-day National Stakeholders Validation Workshop, on Nigeria’s Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment report.

Anyaike explained that there had been an upsurge of flooding with the attendant health complications in the country.

“For instance, the country has witnessed cases of cholera, some places where mosquitos do not breed, the effect of climate has made it warmer for the victors to breed in such places, which increases the burden of malaria.

“There is also the case of flooding with the attendance of increasing the breeding sites of lymphatic filariasis,” he said.

According to him, the 774 Local Government Areas visited, 583 of them have high burden of lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis.

The director said that the flooding had washed the farms and destroyed property in many places.

According to him, 40 per cent of complications of flooding come from drowning.

“There are lots of issues that have to do with climate change and its impact on health, so we are here to come up with development of a document to address the health issues caused by it.

“First, we need to find out the vulnerability and the impact on health, we have all the relevant stakeholders, and we are there to come out with a document that is implementable.

“This is because the country used to come out with documents and at the end it will not be implemented, maybe because we are not bringing stakeholders on board,” he said.

Anyaike said that the health system was built on the principle of primary health care and there was need to get it at the level.

“We will come up with documents that will support the health minister to address health issues in the country,” he said.

Also, Dr Walter Mulombo, Country Representative to Nigeria, World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the health sector was becoming highly vulnerable to climate change.

Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Edwin Edeh, National Technical Officer, Public Health and Environment, WHO, said that the country was faced with raising effects of flooding.

Mulomboi said he had witnessed cholera causes in some states and most of the health facilities were affected by climatic issues.

“So, with such issue of concern the health sector needs to be proactive to take certain measures.

“These measures, we need to know what the challenges and the gaps are and how the sector can respond to climate crises.

“Assessment has been conducted with partners to see how we can come out with priority interventions that can solve climate problems in the health centre,” he said.

According to him, the intervention will help protect Nigerians from health emergencies, it will also ensure there is adequate financing to support climate related issues in the health system.

Mulombo said that Nigeria was the first county to be driving the vulnerability assessment report.

Mr Rob Wood, Managing Director, International LTD Consultant, Halcyon, said they were hired with support from United Kingdom government to support the ministry of health to carry out first Nigerian climate change and vulnerability and adaptation assessment report.

Wood said that the project started in January and that data were collected from all the six political zones.

He said that they spoke with more than 300 stakeholders and carried out enough analysis.

“We are looking at the current issues and what will be the future risk on the health sector as Nigerians’ health in regard to climate changes needs the validation.

“So, we are here to validate report which will be launched in a few weeks’ time,” Wood said.

By Franca Ofili

Ojukwu varsity inaugurates five-year climate action plan

Michael Simire
-
0
Ojukwu varsity inaugurates five-year climate action plan

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, inaugurated a five-year Climate Action Strategic Plan to promote green economy and advance liveable and prosperous Anambra State.

COOU
Delegates at the inauguration of the Climate Action Plan at COOU

The Convener and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha, inaugurated the plan at the maiden Climate Action Summit with the theme: “Tremendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future”.

The summit featured the Investiture of Climate Action Ambassadors and Students’ Environment Police.

Omenugha said part of the plan was to plant one million trees in five years.

“We have put together a five-year road map for tree planting and climate action. The goal is for us to have a better tomorrow, a liveable and prosperous Anambra state.

“But to achieve this, it requires teamwork, which is why we are having this summit, so that we can rub minds on how and what we can do differently so that we can catch up with the world.

“We cannot continue to pay lip service to the devastating effects of climate change in the university environment and the state, therefore, we must solve it and take back the ecosystem,” she said.

In his keynote address, Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), said tree planting and restoration of the country’s forests could help Nigeria tackle issues concerning climate change.

“Nigeria’s forest cover has dwindled since after independence. So, an action plan such as tree planting will go a long way in restoring Nigeria’s forest cover.

“This move is vital for the Nigeria’s ecological balance, economic development and cultural heritage.

“We commend the management of COOU for the great decision towards institutionalising environmental sustainability and high-impact climate change mitigation programmes in the university,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr Felix Odimegwu, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, commended the university for identifying with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s green initiative.

He urged relevant stakeholders and students to key into the project to achieve a healthier, cleaner and greener state.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Tree planting will drive environmental sustainability, wealth creation – Soludo

Michael Simire
-
0
Tree planting will drive environmental sustainability, wealth creation – Soludo

Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State says the planting of trees is a way of driving environmental sustainability and wealth creation.

Gov. Charles Soludo
Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State

Soludo said this on Saturday, July 20, during the inauguration of 2024 distribution of economic trees seedlings to people in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra.

He said that tree planting played a pivotal role in sustainable development, preservation of ecosystem and environmental conservation.

Soludo said that neglect of tree planting and environmental conservation had given room for erosion menace in the state.

He said this had made the state to become the gully erosion capital of the world.

The governor said that people must utilise every inch of the land to drive technology innovation and commerce because that is the foundation for the future which the state laid.

“We are launching an ongoing programme designed to plant at least 10 million seedlings in Anambra.

“These trees will in the medium term constitute Anambra’s own crude oil. This activity lies the industrialisation, entertainment and leisure.

“Anambra is in many ways the second Lagos, we have the second largest land mass after Lagos, but the difference between Anambra and Lagos is that, while Lagos is reclaiming its land from the ocean, Anambra is encumbered with the erosion,” he said.

Soludo said the state was making progress in all areas, adding that traders had started coming back because there was no room for touting activities across the state.

He said the state was doing well in infrastructure as almost 500 kilometres of roads were earmarked for construction.

Soludo said that, by 2026, about 300 roads would have been completed in Anambra.

By Monday Ajogun

REPower Afrika: Make renewable energy, energy by the people, for the people

Michael Simire
-
0
REPower Afrika: Make renewable energy, energy by the people, for the people

Make renewable energy the energy by the people, and for the people.

Dr David Terungwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), made the call in an interview during the street March for Renewable Energy to mark the launch of REPower Afrika (#REPowerAfrika) campaign in Abuja, Nigeria, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

REPower Afrika
REPower Afrika campaigners in Abuja

He said that lack of electricity had led to a huge hindrance to economic development, thereby causing poverty and hardship especially in sub–Saharan Africa including Nigeria.

He said that renewable energy was replenished by nature and emits little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

He said clean energy was a pathway to a healthy, liveable planet today and for generations to come and a key to a solution to mitigate climate change.

According to him, we need to re-power the continent. It is a community led solution to energising the continent of Africa using renewable energy.

“Renewable energy is very important because of the energy poverty that Africa is currently experiencing. Over six hundred and forty million Africans do not have access to power.

“This is about 4th per cent of the population and over ninety million Nigerians do not have access to reliable power, and we are blessed with renewable energy resources.

“Meanwhile, most of the critical minerals that are used for the development of renewable energy technologies such as solar, batteries among others, we have them.

He said that the organisation was formed with the aim of mobilising and empowering young people in promoting renewable energy adoption.

REPower Afrika
Dr David Terungwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), involved in the REPower Afrika campaign

The executive director said that the mining sector should be reformed effectively, adding that the government should invest in the industry as Nigeria has immense potential to contribute significantly to the nation`s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“We have abundant natural resources, but we must also be very careful about the dash for the transition minerals in our country. Mining activities must be done with global best practices.

“Involving international organisations will help to ensure that mining operations are done in a more sustainable and more resilient way in the country.

“Also, those communities where the resources are dwelling should as well benefit from these blessings that God has given to them, through efficient and effective operation.

“So, my advice is that as we transition into net zero low carbon there is a need to carry everyone along,’’ he said.

The executive director, however, called on the African government to power the continent using the available resources, adding that the effort would enhance economic development in Africa.

“Let’s make renewable energy, energy by the people, for the people,” he reiterated.

NiMet predicts three-day thundery, rainy weather conditions from Sunday

Michael Simire
-
0
NiMet predicts three-day thundery, rainy weather conditions from Sunday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Sunday, July 21 to Tuesday, July 23, 2024, across the country.

Rainfall
Rainfall

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Saturday, July 20, in Abuja, forecast thunderstorms on Sunday with rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe states during the morning hours.

“While later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region. Rains are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Kogi states.

“Intermittent rains are anticipated in the morning hours over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states,” it said.

According to it, intermittent rains are expected to prevail over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon/evening hours.

The agency predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Katsina states.

NiMet envisaged moderate thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina states.

The agency anticipated rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau State during the morning hours.

It predicted moderate thunderstorms with rains later in the day over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi states.

“There are prospects of intermittent rains over parts of Edo, Rivers and Delta states with Cloudy atmosphere over the remaining southern states.

“Later in the day, moderate/intermittent rains are expected over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are predicted on Tuesday with rains over parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba states.

The agency forecast thunderstorms over the entire northern region later in the day.

It predicted rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kwara states with cloudy skies over the remaining states during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon or evening hours, intermittent rains are expected over part of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.

“There are prospects of morning rains over parts of Edo, Delta, Imo and Anambra states with cloudy skies anticipated over the remaining parts of the southern region.

“Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa states,’’ it said.

NiMet advised the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.

It further advised the residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities could occur due to downpours.

“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.

“Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

By Gabriel Agbeja

NESREA inducts 108 consultants to uphold environmental regulations

Michael Simire
-
0
NESREA inducts 108 consultants to uphold environmental regulations

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has inducted 108 environmental experts to help address the various ecological challenges bedevilling growth in Nigeria.

Dr. Innocent Barikor
Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General, NESREA

The newly accredited environmental consultants will help the agency identify, assess, and mitigate all environmental impacts. They will also collaborate with the regulatory authority to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA’s Director General, who inaugurated the group on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Abuja, tasked them to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and ethics in carrying out their duties.

According to him, their entrance is a strong reminder to be vigilant and aggressive in dealing with challenges that endanger the nation’s ecosystem. It also provides a chance for them to collaborate with NESREA and other stakeholders to foster an environmentally responsible and sustainable culture.

This is important, he went on to explain, because their work will contribute to the safeguarding of the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.

“You will be our eyes and ears on the ground, helping us to monitor, evaluate, and improve our environmental practices across various sectors,” he said, because “your efforts will help preserve the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.”

NESREA, in partnership with the European Union (EU) in Nigeria, organised the programme to strengthen the capacity to achieve the aforementioned goals.

Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, the EU’s Programme Officer, gave the assurance that the EU would keep collaborating with the regulatory body to advance long-term progress throughout Nigeria.

Ogbemudia, who joined the ceremony virtually, stated that this support would be provided in the form of technical assistance to improve national growth.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Nigeria to harness multi-billion-dollar biotech market, says NBRDA D-G

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria to harness multi-billion-dollar biotech market, says NBRDA D-G

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says Nigeria will harness the multi-billion-dollar biotechnology market by bringing investors to translate research outcomes into products.

Mustapha Abdullahi
Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi

Mustapha said this on Friday, July 19, 2024, in an interview on the sidelines of a five-day International Conference on Biotechnology (ICoB24) hosted in Abuja by the NBRDA.

The director-general, who said that biotechnology had huge potential for Nigeria, emphasised the need to harness it to have a direct impact on the economy and wellbeing of the people.

According to him, the way to go is to encourage and give real time investors the opportunity to come in, and this will have a direct impact on the economy and wellbeing of the people.

Mustapha, who said the conference was a big success, assured that the aftermath would usher in new products into the country which would translate into gains for Nigerians.

“When this happens, the economic landscape will be changed in terms of earnings, healthcare delivery, agriculture, cleaner environment among others.

“All these are what will also contribute to the growth of the economy, ” he said.

The NBRDA boss added that the conference offered opportunity for people from other African countries to learn from Nigeria, with the possibility of investing in the country.

He noted that the theme of the conference, “Biotechnology as an engine for economic growth”, resonated deeply and highlighted the crucial role of biotechnology in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.

He said it also highlighted the role of biotechnology in enhancing food security, healthcare, fostering industrial development and preserving the environment.

According to him, the seeds of transformative change have been planted and nurturing them, allowing innovation to flourish, and progress to thrive, is a collective duty.

He said it was important to remain resolute in the commitment to harness biotechnology as a driver for positive change.

He added that the knowledge shared, with networks built during the conference wouid continue to yield benefits for years to come.

Mustapha expressed optimism that insights shared at the conference wouid reach a broader audience which would be translated into tangible advancements in the biotechnology sector.

“It is our collective responsibility to continually push the boundaries of what is possible, challenge assumptions, and embrace change as we work together to create a prosperous future for generations to come,” Mustapha said.

Also speaking, Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the NBRDA and Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the conference corroborated that biotechnology had potentials to harness.

Gidado said biotechnology was also a powerful tool for economic change, a beacon of hope, transformative and useful.

She said in the field of agriculture, it brought sustainability and improved crop yields and animal improvement.

Prof. Julian Osuji, Director, Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bio-resources Research, University of Port Harcourt and resource person at the conference, said the conference provided avenue to bring biotechnologists together.

UNDP report highlights climate action opportunities in Africa

Michael Simire
-
0
UNDP report highlights climate action opportunities in Africa

UN Development Programme (UNDP) has highlighted climate action opportunities in Africa, in its new report on Africa Investment Climate Opportunities.

Achim Steiner
UNDP Administrator, Mr. Achim Steiner

The third edition of its Africa Investment Report Climate Opportunities was launched at the Africa Impact Summit 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

The report outlines private sector opportunities with economic, social and environmental potential for sustainable development in Africa, and presents data and trends on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) investments across the continent.

“Through the UNDP Africa Investment Insights Report, we turn Africa’s climate challenges into investment opportunities for the private sector, as per the continent’s own ambition captured in national NDCs,” Maxwell Gomera, Director of the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, said in a statement.

This third edition of the report highlights climate-related investment opportunities using insights from 16 African SDGs Investor Maps.

Partnering with UNDP’s Climate Promise, it shows how the private sector can support African countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

The report emphasises that climate action presents significant opportunities for the private sector, with over half of the identified SDGs investment opportunities in Africa contributing to climate action and NDCs.

Romera said UNDP is calling on investors to participate in “realising opportunities for positive climate action.”

In a related development, widespread attacks against civilians – driven primarily by sub-national armed violence involving community-based militias and civil defense groups — are continuing in South Sudan, the UN Mission in the country, (UNMISS) said in its latest quarterly report.

Between January and March, UNMISS documented 240 incidents of violence impacting 913 civilians nationwide.

Of this number, 468 were killed, 328 injured and 70 abducted, with 47 subjected to conflict related sexual violence. This represents a 24 per cent rise compared to the 194 violent incidents reported during the same period in 2023.

The Mission said inter and intra-communal violence by community-based militias and/or civil defense groups remains the primary source of sub-national violence, accounting for 87 per cent of victims, or 796 persons.

On a positive note, the report also showed a 30 per cent decrease in the number of documented abductions compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (from 100 to 70).

Similarly, incidents of conflict-related sexual violence decreased by 25 per cent, from 63 to 47.

The Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, called for collective action by authorities and communities to resolve longstanding grievances peacefully, particularly as South Sudan approaches its first elections, scheduled for December.

“Building a culture of human rights is fundamental to achieving sustainable security, peace, and democracy,” he said.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Large scale climate action, path to sustainable future – Onuigbo

Michael Simire
-
0
Large scale climate action, path to sustainable future – Onuigbo

Chief Sam Onuigbo, a former House of Representative member, has identified large-scale coordinated climate action as the pathway to sustainable environment globally.

Sam Onuigbo
Rep. Sam Onuigbo

Onuigbo said in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, July 19, 2024, that though global efforts at tackling climate change had intensified there was need for continuous improvement collaboratively.

“The world seems to be coming to a consensus that large-scale and coordinated climate action is the only path to a sustainable future.

“So, in spite differing opinions, we were able to agree, at COP28 in Dubai, to a just and gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, and the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

“While I fully understand the implications of fossil fuels phase-out for a hydrocarbon dependent state like Nigeria, we must also remember the cost of inaction and grave danger of stranded critical assets.

“What is important is to ensure that our transition is done in a just and equitable way,” he said.

Onuigbo said parliamentarians could play a crucial role in addressing the challenge by ensuring government accountability and effectiveness.

He said they could also provide vital knowledge link with constituents in ensuring a country’s response and resilience to climate change.

“Parliamentarians also have opportunity to promote the voice of citizens at home and during international negotiations.

“This aptly captures the critical role of legislators in the battle against climate change.

“No country will effectively meet its climate change goals and obligations without legislators making the laws, providing oversight, engendering knowledge sharing with their constituents, and generally holding everyone accountable.

“The United Kingdom set the ball rolling in 2008 with the first stand-alone climate change legislation. Other countries of the world followed suit,’’ Onuigbo said.

By Felicia Imohimi

Cholera: WaterAid donates water purification tablets, ORS to Lagos communities

Michael Simire
-
0
Cholera: WaterAid donates water purification tablets, ORS to Lagos communities

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), WaterAid Nigeria, has donated dozens of cartons of water purification tablets, sanitation soaps and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to communities in Ojodu LCDA in Lagos to support in the fight against cholera.

WaterAid
Officials with the donated products

Mr David Odunmbaku, Chairman, Ojodu LCDA, represented by Pastor Segun Fayemi, CDC Chairman, appreciated WaterAid Nigeria for the gesture and other support especially building of public toilets in schools in the council area.

He assured that the materials would be distributed to all households in the LCDA through the various Community Development Area leadership, with a call on residents to always ensure cleanliness of their environment.

His words: “We remain grateful to WaterAid, this is not the first time they have come to support us, we will continue to say thank you and looking forward to their partnership with the communities. As regards distribution, all the CDA Chairmen will be summoned to come and take their portion for distribution to every household in their communities.”

Appreciating the gesture, the Ojodu LCDA Medical Officer of Health, Dr Sola Tanimoowo, who received the ORS on behalf of all Primary Health Centres in the council, said advocacy and sensitisation on sanitation and hygiene would continue to be their priority to prevent outbreak of communicable diseases at the grassroots.

Dr Tanimoowo, who advised residents to continue to practice regular hand washing with soap and clean water, urged anyone with vomiting and stooling to visit the nearest PHC for curative measures rather than self-medication.

“If you notice there is anybody coming down with watery stool or vomiting, please make sure you report that person to the nearest health centre. Cholera is not a disease that you can manage at home, you need a medical intervention because when the stooling and vomiting get serious, you need to admit that person and administer fluid directly so please let us be cautious and do what is needful,” Dr Tanimoowo advised.

Speaking on behalf of WaterAid Nigeria Country Director, Ms Evelyn Mere, the Lagos office Head, Dr Adebayo Alao, appealed to the council authority not to hoard the products but distribute to the affected residents in good time due to prevent expiration of the products in stores.

According to him, “There is a reason for distributing these materials, they should not delay in getting it across to those that is meant for. We have some meant for the Primary Health Centres and we have those that should reach people at the community level, to make sure that the efficacy period is still maintained they should not delay in the distribution.”

Similar donations were made in Ikorodu North LCDA and Igando Ikotun LCDA, while over 36,000 households will benefit in the three LCDAs.

By Ajibola Adedoye

1...319320321...2,300Page 320 of 2,300

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×