Dangote Cement Plc has achieved a “B” score in climate change and water security disclosures released by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Dangote Cement
This is contained in a statement by the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak, on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Lagos.
The CDP is the world’s largest, most comprehensive dataset on environmental action which empowers investors, companies, cities, and national and regional governments to make earth-positive decisions.
Pathak said Dangote Cement’s score on water security which was C was upgraded to B.
He added that the company’s commitment to supporting a climate resilient future was demonstrated in its climate change score of B in 2024.
Pathak described the upgraded rating as a testament to Dangote Cement’s commitment to transparency, governance, and measurable actions towards sustainability.
“The company has been disclosing its environmental practices annually through the CDP since 2018.
“We are proud to lead in Africa as one of few businesses to disclose through CDP.
“Our 2024 score is an outcome of ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate climate action, and promote sustainability across our business and its value chain,” he said.
The Head, Sustainability, Dangote Cement, Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who aligned with the Group’s Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy.
“This year’s results are evidence that our contribution to create a world where people, planet, and profit are truly balanced is paying off.
“Dangote Cement Plc, sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer, operates in 10 African countries and is committed to decarbonisation.
“The company aims to meet its decarbonization targets through energy efficiency measures, adoption of supplementary cement materials, carbon offsets, and other sustainable practices,” Igazeuma said.
Global heating over this millennium could exceed previous estimates due to carbon cycle feedback loops. This is the conclusion of a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
The analysis shows that achieving the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C is only feasible under very low emission scenarios, and if climate sensitivity is lower than current best estimates. The paper is the first to make long-term projections over the next 1,000 years while accounting for currently established carbon cycle feedbacks, including methane.
“Our study demonstrates that even in emission scenarios typically considered ‘safe’, where global warming is generally considered to remain below 2°C, climate and carbon cycle feedbacks, like the thawing of permafrost, could lead to temperature increases substantially above this threshold,” says PIK scientist Christine Kaufhold, lead author of the paper published in Environmental Research Letters.
“We found that peak warming could be much higher than previously expected under low-to-moderate emission scenarios.”
The study projects the long-term impacts of human-induced climate change and underlines that even small changes in emissions could lead to far greater warming than previously anticipated, further complicating efforts to meet the Paris Agreement targets.
“This highlights the urgent need for even faster carbon reduction and removal efforts,” Kaufhold says.
Most studies are too short-term to capture peak warming, as they end by 2100 or 2300. By running longer simulations and incorporating all major carbon cycle feedbacks, including the methane cycle, the researchers were able to assess the potential additional warming from these feedbacks and estimate the possible peak warming.
The team used PIK’s newly developed Earth system model CLIMBER-X to simulate future climate scenarios over the next millennium under three low-to-moderate emissions trajectories – pathways that align with recent decarbonisation trends. CLIMBER-X integrates key physical, biological and geochemical processes, including atmospheric and oceanic conditions. It also represents an interactive carbon cycle, including methane, to simulate how the Earth system responds to different climate forcings, such as human-made greenhouse gas emissions.
The study’s simulations consider a range of equilibrium climate sensitivities (ECSs) between 2°C and 5°C, defined as “very likely” by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The ECS is a critical measure in climate science, estimating the global temperature rise associated with a doubling of CO₂ concentrations.
“Our results show that the Paris Agreement’s goal is only achievable under very low emission scenarios and if the ECS is lower than current best estimates of 3°C,” says PIK scientist Matteo Willeit, co-author of the study. “If the ECS exceeds 3°C, carbon reduction must accelerate even more quickly than previously thought to keep the Paris target within reach.”
The paper highlights the important role ECS plays in shaping future climate outcomes while revealing the risks of failing to accurately estimate ECS. It emphasises the urgent need to more accurately quantify this metric and better constrain it.
“Our research makes it unmistakably clear: today’s actions will determine the future of life on this planet for centuries to come,” submits PIK director Johan Rockström, co-author of the paper.
Rockstrom adds: “The window for limiting global warming to below 2°C is rapidly closing. We are already seeing signs that the Earth system is losing resilience, which may trigger feedbacks that increase climate sensitivity, accelerate warming and increase deviations from predicted trends. To secure a liveable future, we must urgently step up our efforts to reduce emissions. The Paris Agreement’s goal is not just a political target, it is a fundamental physical limit.”
The Airbus Foundation and Solar Impulse Foundation have launched a three-year partnership aimed at driving global progress on sustainability through fostering innovation and collaboration. The partnership is dedicated to identifying and accelerating the adoption of scalable nature-based projects that address pressing global challenges.
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation
Through the partnership, successful applicants will have access to a wealth of resources including Airbus’ aerospace capabilities, such as satellite data for earth observation and helicopters for efficient aerial assessment and verification. These capabilities will enable the selected projects to address critical societal issues, from ecosystem degradation to water security and natural disaster risk to solutions like satellite environmental monitoring systems.
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, says: “By combining aerospace technology with nature-based solutions, we can turn innovation into impact. Our partnership with the Airbus Foundation demonstrates how advanced capabilities like satellite imagery can help restore ecosystems, support economic development, and build climate resilience where it’s needed most.”
Solar Impulse Foundation will deliver expertise in identifying, assessing and promoting nature-based solutions to achieve the greatest impact. They will provide access to an extensive network of cleantech organisations and play an advocacy role in engaging with decision makers to promote sustainable policy change.
Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Airbus Foundation, Julie Kitcher, says: “Aerospace technologies allow us to unlock information about our planet that we cannot access from the ground. Using Airbus’ expertise in satellites and helicopters, we’re committed to empowering innovators and researchers to develop solutions that address pressing environmental and social challenges. The Solar Impulse Foundation has a high level of expertise in supporting climate projects and through this partnership, we are aiming to create new pathways for innovative projects to increase climate resilience and support local communities.”
From April 1, 2025, the two foundations will actively seek proposals that can benefit from aerospace capabilities to promote nature-based solutions. The selected projects will receive €10,000 in seed funding and have access to technical expertise to help accelerate their impact.
The partnership reportedly aligns with the Airbus Foundation’s mission to collaborate with key stakeholders to innovate environmental solutions using the unique capabilities of Airbus technologies.
By providing access to critical data, cutting-edge tools, and specialised resources, the partnership will enable communities to better anticipate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, according to the promoters.
In spite of concerted partnerships to stamp out tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, stakeholders are worried it still kills thousands in the country.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
According to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), the disease, discovered 143 years ago, claims 71,000 lives annually in Nigeria, accounting for 18 percent of TB-related deaths in Africa.
When the late Malam Ibrahim Yusuf, a 32-year-old mechanic in No Man’s Land, Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, first developed a persistent cough, he dismissed it as a minor infection.
His wife, Mrs. Safiya Ibrahim, recounted how his condition deteriorated over time.
“By the time we finally visited the health facility, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in its advanced stage.
“Despite undergoing treatment, my husband died three months later, leaving behind me and our three children,” she narrated.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs such as the brain, spine and kidneys.
TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings.
Experts say there are two types of TB – Latent TB, where the bacteria remain inactive, causing no symptoms and making the person non-contagious, and Active TB – where the bacteria multiply, leading to a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever and fatigue.
The latter is contagious and requires immediate treatment.
Medical professionals say TB is curable with a six-month course of antibiotics, including drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin.
They say the BCG vaccine offers partial protection, especially for children, while early diagnosis through tests like GeneXpert and sputum microscopy is crucial in preventing transmission.
Despite medical advances, TB remains a major public health crisis in Nigeria.
Ibrahim’s story is just one among thousands in Nigeria, where TB remains a leading cause of death despite being preventable and curable.
In 2023 alone, 499,000 Nigerians were diagnosed with TB – five people every minute.
However, only 60 percent of cases were detected, meaning hundreds of thousands remain undiagnosed, posing a risk of further transmission.
Nigeria is also battling a rise in Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB).
MDR-TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to first-line drugs like isoniazid and rifampicin, making treatment longer, more expensive and less effective.
According to WHO, no fewer than 21,000 Nigerians develop MDR-TB each year, but only about 2,600 receive proper treatment due to funding shortages, limited diagnostic tools and inadequate second-line medications.
Dr Adesigbin Clement Olufemi, Head of the Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT), NTBLCP, provided insights.
“Many patients start treatment but struggle to complete the regimen due to side effects, stigma or financial hardship,” he said.
According to Olufemi, without urgent intervention, MDR-TB will become even harder to control.
Dr Shehu Labaran, NTBLCP Director, explained that although more than 50 percent of Nigerian health facilities provided TB treatment, access remained a major challenge, especially in rural areas.
“Only 48 percent of Local Government Areas (LGAs) have GeneXpert machines, the recommended rapid diagnostic tool for TB,” Labaran said.
By the aforementioned, 371 LGAs are left without advanced TB detection, leading to delays in diagnosis.
Dr Patricia Chinedu, a pulmonologist, said that many patients sought treatment from traditional healers or chemists first, losing valuable time before receiving proper care.
“By the time they reach a hospital, the disease has progressed to a life-threatening stage,” Chinedu warned.
Despite free TB treatment in Nigeria, the financial burden on patients is crippling.
NTBLCP reports that 71 percent of TB-affected households face catastrophic costs, spending more than 20 percent of their income on transportation, nutrition, and other indirect expenses.
For Mrs. Maryam Usman, a resident of Karmajiji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), her husband’s TB diagnosis forced her to make heartbreaking sacrifices.
“I had to stop my children’s schooling because we could not afford transport to the facility where my husband is undergoing TB treatment,” Usman said.
In many Nigerian communities, TB is still linked to curses, witchcraft or divine punishment.
This stigma prevents people from seeking early treatment, increasing the risk of transmission.
“My family stopped visiting me when they heard I had TB,” recounted Mr. Adamu Peter, a recovered TB patient from Waru community, FCT.
Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, underscored that awareness campaigns like “Check Am O!” were helping, but more work was needed.
Ogbuji-Ladipo said that the global End TB Strategy aimed to reduce TB deaths by 90 percent by 2030, but Nigeria still faced major hurdles.
The Nigerian Government, in collaboration with WHO, USAID and the Global Fund, had unveiled several initiatives.
These initiatives include free testing and treatment programmes, active case-finding campaigns in high-burden areas, and mobile clinic pilot projects to improve rural healthcare access.
However, a huge funding gap persists.
Mr. Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Country Coordinating Mechanism, Global Fund, disclosed that Nigeria required $404 million to effectively deliver TB treatment and services in 2025.
Ibrahim warned that the country’s TB drug supply for 2025 was already under strain, as some medications allocated for the year had been used to meet 2024’s treatment demands.
He said the $5 million funding gap caused by the U.S. Government’s recent executive order, affected active case-finding in 18 states between January and March.
“Given that 24 percent of Nigeria’s TB funding comes from external sources, with the U.S. contributing $22 million, there are concerns that detection and treatment efforts will suffer if funding issues persist,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, dismissed concerns from international agencies about possible drug shortages.
Pate stated that government analysis showed no imminent stockouts and stressed plans for direct and emergency procurement.
He also suggested that Nigeria might source medical supplies from economically similar countries instead of relying heavily on external donors.
Reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment, Pate urged caution against misinformation from global organisations that might misrepresent Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
As Nigeria marks World TB Day 2025, Yusuf’s story serves as a stark reminder that TB is not a disease of the past – it is a present-day crisis.
Note, NTBLCP says Nigerians can access information and resources by calling the toll-free helpline at 3340 or by dialing *3340#.
What’s more, stakeholders say that the government needs to increase funding, expand diagnostic tools, strengthen awareness, integrate TB services into primary healthcare, encourage early testing and fight TB-related stigma.
They say there is need to scale up TB programmes and push for policy change as well as ensuring that patients complete their treatment regimens.
The Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) has urged global efforts to preserve glaciers, stressing their vital role in sustaining the world’s freshwater resources.
The disappearance of glaciers is considered by scientists as one of the clearest signs of climate change. Photo credit: beforeitsnews.com
APWEN Chairperson, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, March 23, 2025, to commemorate World Water Day (WWD).
The 2025 WWD theme is “Glacier Preservation”.
Glaciers are vital – their meltwater provides drinking water, supports agriculture, powers industries, generates clean energy, and maintains healthy ecosystems.
Owolabi noted that, although Nigeria lacks glaciers, the melting of global ice masses impacts the nation through climate-related consequences.
She highlighted glaciers’ global influence on Nigeria and engineers’ roles to include water security and sea level rise.
Others are climate action, innovative water management and coastal protection.
“Glaciers act as reservoirs, regulating rivers. Melting glaciers disrupt water supplies, affecting farming, industries, and daily life, even in non-glacial regions.
“Melting increases sea levels, endangering coastal cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt with flooding, erosion, and loss of habitats,” she said.
Owolabi noted that sustainable engineering reduces greenhouse gases, tackling a root cause of glacier melting while efficient conservation ensures water security for the future.
“Resilient infrastructure defends communities from sea-level rise,” she said.
According to her, APWEN Lagos has empowered female engineers to lead such initiatives, promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
“Together, we can foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience against climate change,” Owolabi said.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, has kicked off a major initiative to advance sustainable landscape management through its Participatory Informed Landscape Approach (PILA).
Panel discussion session on supporting Nigeria’s EUDR
The inaugural PILA multi-stakeholder workshop, held in Calabar, Cross River State, from March 17 to 20, 2025, brought together key national and state-level actors to explore Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) strategies under the FOLUR Impact Programme (FOLUR-IP) Nigeria project. Discussions focused on landscape assessments, sustainable agri-food systems, and policy pathways for climate resilience.
Speaking at the opening event, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the Cross River State Government, emphasised agriculture’s pivotal role in the state’s Economic Masterplan, highlighting the region’s potential to drive food security and economic growth. He noted that youth restiveness is declining due to improved livelihoods supported by cocoa and palm oil value chains.
FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Mr. Dominique Koffy Kouacou, underscored PILA’s role in equipping stakeholders with tools for sustainable land use, climate adaptation, and policy engagement.
“These capacity-building opportunities are essential for fostering food security and resilient livelihoods, particularly in landscapes vulnerable to climate change,” he stated.
Participants also tackled critical policy issues, including compliance with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). PILA team lead, Laura Guarnieri, emphasised that the workshop aims to enhance awareness and empower stakeholders with practical ILM and agroecology strategies.
The PILA process integrates participatory assessments, dialogue, and consensus-building, with two key workshops planned for 2025. The second workshop will refine transition pathways, ensuring alignment with national policies and sustainability goals.
With these strategic engagements, Nigeria is making bold strides toward sustainable food systems, balancing ecological preservation with economic resilience.
The Obololi community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has received relief materials from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Obololi spill site
This followed the Feb. 16, 2025, oil leak that discharged crude and polluted the River Nun in the community.
The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had traced the source of the leak to a 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek underwater pipeline operated by SPDC.
Mr. Goodnews Okoi, Chairman, Obololi Community Development Committee (CDC), who confirmed this in an interview on Monday, March 24 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said that the items delivered during the weekend include drinking water and perishable fresh food items.
He explained that the community leaders immediately distributed the fish while other items would be distributed among the victims of the leak.
Okoi said that the Obololi River has been temporarily diverted (dammed) to create access to the underwater pipeline for examination by the joint investigation team.
He also said that a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the spill point has been scheduled for Monday.
JIV is a statutory investigation by regulators and impacted communiries after every spill incident to asertain the cause, volume of oil discharge and area of impact.
The NOSDRA had recommended a temporary diversion of the river to create access to the leak point on the pipeline.
They said this would make for an empirical examination to identify the cause of the leak.
The logistics challenge of mobilising heavy equipment including excarvators and swamp buggies to the coastal community has delayed the JIV.
The CDC Chairman regretted that the diversion of the Obololi River to pave way for the JIV was a disruption to the fishing activities and transportation in the area.
“The diversion of the river is causing some discomfort to us as a community but it is a sacrifice we are making to ascertain the real cause of the spill.
“We have gone through a lot since the spill occured on Feb. 16 and yet we remained patient until Shell brought the relief materials to show empathy to us,” Okoi said.
It was learnt from Obololi community sources that recovery of spilled crude into plastic tanks was already ongoing.
Mr. Michael Adande, a Spokesman for SPDC, said that the oil firm has shut oil feeds into the leaking pipeline.
Adande pledged to update our reporter on relief, remediation and response effort in due course.
Each year, World Water Day highlights the pressing challenges surrounding global water resources and the actions needed to address them. Nowhere is this more critical than in Africa, where nearly 1.4 billion people live, a number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050.
Glaciers in Mount Kilimanjaro are said to be shrinking at an alarming rate
On the continent, approximately 411 million people – almost one-third of the total population – lacked basic drinking water services as of 2020. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 387 million people struggle daily without access to safe water.
Africa is home to vital natural water towers, including mountains and glaciers that play a key role in water security and climate resilience. However, these resources are under serious threat. Glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya, the Virunga Mountains, and Mount Kilimanjaro are shrinking at an alarming rate and are expected to vanish entirely by 2050, jeopardising water supplies for millions of people. On this World Water Day, the urgency to protect what remains and to collaborate on securing water resources for future generations has never been greater.
Water is fundamental to Africa’s socioeconomic development. The International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa loses 5% of its GDP annually – equivalent to $170 billion per year – due to poor water infrastructure. Yet, investing in water security offers enormous returns. According to the African Union, every dollar invested in water and sanitation generates at least seven dollars in benefits across health, education, food security, and environmental protection.
Climate change amplifies water scarcity, disrupting hydrological cycles, altering rainfall patterns, and reducing water availability for crops, livestock, and pasture. This directly threatens food and nutritional security across the continent. Addressing these challenges requires both practical solutions and strong policy frameworks. Integrated water management plans focused on river basins and catchments are essential for optimising water use, while investing in resilient infrastructure ensures reliable access, particularly in regions prone to floods and droughts.
Water-saving practices, such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse, can help maximise available resources. Restoring natural ecosystems, including riverbanks and wetlands, plays a crucial role in safeguarding water sources. Nature-based solutions, such as afforestation and ecosystem restoration, are equally important in strengthening water resilience and helping landscapes adapt to climate change.
Policy measures must complement these practical interventions. Strengthening water management laws and regulations is crucial for long-term success. Establishing and training local water management committees enhances coordination and decision-making, while improved weather monitoring and early warning systems help communities prepare for and respond to climate shocks more effectively.
The African Development Bank has placed water security and climate resilience at the centre of its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), aligning with the Africa Water Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Recognising that water security is a cornerstone of progress across all sectors, the Bank invests approximately $2.8 billion annually to build resilience.
To further accelerate climate action, it has established the Climate Action Window under the African Development Fund, aiming to mobilise between $4 billion and $8 billion for climate-focused initiatives. Seventy-five percent of these funds are allocated to climate adaptation, with significant investments dedicated to water infrastructure.
During the first call for proposals in December 2023, nine water-focused projects, totaling approximately $72 million, were selected to enhance investment in water infrastructure and sanitation. An additional 12 projects, amounting to $98 million, address multiple sectors, including water access for agriculture, improving the resilience of water systems, and strengthening climate information and early warning systems.
Currently, the Bank manages 121 active water operations, including six multinational and regional projects valued at approximately $6 billion – all are based on climate-informed designs. The African Water Facility, hosted and managed by the African Development Bank, also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that water sector projects are designed with sustainability and climate resilience in mind.
In Kenya, the Bank-funded Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme has significantly improved access to water supply across 19 towns, while wastewater management services have been expanded in 17 towns, benefitting more than three million people. The programme incorporates solar energy to reduce water production and distribution costs. The Othaya Sewerage Wastewater Treatment Project, as part of this initiative, promotes waste reuse for energy and agriculture through the production of cooking briquettes and organic fertiliser.
In Ethiopia and South Sudan, the Bank’s Climate Proof Water for Food Project is designed to enhance adaptation and resilience for approximately 211,000 people in Ethiopia’s Gambella region and South Sudan’s Unity State. This initiative includes the construction and rehabilitation of four solar-powered water supply systems and integrated flood management measures to support the transition to climate-smart agriculture.
Tackling Africa’s water security and climate challenges requires strategic planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, and policies that integrate climate adaptation into water management frameworks. The African Development Bank’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate that placing water at the heart of climate action – by investing in resilient infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening governance – is crucial in mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the continent’s water resources for future generations.
By Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director for Water Development and Sanitation, and Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration has planted over four million trees within the past four years.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State
Yahaya said this in a statement by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilliin, in Gombe on Friday, March 21, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Forests.
He said the planting of the trees was part of efforts at afforesting and reclaiming degraded land in the state.
The governor said since assumption of office in 2019, his administration had prioritised environmental sustainability, making it one of the cornerstones of his administration and incorporating the same into the state’s overall development plan.
He said the trees were planted under the “Gombe Goes Green (3G)” initiative, which has achieved significant strides in afforestation and land restoration across the state.
According to him, the initiative has successfully reversed environmental degradation and created employment opportunities for thousands of Gombe indigenes.
“Through the 3G initiative, the state has successfully planted over four million trees in both major and minor towns across the 11 Local Government Areas, particularly along roads and in areas severely affected by land degradation.
“Beyond urban afforestation, my administration has also taken decisive steps to protect the state’s forest reserves from encroachment and degradation,” he said.
The governor said a committee was constituted to assess the status of grazing and forest reserves, as well as cattle routes, leading to the ongoing resurvey, remapping, and re-demarcation of gazetted grazing reserves across the state.
He said the government was currently fencing and rehabilitating the Kanawa Forest Reserve, aimed at securing the area from encroachment and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Yahaya added that the project included the construction of administrative structures, monitoring units, and other essential facilities to enhance forest conservation efforts.
He said the efforts by the government in this regard, reaffirmed commitment to environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
“As we mark this year’s International Day of Forests, I call on all stakeholders, traditional institutions, civil society, and every citizen; to take ownership of our environment.
“Let us protect our forests, plant more trees, and promote sustainable land-use practices, for the benefit of present and future generations,” the governor said.
He said forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, combating desertification, and preserving biodiversity, toward improved living standard.
Yahaya described the 2025 theme: “Forests and Food”, as apt saying that it highlighted the crucial role of forests in food security, nutrition, livelihoods and contributions to ecosystems and climate change mitigation.
In Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Nigeria, the resilience of individuals fasting during extreme heat is a testament to human perseverance.
Fasting
Among them is Hassan Adamu, a 46-year-old labourer who, in spite observing Ramadan, was seen purchasing cold water.
It was not to drink, but to pour over his head and body to cool down under the scorching sun.
“The weather has been very hot and dehydrating, and coupled with the fact that the Ramadan fast is ongoing and I cannot drink water, I just had to look for an option to feel better while I work,” he explained.
Driven by necessity, he continues his strenuous labour to support his family; part of the silent struggles faced by many during this season.
“I would have loved to do less strenuous work during this period, but I have to make ends meet and feed my family,” he said.
In the past two weeks, temperatures in Ilorin have ranged between 35°C and 42°C, causing widespread discomfort and increasing the risk of heatstroke, especially for those fasting during Ramadan and Lent.
As faith and environmental challenges collide, remarkable stories of adaptation and resilience continue to emerge.
At a construction site, Victor Adeoti, another labourer, revealed how their schedule was adjusted to mitigate the effects of the heat.
“We start work as early as 6:30 a.m. and close by 1 p.m. to avoid casualties,” he said, recalling an incident at the start of Ramadan where a worker nearly collapsed from dehydration.
Fortunately, their supervisor allowed the adjustment, recognising the struggles of fasting workers enduring the scorching conditions.
However, not everyone is as fortunate.
Zakariyah Usman, who works long hours fixing interlocks on road dividers, must endure labouring until 5 p.m., with only short rest breaks in between.
For him, economic hardship leaves no choice but to persevere albeit the toll on his well-being.
Meanwhile, street vendor Aminat Salako has adapted her routine to cope with the relentless heat.
She carries her heavy yam goods before sunrise and seeks shaded spots during the day.
Yet, even with strategic timing, she still battles dehydration and fatigue.
For Hajia Memunat Alabi, a civil servant, the challenges forced her to reschedule her annual leave from July to March.
“In the first week of Ramadan, once it was 1 p.m., I started feeling uncomfortable. But during weekends, I felt better because I stayed indoors.
“This made me reschedule my annual leave from July to March before I collapse at work,” she said, noting the debilitating impact of the heat.
Nigeria’s heatwaves are worsening, leading to severe health, agricultural, and economic challenges.
In 2024, heat-related illnesses surged by 30 per cent with over 2,000 deathsrecorded (AP News).
Crop yields dropped 20 per cent and yam farmers in Abuja lost 65 per cent of their harvests due to excessive heat (Daily Post).
Electricity demand spiked 30 per cent, worsening power outages (AllAfrica).
Environmental experts insist that urgent climate action is needed to curb these growing risks.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the Kwara government has issued precautionary guidelines.
Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak hours, wear light, breathable clothing, and stay hydrated.
This, she emphasised, is crucial as Kwara is one of the 19 states predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to experience heatwaves and extremely high temperatures.
To mitigate risks, the state is collaborating with stakeholders to raise public awareness and ensure healthcare facilities are prepared for heatwave emergencies.
Heatwaves, prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures have become frequent in Ilorin and other North Central states.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, a trend expected to continue as global temperatures rise.
The dangers of extreme heat are underscored by medical professionals.
Dr Aisha Oyerinde-Jimoh, a general practitioner, warned that heatstroke is a major concern.
According to her, when the body’s natural cooling mechanisms fail, excessive temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions.
She explained that heatstroke occurs when body temperature exceeds 40°C, potentially causing organ failure and even death if untreated.
To prevent this, she advised those fasting to drink at least two litres of water during non-fasting hours, consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and avocado, and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages.
She also recommended wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing, using umbrellas and sunscreen, and employing cooling methods like fans or air conditioners.
“Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks because there is always an urge to drink water afterwards.
“Also, use fans, air conditioners, and coolers. Avoid clothes that don’t absorb heat, wear breathable and loose-fitting garments.
“Use a hat or umbrella, apply sunscreen, and never leave children in parked vehicles,” she advised.
Similarly, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for safety measures, stressing the importance of reducing sun exposure between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The NOA says staying hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat-related illnesses is essential.
According to climate and sustainability expert, Olumide Idowu, the root cause of these extreme weather events lies in climate change.
He attributes the disrupted weather patterns to human activities, including burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
“These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and an increase in extreme weather events such as heatwaves,” he explained.
To mitigate these effects, he advocates for adaptive strategies, including creating urban green spaces to reduce heat absorption and implementing effective drainage systems to prevent flooding.
He also emphasises the need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power while promoting public awareness about climate risks and preparedness.
“People can also focus on energy efficiency by using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, enhancing home insulation, and choosing energy-efficient appliances to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
‘’Promoting public awareness about climate risks through education and community programmes can further strengthen resilience,” he added.
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
