The Federal Government through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) has attracted a $50 million deal for the conversion of commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Some of the CNG-powered mass transit buses
The P-CNGi Programme Director/Chief Executive, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said this on Saturday, April 27, 2024, during a live programme on television tagged “Compressed Natural Gas Roll Out: Prospects for Economic Growth.”
Oluwagbemi said the deal, which was a private sector initiative, would enable the construction of CNG conversion workshop infrastructure across the country.
P-CNGi is a component of President Bola Tinubu administration’s palliative directed at providing succour to the masses, following the removal of fuel subsidy.
To alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices, the Federal Government allocated N100 billion from the N500 billion palliative budget to buy 5,500 CNG vehicles (buses and tricycles), 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.
“We will be announcing on May 29, targeted conversion incentive programme for the mass transit sector.
“We are working with our partners in the mass transit sector, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), to determine modalities for providing the equipment and incentive,” he said.
He said the first phase of the initiative would roll out 100 conversion workshops and 60 refuelling sites across 18 states in Nigeria before the end of 2024.
“We are very well on track to meet all our objectives this year with respect to conversion centres, we are beginning to see the private sector jump in; as of Friday, 85 conversion centre bidders were about to be completed.
“We expect 15 more to get started before the end of May; we will hit 100 targets before the end of 2024. The private sector leads, and the government supports, it is definitely good news for Nigeria.
“CNG is much safer in natural condition than PMS and Diesel, with bullet-proof container and high auto ignition temperature, almost one thousand degrees safer in natural condition than petrol,” he said.
In terms of reliability, he said it had regulations and standard developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
He said a Nigerian gas vehicle monitoring system was also being established to ensure safety of operation from the point of conversion to the point of refuelling.
He said the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other agencies were also involved in promoting the initiative.
“Throughout the country we are rolling out conversion centres, we will be able to provide it at a subsidised cost and significant discount while allowing them to pay back slowly.
“For us as a government, it is not really subsidy, rather utilisation fund,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Mohammed Bawa, Group Managing Director, ABG Group, said the Group had a partnership with banks to assist anyone willing to convert his or her vehicle.
He said since the initial investment was on the high side, the group could recommend for the bank to pay on behalf of anyone interested, while the person would repay over a period of time without interest.
“Nigerians are entrepreneurial by nature and always want an enabling environment and support by government.
“This government has taken the bull by the horn by putting in place the P-CNGi, which is doing a great job; automatically the private sector is already keying in.
“Not less than 20 private sector players have keyed into the CNG space and value chain, from conversion to refuelling. Now that the atmosphere is inviting, you will see many Nigerians investing in it,” he said.
He further said that before the end of May 2024, based on reliable information from the private sector, there would be at least six CNG refuelling centres in Abuja, as against only two stations currently.
Fuel subsidy removal caused an increase in transport fare, but the deployment of CNG vehicles is expected to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel thereby making transportation affordable and mitigate air pollution which aligns with the Paris Climate Accord.
Conversion of vehicles costs between N700,000 and N800,000, and vehicles can also operate on the energy mix of petrol and CNG after conversion safely.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and sunshine from Sunday, April 28 to Tuesday, April 30, 2024, across the country.
Thundery weather
NiMet weather outlook released in Abuja forecast sunny skies on Sunday, with few patches of cloud over most parts of the northern region during the morning hours.
According to NiMet, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kaduna and Taraba states in a hazy condition over parts of Yobe and Borno States later in the day.
“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the North central region during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon/evening periods, isolated thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi states.
“Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the inland states with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Imo and Abia,” it said.
The agency envisaged the coast to be predominantly cloudy with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, during the morning period.
It anticipated isolated thunderstorms over parts of, Oyo, Edo, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun and Delta states, while widespread thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the coast later in the day.
According to NiMet, sunny intervals with few cloud patches are anticipated over the northern region during the Monday morning hours.
It predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna and Taraba states, later in the day.
“The North Central should be cloudy with sunshine intervals during the morning hours with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, during the afternoon/evening periods.
“The southern region should be predominantly cloudy with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Enugu, Abia, Imo, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over the Inland states of Imo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Ebonyi and Osun states, while widespread thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the Coast,” it said.
NiMet forecast sunny atmosphere with patches of cloud over the northern region during the
forecast period, with chances of Isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states later on Tuesday.
According to the agency, the North Central, should be cloudy with sunshine intervals during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger and Benue states.
“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected over the inland and coastal areas of the South during the morning periods.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Ondo, Abia, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Oyo states, while widespread thunderstorms should prevail over most parts of the coast,” it said.
It urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.
The agency advised airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reactivate the Office of Drainage Services in the state to clear all drainage channels and ensure proper refuse disposal in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
The Chairman, House Committee on Environment (Parastatals), Mr Rasheed Shabi, made the call in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Shabi, representing APC-Lagos Mainland II, said the clearing of major canals across the state should be intensified to prevent flooding.
The lawmaker also called on the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, to clear illegal structures built on setbacks of canals across the state.
He equally urged the local governments and Local Council Development Areas to inculcate in people the habit of regular clearing of secondary drainage channels across the state.
While saying that drainages and canals had not been properly channeled, he said:
“Though the causes of the flood have been natural and man-made, there is need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs,) to be proficient in their duties.
“The recent torrential rain especially over the weekend in the state has made residents to lose their properties.
“I want to urge the Ministry of the Environment to explain what they have done in the last one year and most importantly people should stop dumping of refuse in drainage channels.
“The enforcement agencies should also clamp down on people engaging in indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” he said.
Shabi disclosed that indiscriminate erection of buildings near water banks should be looked into stating that the situation must be urgently addressed to avert further disaster.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for responsible conflict resolution at the climate justice webinar series held virtually on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of NCF
The webinar, which held under the aegis of the Nigerian Climate Justice Alliance, a project of NCF, focused on galvanising ideas to combat the climate change crises.
Speaking at the webinar, Dr. Grace Alawa, Founder, Sustainable Action for Nature (SAN), underlined the importance of building the capacity of stakeholders in the management of crises arising from oil exploration.
Alawa, who spoke on “Building Capacity of Local Stakeholders on Conflict Resolution Skills,” outlined the responsibilities of host communities, government and International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the management of conflict.
She noted that, due to environmental degradation and oil spillage in the Niger Delta, leading to the destruction of the source of livelihoods of the host communities, conflicts arise, and youths take on the IOCs violently by destroying their pipes and facilities.
Alawa said that the goal of the capacity building workshop is to build the capacity of local communities on climate resilience and climate justice.
According to her, various consultations were made between the communities, the government and IOCs.
She said that part of the negotiations included conducting the “Peoples Parliament” to hear the grievances of the communities with a view to advising them on how best to manage the crises.
She added that there was the need for the community to adopt a change in lifestyle.
The expert said that the capacity building required the host communities to be trained to become eco-defenders, with the skills to report degradation of the environment.
“At the end of the year evaluations on what they were able to achieve was made,” Alawa said.
She noted that 70 persons were trained in the Niger Delta.
She said that results from the exercise indicated that community engagement and transparent communication enhanced project impact and sustainability.
Alawa expressed gratitude to the NCF for its support.
In his recap, Shittu Usman Akorede, Project Officer, Finima Nature Park, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Port Harcourt, said that the essence of the webinar was to build capacities of host communities on how to manage conflict between host communities, government and IOCs.
Akorede noted that conflicts exist also between two communities, not necessarily between host communities, government and IOCs, adding that the lessons of the workshop can be used to tackle such conflicts.
He noted that we are in a climate crisis currently and everyone has a part to play in mitigating its impact.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Climate Justice was inaugurated in 2023 at a two-day workshop in Abuja.
Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General of NCF, said: “Climate justice was both an environmental and human right issue that requires joint action to address.
“Climate change is not a distant threat, it is here, affecting lives and livelihoods across our nation. Climate justice is not just an environmental issue, it’s a matter of social equity and human rights.”
Onoja said that the country has been feeling the impact of climate change, adding that “in every corner of our country, communities are feeling the impacts of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing climates.’’
Dr Onoja followed up by calling for collaboration between the government, private sector and communities to ensure climate justice for all in the country.
Speaking on the validity of the Alliance, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, a climate change expert, stated that it was time for civil society groups to come together and present a common voice for actionable advocacy.
Prof. Okereke, who is the President of the Society for People and Prosperity (SPP), disclosed: “This workshop is timely as it seeks to bring CSOs together, build capacity and empower them to come up with a strategy to push both the CSOs and government to do more and do better.
“I believe Nigeria has quite a number of good policies and policy frameworks. The disconnect has been in the actual implementation of these policies. This is partly because most of these policies have not been followed through in terms of financing, monitoring and evaluation, with the data behind some of these policies also been weak.
“However, the major problem has been the lack of political will to see the implementation of these policies through.”
The origin of food is seed. Whoever controls the seed controls the entire food chain. These seeds are not owned by any African entity, they are owned by American companies – Duke Tagoe, Food Sovereignty Ghana
GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the newest shining star in the industrial food production sector. Some see mixed blessings in the introduction of genetically engineered food. Even then, it is another pretext for the affluent industrial north to maintain control over nations experiencing extreme food insecurity. It is, therefore, another example of imperialism in action. Some, on the other hand, believe it to be a solution to the issues with food security that plague Africa as a whole. This is the justification.
GM foods, according to proponents of the free-market philosophy, will increase crop production and, as a result, living standards. Higher returns for stockholders will come from the market’s growth. On the other hand, many who oppose GM food believe that the environmental damage caused by GMOs would be more widespread and that long-term health issues would quickly undermine any apparent increases in food availability.
Agribusinesses in Africa’s seed markets have made significant strides. South Africa is the leader in Africa for genetically modified food. After South Africa, Nigeria is now the second country in Africa to permit the sale of genetically modified corn. However, Ghana’s GMO food situation is quite erratic. The war is losing, even with CSOs’ combined efforts. The use of genetic modification in food production methods is gradually increasing. Genetically modified cowpeas, for instance, require clearance from the National Varietal Release and Registration Committee, the Food and Drugs Authority, and the National Biosafety Authority before they can be sold.
Challenges and controversies
In Africa, the public’s perception of genetically modified food is negative. Many Africans are still uninformed of or lack basic knowledge about genetically modified organisms (GMOs); nevertheless, governments and the media have contributed to the promotion of GMOs. Fear-mongering and misunderstandings concerning genetically modified organisms have resulted from inadequate public education efforts by African governments and the media. Because of this, farmers have different opinions about genetically modified organisms (GMOs); while some perceive potential benefits, others are because of ignorance and lack of knowledge. Notwithstanding, there are real threats. Farmers are, indeed, concerned and this concern is justifiable.
This is because Africa has lax regulations on genetically modified foods. GM food regulation in Africa varies by country. Most African countries lack a regulatory framework because of the influence of large agribusinesses. Ghana has established a regulatory framework to oversee GMO development and commercialisation, which includes the Biosafety Act (831) and the National Biosafety Authority. South Africa, for example, has had mandatory GM labelling regulations in place since 2004, as per the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (1972) (Regulation 25). The more recent Consumer Protection Act (CPA, 2008) Regulation 293 from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) requires all GM goods to be labelled. In October 2022, Kenya lifted a 10-year ban on the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops. Other African nations have also approved GM crops, though only a few have regulatory laws in place.
The effects of genetically modified organisms
There have been discussions and studies of the effects of GM food on African agriculture. GMO proponents contend that the technology can boost crop yields, address issues with food security, and lessen the need for chemical pesticides. Research suggests that genetically modified crops, like insect-resistant Bt cotton and insect-resistant maize, have demonstrated favourable effects on agricultural output in specific African nations. Furthermore, GMOs could increase the nutritional content of crops, increase their resistance to pests and diseases, and lower post-harvest losses.
But a significant obstacle lies in the “Biotech monster’s” attempt to impose their “kamikaze seeds” on other nations, as this seed imperialism serves to reinforce already-existing inequalities. Along with the possible loss of biodiversity and the replacement of conventional farming methods, critics also point out the negative effects of GMOs on the environment and human health. Additionally, the public’s opposition to GMOs and regulatory obstacles have prevented GM food from being widely adopted and implemented in Africa.
The release of commercial genetically modified seeds has far-reaching consequences. It would also negatively impact the export industry and permit foreign control over Africa’s seed supply, resulting in a reduction in the availability of conventional seed varieties. Not only that the local varieties will decline because of foreign seeds’ dominance, but it will force those who cannot afford the foreign varieties to sell their labour.
On the other hand, multinational corporations assert that their heightened engagement in food production benefits the continent. They also asserted that by ensuring that Africa’s crops are sold in better markets, more local farmers would benefit from their intervention. Thus, it is a “win-win” situation where everyone benefits from increased production, a decrease in pest threats, and more efficient use of water and soil, all of which contribute to sustainable agriculture in a sustainable environment. This is the theory.
There’s an elephant in the room. The primary cause of GM food’s downfall is its tendency to impede food sovereignty. The term “food sovereignty” in African communities refers to their ability to set their own agricultural and food policies that are appropriate from an ecological, social, economic, and cultural standpoint. The right to produce food in a sustainable manner that honors regional ecosystems and customs is also included. Because it can jeopardise food sovereignty, this makes GMO food a divisive topic.
The author and other proponents of food sovereignty contend that the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) poses a risk to traditional farming methods, local seed systems, and farmer autonomy. We argue that GMOs have the potential to undermine food sovereignty by increasing reliance on large corporations for inputs and seeds.
Others who oppose the use of GMOs contend that the technology violates the principles of food sovereignty because it frequently involves the patenting and privatisation of seeds, which can weaken the position of African farmers and communities. Furthermore, the underlying causes of hunger and poverty – which are frequently connected to more general structural problems like access to markets, resources, and land – may not always be addressed by GM foods. This point of view contends that because small-holder farmers are driven to marginal land by large-scale food production, which is a recipe for disaster as land grabs will increase the cases of social unrest.
On the other hand, advocates of genetically modified food contend that the new technology can enhance agricultural productivity and food security, two crucial aspects of food sovereignty. The potential of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to tackle issues like pests, diseases, and environmental stressors is highlighted, which could strengthen agriculture’s ability to withstand the effects of climate change.
Moving Ahead
GMO farming is a novel approach to promoting efficiency-based progress while fostering reliance. Africa’s reliance on foreign capital is solidified because land control and seed dependency go hand in hand. Because of the deepening of dependency, people who are buying land all over Africa can be sure they will get their money back.
Regretfully, a lot of African countries are gleefully stumbling into this trap – a trap set up by the G8 to have total control over the impoverished. GMO farming will replace conventional farming practices and establish a new global agricultural order. In this food regime, GMO farming will replace traditional farming practices, posing new challenges to those who depend on local knowledge of crops and soil. Therefore, GM food is not a cure-all to solve Africa’s ongoing food crisis. In Africa, agribusiness objectives cannot be entrenched or reinforced through a siloed approach.
The locally grown food sovereignty principle, like the food sufficiency strategy I presented in my book, is the answer. This is a mix of the food sovereignty concept and the Thai Sufficiency Economy, wherein agroecological methods are optimised to boost food production. To address the opportunities and challenges related to GM foods in Africa, it is imperative that there be constant communication and interaction with a wide range of stakeholders to uphold the principles of food sufficiency.
Overall, African economies have adopted the avarice of large agribusinesses that they were unable to attain through the backdoor. We have not paid attention to Thomas Sankara’s voice from beyond the grave. Our food and nutrition transitions are now under the control of whoever feeds us, which is just another race to the bottom.
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has commended the World Bank for disbursing $2 million to the FCT.
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, with the World Bank ACReSAL project Task Team Lead, Dr Joy Agene, and FCT, ACReSAL and World Bank officials during the visit
The fund is for the implementation of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in the territory.
Mahmoud gave the commendation when the World Bank ACReSAL project Task Team Lead, Dr Joy Agene, visited her in Abuja on Friday, April 26, 2024.
She said that the partnership with the World Bank would foster environmental sustainability and agricultural prosperity for residents of the FCT under the ACReSAL project.
She said that the project aligned with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in addressing environmental degradation and the impact of climate change.
The minister said that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital city in the past 48 years, had lost its tree covers and land degradation due to physical developmental projects.
According to her, part of the goals of the ACReSAL project is to restore the lost trees through afforestation and other climate change adaptation activities.
“We will do all that is possible for ACReSAL project to be sustained, maintained, and achieved by God’s grace.
“We will try and provide all that is necessary from our own side. All the requirements necessary to take FCT to the next level will be done to access the entire $10 million.”
Earlier, Agene said that the visit was to brief the minister on the performance of the project so far in the FCT.
Agene added that the visit was also to thank the minister for her support and solicit for more, to ensure the success of the project in FCT.
She said that, so far, the World Bank had disbursed about $2 million to the FCT.
She explained that ACReSAL, being a community-based project, was designed to enable communities to access the fund through a community revolving fund.
The task team commended the FCT for the formation of 250 community interest groups (CIGs) through which the fund would be disbursed.
She said that the CIGs would be trained on how to access and utilise the funds.
She explained that each benefiting community would access $25,000 to carry out afforestation, irrigation, and some climate change adaptation activities.
“The project is here to help communities to adapt to the shock that will come from climate change and to do that, one of the approaches is this revolving fund where communities will get about $25,000 each.
“Beyond that, we have some investment in gully erosion, flood control and large afforestation at the FCT and we will need your support to do this,” she told the minister.
Agene also said that the visit was also to inform the minister what the FCT Administration needed to do to access more funding amounting to about $10 million.
She identified the conditions as project design, environmental and social instrument, and catchment management plan.
“Once these three instruments are in place, be assured that the $10 million will be sent to the FCT under the project.
“However, there is no way the FCT team can do this without your support and frequent checking and monitoring,” she added.
Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, said that a robust framework had been established to ensure the success of the project.
Geidam, who is also the Chairman of the Technical Committee, assured the World Bank team of active community participation in the implementation of the project.
“Also, the construction of boreholes in various communities, land restoration initiative, knowledge building programmes and the planned provision of critical agricultural inputs to farmers will improve the livelihood of our communities,” he said.
The National Coordinator of the project, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, explained that the project was being implemented in 19 states and the FCT to tackle the challenge of landscape degradation and promote effective watershed management.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Innocent Barikor as the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Dr Innocent Barikor
Dr. Barikor succeeds Prof. Aliyu Jauro, who was appointed Director-General/CEO of NESREA in March 2019.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Abuja.
The President also approved the appointment of Prince Ebitimi Amgbare as the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA).
Barikor is an academic, politician and a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, while Prince Amgbare is a retired naval officer and former commissioner in Bayelsa State.
He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation.
Ngelale also stated that the President called on the new appointees to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and excellent service to the people of Nigeria.
The Federal Government has vowed to deepen efforts to tackle climate change and its attendant effects to accelerate sustainable development.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, with delegates at the 2024 edition of the Regional Climate Outlook Forum for West Africa and the Sahel
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the 2024 edition of the Regional Climate Outlook Forum for West Africa and the Sahel on Friday, April 26, 2024.
In his closing remarks, the minister assured that the Federal government would deploy climate-smart predictions and warnings to enhance socio-economic development of the citizens.
Specifically, he said the government would continue to take seriously the issuance of disaster early warnings for its citizenry, to de-risk sectorial activities and avert losses.
The minister recalled that the government through NiMet had a public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) early in the year.
According to Keyamo, SCP is an early warning tool that highlights vital weather and climate information that may affect socio-economic activities in air, land and water transportation.
He said the SCP also gives useful information on agriculture, water resources, disaster management and mitigation, health, tourism, sports, power and energy.
“A similar event was recently held by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) where the Annual Flood Outlook was released to Nigerians.
Keyamo said the reports would help to forestall the reoccurrence of flood disasters witnessed in the country in 2022.
“In 2022, we had one of the worst cases of flooding in decade.
“For weeks, the movement of people and goods between the northern and southern parts of the country was severely disrupted.
“After the flood period, millions of people had lost their homes and livelihoods, properties worth millions of Dollars had been destroyed.
“Investments in farms and other agricultural products had disappeared, and lives had been lost,” he said.
Keyamo said the outcome of the regional climate outlook forum would be a great planning tool for governments and policymakers across the region.
“Experts and researchers in meteorology and climate sciences from across the West African sub-region and Sahel had dedicated their energy and intellect to develop a comprehensive forecast for the region, targeting the coming rainy season.
“Just as the general airspace is a continuum in aviation, weather and climate events are also trans-boundary, hence the need for us to work together irrespective of boundaries.
“We should downscale the outcomes of this forum to our local and rural communities to achieve the United Nations’ target of Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) by 2027,” Keyamo said.
The minister assured that Nigeria would continue to support regional efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and encourage weather and climate-smart sustainable development.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the Republic of Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone have launched a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine targeting millions of children across the three West African nations.
Malaria vaccine
WHO said this in a statement as the world celebrates the 17th World Malaria Day with theme: “Advancing health equity, gender equality and human rights,”.
The world health body said that the vaccine rollout, announced on World Malaria Day, seeks to further scale up vaccine deployment in the African region.
“Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunisation programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention.
“Several of the more than 30 countries in the African region that have expressed interest in the vaccine are scheduled to roll it out in the 2025.
“This is through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as efforts continue to widen its deployment in the region in coordination with other prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention,” it said.
According to it, Benin, which received 215,900 doses, has added the malaria vaccine to its Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
It said that the malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of four doses in children from around five months of age.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge.
Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health, Benin reassure that the malaria vaccines are safe and effective and contribute to the protection of the children against the serious and fatal diseases.
Hounkpatin said that, in Liberia, the vaccine was launched in the southern Rivercess County and would be rolled out afterwards in five other counties which have high malaria burden.
“At least 45,000 children are expected to benefit from the 112,000 doses of the available vaccine,” he said.
Also, Dr Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health, said for far too long, malaria has stolen the laughter and dreams of their children.
“But today, with this vaccine and the unwavering commitment of our communities, healthcare workers and our partners, including GAVI, UNICEF and WHO, we break the chain.
“We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a brighter future.
“Let’s end malaria in Liberia and pave the way for a healthier, more just society,” Kpoto said.
According to her, two safe and effective vaccines RTS,S and R21 recommended by WHO, are a breakthrough for child health and malaria control.
She said that a pilot malaria vaccine programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reached over two million children from 2019 to 2023.
According to her, such shows a significant reduction in malaria illness and a 13 per cent drop in overall child mortality and substantial reductions in hospitalisations.
Again, Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone said that in Sierra Leone, the first doses were administered to children at a health centre in Western Area Rural where the authorities kicked off the rollout of 550 000 vaccine doses.
“The vaccine will then be delivered in health facilities nationwide.
“With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. In combination with insecticide-treated nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria infection,” Demby said.
According to him, malaria remains a huge health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70 per cent of the global burden of malaria.
“The region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022, according to the World Malaria Report 2023,” he said.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said that African region was advancing in the rollout of the malaria vaccine, a game-changer in the fight against the deadly disease.
“Working with our member states and partners, we’re supporting the ongoing efforts to save the lives of young children and lower the malaria burden in the region,” she said.
Ms Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, says: “Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa’s deadliest diseases.
“This introduction of malaria vaccines into routine programmes in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alongside other proven interventions will help save lives and offer relief to families, communities and hard-pressed health systems.”
Nguyen said that progress against malaria has stalled in these high-burden African countries since 2017 due to factors including climate change, humanitarian crises, low access to and insufficient quality of health services, gender-related barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance and global economic crises.
She said that other are fragile health systems and critical gaps in data and surveillance have compounded the challenge.
The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Lagos, under the second cohort of entrepreneurs’ scheme, celebrated the achievements of innovative small and medium-sized ventures within the nation’s cleantech sector.
Winners of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) 2024 Award
The event, which offered a networking platform for individuals passionate about Africa’s cleantech ecosystem, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Co-creation Hub and the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI).
In a keynote address, Dr. Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said: “The world is currently moving towards use of clean energy technologies and FMSTI, being aware of this, is currently conducting Technology Needs Assessment for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in key sectors of the economy.”
Represented by Mr. Isa Buba, Director, Environmental Sciences, Technology Development of FMSTI, the Minister noted: “There can be no better time to commence this project than now. I therefore call on all Nigerians to embrace and support deployment of clean energy innovations and solutions across the various sectors of Nigerian economy.”
In a goodwill message, Mr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office in Nigeria, pointed out that, according to World Bank (2022), Nigeria is a lower-middle-income country with a GDP of $472.64 billion and GDP per capital of $2,162 so Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and petroleum which represents a huge percentage of its total export revenue.
He said: “Despite the importance of energy to the country’s economy, low access to modern energy services remains one of the principal constraints to Nigeria’s economic development. It is also important to note that Nigeria has one of the highest energy poverty rates in the world; about 47% of its population does not have access to grid electricity and those who do have access, face regular power cuts.
“Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to climate change. It is classified as one of the 10 most vulnerable countries in the world, according to the 2017 Climate Change Vulnerability Index. Nigeria’s contribution to global climate change is relatively small, though non-negligible. In 2018, an estimated 104.3 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted from fossil fuel combustion.
“Nigeria is a member state of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is under obligation to the global convention but more importantly to the safety and wellbeing of its people and its environment.
“Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people is in dire need of innovations that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Over 50 percent of the country’s population are youths which confers demographic dividend for discovering new, modern and clean innovations across various sectors.
“There is a dire need for clean technologies in and from Nigeria. This does not just help Nigeria with its climate change and Paris Agreement obligations but also cements Nigeria’s status as an emerging economic and technological giant. Nigeria’s youthful population can be used as an advantage for driving a clean technology development and application in the country,” he stressed.
In a goodwill message Akinwande Akinsulire, Startup Support Leader at 14-year-old Co-creation Hub, noted that the programme was launched two years ago with the vision to create a community where innovators, engineers, and tech enthusiasts could collaborate to address societal problems.
He said: “Since the project’s inception, we’ve worked closely with UNIDO and other Project Executing Entities to support 49 innovators (25 in the first cohort and 24 in this second cohort). Last year, Nigeria’s top three national winners represented our country at the Global Competition. Of those winners, Rita’s Ecobarter, clinched the global award for the best female climate solution in Vienna.
“This year, we invited innovations from across the country to participate in a virtual pre-accelerator workshop. Our expert team introduced essential business concepts and helped participants refine their pitches. We received over 180 applications, which our internal team narrowed down to the top 50. These were passed on to a committee of external judges who selected the top 24 innovations.”
Henry Lamba of Schrodinger Technologies Ltd emerged as the Overall Winner of GCIP 2024 Award with Victor Boyle-Komolafe of GIVO Africa as 1st Runner Up, Enohi Ukpebor (E-Sam Energy Solutions Ltd) as 2nd Runner Up, Sidikat Folami of FabriThread Cycle Limited emerged the Best Female-led StartUp and Enohi Ukpebor (E-Sam Energy Solutions Ltd) as Best Climate Mitigation StartUp respectively.
All winners are billed to embark on an all-expenses paid trip to Vienna, Austria, to represent Nigeria at the Global Competition in June 2024, at the same time all winners will be given automatic membership of Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME), as announced by Dr. Yerima Abdulrashid, President of NASME.
Dignitaries at the event include Oluyomi Banjo, National Programme Coordinator, Environment and Energy, UNIDO; Dr. Ngozi Ejiogu, Director, Rural Electrification Fund; and Mr. Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director, Seven Up Botting Company, among others.
