The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says the UN will prioritise early warning systems against climate disasters globally by 2027.
Climate disaster: Flooding in Ogbaru, Anambra State, Nigeria. October 2022
Dr Benard Gomez, the representative of WMO for West, Central and North Africa, disclosed this on Wednesday, April 24, in Abuja in a goodwill message at the ongoing four-day 2024 Regional Climate Outlook Forum.
Gomez, who was represented by Mr Rowland Abah, said that, with the support of the African Union Commission and Partners, an “Earlier Warning for all Action Plan” had been developed for Africa as well.
“The state of climate in Africa report 2022 revealed that more than 110 million people on the African continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2022.
“This would cause more than $8.5 billion in economic damages.
“The development of ‘Early Warning Systems’ to cover everyone on the planet with Early Warning Systems by 2027 is now a priority of the United Nation,” he said.
Gomez said WMO had migrated Global Data Processing and Forecasting Systems (GDPFS) to its Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS).
He said the migration would improve coordinate exchange of earth system observation, numerical weather prediction and access to model products.
Gomez commended AGRHYMET Regional Centre, a specialised institute for drought control, for its 50 years of providing climate and capacity development service to Sahelian and West African countries.
In his remarks, the Director General of AGRHYMET Regional Centre, Dr Abdul Ali, thanked the Federal Government and Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in particular, for hosting the 2024 regional climate outlook forum.
Ali said that data from the centre revealed that more than 50 million people would experience food crisis in the region during the upcoming lean season from June to August, if appropriate measures were not taken.
An estimated 51.2 million lives have been saved through vaccines in the African region over the past 50 years. For every infant life saved over that period, close to 60 years of life are lived, a new report by World Health Organisation (WHO) finds.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
These achievements have been possible under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), a WHO initiative launched in 1974 as a global endeavour to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
The report, which assesses the life-saving impact of vaccines, was released on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the start of this year’s African Vaccination Week and World Immunisation Week being marked from April 24 to 30 under the theme “Safeguarding Our Future: Humanly Possible”.
With the continuous support from WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and many others, today most countries in the region provide antigens for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, up from the initial six when the EPI was introduced.
Notable achievements have been made, including reduction in measles deaths, with an estimated 19.5 million deaths averted over the last 22 years. The region has also witnessed a sharp decline in meningitis deaths by up to 39% in 2019 compared with 2000. Maternal and neonatal tetanus has nearly been eliminated in the region, and in a historic public health achievement, the African region was declared free of indigenous wild poliovirus in 2022 following years of relentless work to protect every child from the virus.
“From disease prevention to eradication, the success story of vaccines is a compelling one. Millions of people are alive and healthy today thanks to the protection vaccines offer,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We have half a century of momentum and have accomplished so much. Now we must sustain and expand vaccine equity to end the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The rollout of new vaccines such as the first ever malaria vaccine, and expansion of existing vaccines, such as for HPV, which protects against the leading cause of cervical cancer, has also set up future generations in Africa with an opportunity to thrive.
“Today we celebrate the monumental advances governments and partners have taken across Africa in the last fifty years to ensure so many more children on the continent are living past their fifth birthday thanks to vaccination,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli. “Leaders, partners and donors must strive to protect immunisation gains in the region, especially in the face of backsliding rates in recent years.”
“Children that are not, or not enough, vaccinated often come from communities missed across the spectrum of social services. We must focus our efforts on finding them and ensuring they receive the life-saving vaccines and other services they need. Together, with leaders and communities, we can make this a reality,” said Gilles Fagninou, the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Through Gavi, an alliance of immunisation partners including WHO and UNICEF established in 2000 to expand the impact of the EPI, countries are supported to deliver vaccines against vaccine-preventable diseases including cervical cancer and malaria, and to respond to outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and cholera.
“The evidence is clear: vaccines are one of the most impactful and cost-effective investments in health and development in history. Over the past two decades, Gavi has worked with 40 African countries to expand immunisation coverage while delivering new innovations like the HPV and malaria vaccines and responding to deadly outbreaks – saving millions of lives and generating billions in economic benefits,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “With climate change, crises and the threat of infectious disease on the rise it is more important than ever that governments invest in immunisation to help ensure everyone, everywhere has an equal opportunity for a safe and healthy future.”
While progress in vaccine coverage has been made, the region still faces challenges in achieving and sustaining high immunisation coverage rates for most of the vaccine-preventable diseases. There are also challenges in ensuring equitable vaccine access across the continent, with a significant number of children yet to receive a single dose of life-saving vaccines while others are not receiving enough doses.
In addition, the disruptive impact of COVID-19 further strained immunisation efforts. The region is yet to fully recover from the pandemic’s disruptions to immunisation.
In 2022, coverage for the first and third doses of the diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP1 and DTP3, respectively) and the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) in the region was estimated at 80%, 72% and 69%, respectively (all below the 2019 level). Only 13 of the 47 countries in the region achieved the global target coverage of 90% or above with DTP3 in 2022.
Efforts to address gaps in immunisation coverage have been intensified through the “Big Catch-Up” initiative that aims to reach children who have been underserved or missed by routine vaccination programmes. Innovative initiatives such as the Zero-Dose Immunisation Programme have also been established to reach communities that are living in conflict and fragile areas with essential health services.
Further efforts are needed to accelerate progress to meet the goals of Immunisation Agenda 2030, a strategy endorsed during the WHO World Health Assembly in 2020, which seeks to reduce mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases, ensure equitable access to vaccines and strengthen immunisation within primary health care. A regional framework to implement the Immunisation Agenda has been adopted.
To sustain progress, key strategies need to be implemented. These include controlling protracted and frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases; increasing investment in health systems and infrastructure for effective vaccine delivery; enhancing surveillance systems to respond swiftly to outbreaks; addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation; bolstering domestic funding for immunisation programmes; increasing the use of innovation and technology for better vaccine delivery; and investing in research and development for vaccine development.
Axxela Limited, a leading gas and power portfolio company in sub-Saharan Africa, announces that it has taken Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development of a gas processing plant situated in OML 56, Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
Franklin Umole, Director of Business Development, Axxela
This strategic investment marks yet another significant stride towards delivering on Axxela’s commitment to deepen domestic gas utilisation in Nigeria. The gas processing plant with a total capacity of 50 MMSCF/D will be delivered in phases. The first phase will comprise a 12 MMSCF/D modular plant, with an interconnection pipeline network of about 4km alongside other ancillary infrastructure. The facility is expected to commence operations by the end of 2024.
Speaking on this pivotal landmark, Franklin Umole, Director of Business Development, Axxela, said: “As the Federal Government continues to pursue its Decade of Gas and Energy Transition Agenda, we remain a reputable private sector partner with the capacity to develop gas processing plants aimed at tackling the longstanding challenge of gas flaring and commercialisation in Nigeria.
“We are positioning to develop requisite infrastructure for natural gas processing and last mile distribution that creates market access for at least 20% of Nigeria’s gas demand. Over the past two decades, we have been at the forefront of natural gas advocacy, and this project is a further reaffirmation of our dedication to gas infrastructure development and our vision to deliver innovative energy solutions across Nigeria and Africa.”
Following the Board’s Final Investment Decision, Axxela has executed a long-term feedstock supply agreement with a leading indigenous upstream player and established equipment supply arrangement with world class Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to assure quality delivery of the project. The design concept is based on a fast and modular expansion as Axxela is partnering with OEMs who have ready stock of equipment for deployment.
The project is strategically cited in OML 56 to serve as a potential hub which upstream players with fields within a 30km radius can partner with to process associated and non-associated gas. Axxela believes in the potential of this central processing hub having identified two prospective fields and with the partnership with the OEMs, the company envisages that the plant’s output can be scaled up to 50 MMSCF/D within 18 months.
Beyond unlocking economic opportunities, the project can potentially transform gas flaring into a valuable resource that will further ensure a stable, cleaner energy for domestic utilisation thereby contributing significantly to annual CO2 emissions savings and supporting environmental sustainability.
Upon completion, processed gas from the facility will be readily available for utilisation across various market segments including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles, feedstock for industries, decentralised power solutions, among others.
The 42nd meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board concluded on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Bonn, Germany, with the Board approving about $82 million to support vulnerable countries across 12 new concrete adaptation projects while also breaking ground in making the Adaptation Fund the first multilateral climate fund to set new dedicated funding windows to foster Locally Led Adaptation (LLA).
The 42nd meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board in Bonn, Germany
The Board established a resource mobilisation target for 2024 of $300 million, with an added goal of a higher number of contributors than the previous year, to help meet rising global adaptation needs. It further decided to analyse options to potentially grow country and project funding caps in the future.
Additionally, the Board made several decisions aimed at making processes to access funding smoother as well as increasing grant options for developing countries. It also extended funding for one of its small grant partnerships through the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA).
Among the 12 adaptation projects approved, half were Direct Access projects which empower country ownership in adaptation through the Fund’s accredited national implementing entities (NIEs).
“I was honoured and pleased to see the Board achieve such excellent and far-reaching results in responding to countries’ adaptation needs,” said Lucas di Pietro, of Argentina, who presided over his first meeting as the Board’s new Chair. “These new funding commitments and decisions will have concrete impacts in helping countries build resilience to climate change while making processes more efficient. At the same time, we’ve grown both the amounts and ranges of funding options available for developing countries.”
“I was very impressed by the amount of results the Board achieved, which will greatly benefit the vulnerable developing countries the Fund serves,” said Mikko Ollikainen, Head of the Adaptation Fund. “The Board’s decisions signal its ambition to enhance and grow the Fund’s excellent work and will help us reach many more climate-vulnerable communities with needed adaptation solutions over the next year and beyond.”
With the Fund receiving a record amount of demand from countries over the past several years as global adaptation needs have grown, the Board decided to enhance funding options for countries that are available outside the single-country cap on regular projects. This included establishing new funding streams for grants to support Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) — which fosters engagement and leadership of local actors and stakeholders in adaptation projects on the ground.
One stream was approved for $26.5 million and will merge LLA with the Fund’s existing funding window on Enhanced Direct Access into an improved and expanded window for the Fund’s national, regional and multilateral implementing entities, with up to $5 million available per project. The other directs an additional $35 million to a new LLA global aggregator programme for channeling small LLA grants for entities that are not accredited with the Fund, such as CSOs, indigenous people organisations, local governments, community groups and entrepreneurs, among others. The Fund will seek expressions of interest from multilateral or regional implementing entities to serve as administrators of the grants, similar to how its AFCIA programme is run.
With these decisions, the Adaptation Fund becomes the first multilateral climate fund that has fully operationalised the global LLA principles, and the Board will further examine options at its next meeting for establishing a third LLA window, aimed at funding regional LLA projects. It will also analyse options for performance indicators of LLA projects.
The Board expanded funding allocations for its other programmes that are available for countries outside of the country cap, as well. It allocated $60 million for its regional projects window, $30.3 million for large innovation grants, $1.5 million each for small innovation and learning grants, and $1 million for scale-up grants.
In the process, the Board increased the maximum amount allowed per learning grant, from $150,000 to $500,000 to help NIEs capture and disseminate practical lessons from adaptation projects on a grander scale.
It further set ranges and increased funding for the Fund’s project formulation grants, which are designed to help entities develop project concepts into full proposals. These will be based on project size, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for developing single-country projects, $150,000 to $250,000 for regional projects, and an additional $100,000 available to further develop LLA project concepts.
The Board approved the work plans for the next fiscal year of the Fund and AF’s Technical Evaluation Reference Group (AF-TERG) and made several other decisions to enhance the Fund’s policies and overall work.
It decided to further timely preparations of the Fund from serving the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement; advance a new AF-wide policy to safeguard against sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment; make policy changes to allow implementing entities flexibility in applying their own policies and procedures to enable compliance with AF standards and policies; and enhance civil society participation in Board meetings by establishing a new level of “active” civil society observers.
The Board also advanced efforts to report on the Fund’s carbon footprint, update its environmental and social policy, and prepare for a comprehensive evaluation of the Fund’s work by the AF-TERG. It reaccredited its national implementing entity in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Finance and agreed to further discussions with the Green Climate Fund to improve efficiency and coherence of accreditation processes for implementing entities between the two funds.
In addition, Nina Alsen of Germany served at the meeting as the Board’s newly elected Vice- Chair.
Project approvals included:
$4 million to enhance resilience of coastal communities in Belize, to be implemented by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust;
$2.9 million for the National Fund for Environment and Climate to carry out a project to build resilience of forests in the central region of Benin;
$4.9 million for the Environmental Management Agency to build resilience in dry zones of Zimbabwe;
$5.7 million for the Pacific Community to build capacity of nature-based seawalls in Fiji.
$10 million for the Development Bank of Latin America to strengthen socio- ecological resilience in coastal areas and adaptive infrastructure of Uruguay;
$10 million for UN-Habitat to build adaptation capacity through small-scale infrastructure investments in Cambodia;
$9.8 million for the International Fund for Agricultural Development to improve climate-resilient pasture management, market access and dairy modernisation in Georgia;
$10 million for the World Food Programme (WFP) to enhance climate-resilient livelihoods in dry regions of Nicaragua;
$4 million for an Enhanced Direct Access (EDA) project in Honduras to be implemented by the Mennonite Social Action Commission to build adaptation capacities of indigenous and Afro-descendant coastal communities;
$5 million for an EDA project by Profonanpe to set up an innovative fund for improving adaptation of vulnerable ecosystems in northern Peru;
$4.9 million for a large innovation grant for WFP to innovate adaptation financing of smallholder farmers in Bhutan;
$125,100 for a learning grant for the Environmental Project Implementation Unit to foster adaptation knowledge in Armenia;
$10 million for the UN Environment Programme to administer phase 2 of its small grants partnership through AFCIA; and
$575,000 in project formulation grants to go toward helping develop several additional project concepts and pre-concept notes (the Board endorsed 14 project concept ideas).
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State on Saturday, April 20, 2024, flagged-off a project involving the planting of two million assorted economic tree crops across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state: Gashaka, Bali, Kurmi, Sardauna, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Donga and Gassol. The initiative aims to combat climate change and promote economic empowerment among the local communities.
Taraba State Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, planting a tree in the company of Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Wukari, Prof Rabo Sammani; President, Jukun Development Association, Chief Bako Benjamin; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali; and Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, during the launch of the “Green Taraba Project”
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, Gov. Kefas urged the people of Taraba State to embrace the initiative, emphasising that the tree crops would not only help mitigate the effects of climate change but will also serve as a significant source of income for the communities.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, highlighted the importance of the project and called on all Tarabans to actively participate. She emphasised that this is the first phase of the project and that all other local governments would subsequently be covered.
The Commissioner stressed that the “Green Taraba Project” is a collective responsibility that must be taken seriously by all Tarabans.
She expressed gratitude to Gov. Kefas for his unwavering support to the Green Taraba Project. She also thanked various partners involved in the initiative for their continued support and collaboration.
“The launch of the 2 million rosewood and assorted economic tree crops project signifies a significant step towards biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, environmental stewardship and economic empowerment in Taraba State. It showcases the Governor Agbu Kefas led government’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges while creating valuable opportunities for local communities to improve their livelihoods,” Barde added.
L-R. The Deputy Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Hammandama Dakka; the Deputy Governor, Alh. Aminu Abdullahi Alkali; and the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Barr Gebon Timothy Kataps, at the launch
According to her, the initiative underscores the governor’s commitment to regreen Taraba State, adding that stakeholders agreed that planting 2 million economic tree crops is a commendable effort towards building a greener, more economically resilient Taraba.
“It is essential for all Tarabans to join hands in ensuring the success of this project, as it holds the potential to enhance environmental conservation, boost local economies, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The ceremony also had in attendance the Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito John Bonzena; the Deputy Speaker, Hammadama Borkono; the Senator Representing Taraba South, Sen. David S. Jimkuta; the former Deputy Governor, Alh. Armayau Abubakar; the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps; members of the State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; Local Government Chairmen led by the ALGON Chairman, Dr. Aminu Jauro Mafindi; various interest groups; and the general public.
BirdLife Africa has said that the launch of the West African Vulture Conservation Action Plan (WAVCAP), which held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard vultures in the subregion.
Vultures fighting over an animal carcass
Vultures, essential for maintaining ecological balance by scavenging on decaying carcasses, have experienced alarming declines, with African vulture populations plummeting by 80-97% over the last five decades, with some species facing a decline of over 92%.
The main threats include poisoning (responsible for 61% of recorded vulture deaths across Africa); belief-based use (29%); and electrocution by energy infrastructure (9%). Halting and reversing these declines is imperative to prevent vultures from becoming extinct, said the group.
“In West Africa, widespread poisoning of vultures for belief-based use poses a severe threat, with incidents such as mass poisoning in Guinea-Bissau in 2020 resulting in the death of over 2000 Critically Endangered Hooded Vultures. Other threats in the region include direct killing for meat and habitat destruction. Urgent intervention is needed to address these unsustainable losses,” BirdLife submitted in a statement.
According to the organisation, the development of the WAVCAP is a result of collaborative efforts involving individuals and institutions dedicated to vulture conservation. The Plan, it added, aims to address key threats faced by vultures in West Africa, with a focus on reducing the imminent threat posed by belief-based use.
“The vision of the WAVCAP is to ensure that, by 2043, vulture populations across West Africa have achieved sustainable levels, have become protected by effective legal frameworks, and are thriving in a healthy environment in harmony with people. The Plan targets actions to be carried out across 16 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. While ambitious, this vision is essential for the conservation of vultures in the subregion.”
The WAVCAP is said to build upon the groundwork laid by the CMS Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture MsAP) and responds directly to the CMS Resolution 12.10 (Rev.COP14) on Conservation of Arican-Eurasian Vultures. It urges CMS Parties and non-Parties to implement the Plan and emphasises the need for subregional and international collaboration to safeguard vulture populations. Further, the Plan calls for action from governments, civil society, academia, and local communities to commit to saving Africa’s vultures.
Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, Federal Minister of State, Environment, Nigeria, said: “The vulture bird is an important member of our ecosystem that does the dirty work of cleaning our environment of carcasses, keeping it healthy and preventing diseases. Vultures are also our important ally in preventing illegal poaching. Unfortunately, over the years, their survival has become threatened by indiscriminate harvesting for use in traditional medicine and deliberate poisoning by illegal poachers.
“The West Africa Vulture Conservation Action Plan, which spells out the critical actions we need to undertake to save the vulture, is therefore a commendable initiative that I support on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. The change we seek can only come from making commitments to save these birds as enshrined in the Plan.”
Ms. Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, that hosts the Coordinating Unit of the Raptors MOU, said: “Vultures play a vital role in our natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Their presence is not only enriching but also essential for maintaining a healthy environment. The decline of vulture populations in South Asia resulted in a surge of diseases, leading to over 500,000 additional human deaths within just a few years. It is imperative to prevent similar consequences in Africa. The Raptors MOU serves as a mechanism for fostering international collaboration to safeguard vulture populations, ensuring they can continue to provide crucial ecosystem services vital for environmental integrity and human well-being.”
Mr. Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, Regional Director for Africa, BirdLife International, said: “The West Africa Vulture Conservation Action Plan could not have come at more opportune time. As vultures continue to decline, our efforts and actions should match the vulture crisis. With Africa being home to 11 species vultures of which six are known to occur in West Africa the continent should be on the forefront of saving the species. I am hopeful, that the coordinated operationalisation of WAVCAP, and support from key stakeholders including governments and local communities will turn the tide for vultures in West Africa.”
“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you die and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing” – Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790, First US Postmaster-General.
Yacoob Abiodun (left) with the late Mrs Catherine George, former Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)
While writing this tribute, I found the above quotation by an American historical personality who died over two centuries ago (234 years!) irresistible because of its “glove fit” to the life and times of the late Tpl. C. K. George, whose sudden death occurred on February 13, 2024.
Tpl. C.K. George’s character and personality: She embodied hard work, integrity, aplomb, courage, charisma, intellect, humility, patience, simplicity, comportment, beauty, brain, decency, and religiosity.
Primus inter pares professional of no mean achievements: Professionally, she was a trailblazer with a string of “firsts” achievements that stood tall among her gender professional peers. Please permit me to reel them out:
The First Female Professional Town Planner, 1972.
The first female Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, 1987.
The first female African Chartered Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute of Britain, 1990.
The first female Chairperson of Lagos Mainland Local Planning Authority, 1998-1999.
The first female Chairperson of NITP Lagos State Chapter, 1998-2000.
The first female African Town Planner inducted to the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame at Abuja in November 2007.
She received uncountable professional and women leadership awards nationally and internationally.
An excellent educator: Her depth of professionalism was evident in how she imparted knowledge to her students as an academic, initially at the Lagos State Polytechnic 1986 and later at Yaba College of Technology 1986-2000, where she honed her teaching skills in Town Planning.
From sampled opinions among the students under her tutelage and guidance over the years, she was held in high esteem. She was acknowledged as a committed lecturer with a knack for details and an encourager who made her students learn, grow, and feel welcomed in her campus office.
A former student with whom this writer interfaced quipped, “My lecturer (Mrs. C. K. George), with her intimidating body frame and towering height, seems larger than life but, on close contact, she is approachable, friendly and motherly with her infectious smile.”
An accomplished author: Going back to Benjamin Franklin’s axiom quoted above, Tpl. C. K. George was an inimitable, prolific writer. She had both collections of intellectual works and books worth reading. Her books delight readers of all ages, especially the 4th edition of her seminal book on the Basic Principles and Methods of Urban and Regional Planning, rated variously in glowing praises by most reviewers/readers as “authoritative, value-added, comprehensive, lucid, reader-friendly and well-fortified with examples and live case studies. The book is invaluable for town planning professionals, train-the-trainers, and predominantly urban and regional planning students.”
Her legacy: Tpl. C. K. George left a legacy of practical wisdom. She helped to fill a void in planning literature. She did many commendable things to increase the visibility of the town planning profession in Nigeria, which are worth writing about but impossible to capture in this brief tribute due to space constraints. An appeal to her professional colleagues and students is that they should sustain the legacy of Tpl. C. K. George for posterity.
The threnody: Tpl. C. K. George left us when we least expected. Her departure to the celestial world was heartbroken, but who are we to question the all-knowing God? As a woman of undiluted faith who served God conscientiously, she would be warmly received in heaven, her eternal home.
We commiserate with her immediate and extended families in their period of grief. The good Lord shall continue to console them and wipe their sorrow away. Adieu.
The Kaduna State Government says efforts are being made to restore a total of 22,435 hectares of degraded land in order to enhance food security in the state.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State
Murtala Dabo, Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kaduna at a one-day stakeholders meeting with chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state.
The programme was organised by Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and state Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
Dabo, who is also the co-chairman, State Steering Committee of ACReSAL Project, expressed satisfaction that the collaboration would restore degraded lands in the local government areas of the state.
He said over 500,000 lands that were degraded; hence the need for collaboration between relevant stakeholders to enable ACReSAL to make progress in the restoration of degraded lands.
Dabo said for the state to tackle food insecurity, it needed to recover the degraded lands so as to restore lands for cultivation.
“This restoration will address climate change dangers, if not mitigated, posed threat to our grassroots, where farming activities take place,’’ he said.
The commissioner called on local government chairmen to be active on the restoration programme in order to ensure food security, while minimising effects of climate change.
Kassim Abdulrauf, Project Agriculture Officer, said the ACReSAL project was an ambitious and transformational engagement, aimed at restoring degraded lands.
“The main component of our meeting is to deepen our commitment to community climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation,’’ he said.
He commended the chairmen for speeding up the process of identifying the degraded lands, measured the hectares and submitted the land area to the project team.
Abdulrauf listed the local governments to benefit from the first phase as Zaria, Lere, Giwa, Makarfi, Kubau, Jamaa, Sanga, Ikara,Jaba, Kachia, Kagarko, Zango Kataf, Soba, Kauru, and Sabon Gari.
He urged the chairmen to ensure their renewed commitments to the implementation of the projects.
The chairmen were presented with maps of identified degraded lands of each local government.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has reiterated that he stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, that the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB) wasted over $500 million of the industry’s fund in equity investments in private establishments and in loans that are now non-performing.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil)
The minster, while reacting to recent media statement by Simbi Wabote, former executive secretary of the NCDMB, dismissed as blatant lies from the pit of hell claims that his office requested for increase on NCDMB budget by N30 billion for the office of the Minister.
In a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor, SA Media and Communication, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), the minister noted: “Our position is that he who alleges must prove same. So, if Mr. Wabote has proof of such conversation, he is challenged to provide same.
“Secondly the Minister has no aide called Blackson. All his aides were duly selected in line with extant laws and have documents to that effect.”
According to the statement, “The Minister in his capacity as chairman of the Governing Council stands by his statement at The Petroleum Club’s quarterly event in Lagos, and as journalists I welcome you to visit the places mentioned to verify the allegations for yourself.
“Thirdly, the said Atlantic Refinery was supposed to be built in Mr Wabote’s hometown, he should show Nigerians where that refinery is.
“Fourthly, the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical company was also paid for, you are welcomed to also visit the site to verify the facts for yourself.”
The statement noted that investigations are ongoing, and the truth will surely come to light and monies belonging to the generality of Nigerians will be recovered for Nigerians.
“Let me add that these revelations are not new, they were first made during an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content. Again, the records are there, and you are welcome to verify these facts.
“The Minister has never been part of any budgeting process of any parastatal under the Ministry, you are welcomed to visit these agencies to verify for yourself.
“Finally, the Minister’s office is run with a budget superintended by the permanent secretary and so one will wonder, how the Minister will ask another entity to make provisions for the budget of his Office. The Minister has an impeccable record from his time as Minister of Agric and will continue to stand for the truth.
“The Minister and indeed the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NCDMB will not abdicate his responsibility to please anyone. He has a responsibility to ensure that, that which belongs to Nigerians is judiciously used for Nigerians.
“I have had course to read Mr Wabote’s release and every one can see that he is still nursing the wounds of being replaced even after spending seven years at the Board. At best, this is a clear case of when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back.”
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) friend of the month for April 2024 is Meha Kumar, who works as a researcher at Save the Elephants (STE), focusing on Human-Elephant Coexistence (HEC). She is part of the team that developed a HEC Toolbox, which is a 200-page manual that provides guidance on innovative elephant-friendly deterrents, offering practical advice and tools to minimize conflict with elephants and protect property and resources.
The Elephant Protection Initiative works with Save the Elephants to foster human-elephant coexistence within Africa. Recently, the EPI sent some of its national focal points to the Training of Trainers course in Tsavo National Park, facilitated by STE. This course equips attendees to help communities live harmoniously with elephants in conflict hotspots. Meha was part of the STE training staff on the ground.
Meha Kumar tying a cowbell in a farm in Sagalla, near Tsavo National Park. Cowbells are one of the methods Save the Elephants uses to reduce conflict between elephants and people. Photo credit: Save the Elephants
Tell us more about where you are from, your background, and how it may have influenced your passion for conservation.
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Nairobi. I always remember being very passionate about the protection of wildlife all through my formative years. This passion has continued to grow over the years inspired by the amazing work done by famous wildlife conservationists like our founder Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton and others who have worked alongside him towards this noble cause.
In your experience researching about, and working with wildlife, what has been the highlight of your career?
There are many highlights in my line of work, but one that remains close to my heart is seeing the difference our Human-Elephant Coexistence Toolbox is making across communities that are living closest to elephants and are in the frontline when it comes to competition with elephants for resources like food, water, and space.
It’s great to be a part of this mission that has seen Save the Elephants introduce and help implement practical solutions such as bee-hive fences and other non-lethal deterrents detailed in the HEC Toolbox, that have proven effective in reducing conflict incidents while empowering local communities. Through this, we are steadily pushing the needle towards harmonious coexistence, with immense promise in furthering conservation efforts and protecting these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
Let’s talk about the training that happened recently in Tsavo. What is the impact you’re working to create in human-elephant coexistence in the next decade?
In February 2024, we hosted individuals from Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya for our inaugural international Human-Elephant Coexistence Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop. The ToT workshop is a three-day event where potential trainees such as community leaders are invited to be trained on how various innovative mitigation methods from the HEC Toolbox are implemented. Several of these methods have been deployed in the Sagalla Community (Tsavo) where trainees get an opportunity to understand the conflict directly from the farmers’ perspectives and see them working in action.
Our goal is to empower the trainees with the right tools and practical solutions to mitigate human-elephant conflict and promote coexistence. The trainees then become trainers within their localities, sharing knowledge and insights from the HEC Toolbox on how to live more in harmony with elephants. We strongly believe that achieving a harmonious future between elephants and people hinges on fostering strong connections with local communities. This programme has so far produced 91 graduates from 14 different organisations and communities and takes place monthly.
We will continue working towards securing a future for elephants and sustaining the ecological integrity of the places they live in, as we develop a tolerant relationship between elephants and people.
While working with the research team in Samburu, what are some of the most fascinating insights you gained from interacting with the community in relation to human-elephant conflict?
The Samburu community has developed a fascinating connection with elephants through the years, fostering respect and a mutual understanding when it comes to sharing resources. Within the Samburu National Reserve, elephants have been observed to be calmer and at ease, as opposed to areas outside the reserve. This provides a spectacular platform to understand their behaviour, as well as the culture of the Samburu community.
Is there any story you can share that keeps you hopeful for wildlife conservation?
Save the Elephants was part of The Elephant Queen outreach programme’s ground-breaking mobile cinema, which travelled the length and breadth of Kenya for two years.
The Elephant Queen (TEQ) follows the lives of a Tsavo elephant herd-led by the matriarch Athena – their quest for water, and the extensive journeys they undertake for survival during droughts, emphasising their role as environmental architects crucial to numerous other species. Following global screenings and multiple international awards, the filmmakers had the script translated into Kiswahili and Maa (the language of the Maasai and Samburu tribes) and began touring Kenya to provide rural communities with insights into the true nature of elephants.
The film was shown on large inflatable screens erected in local communities – at schools, in marketplaces and other public areas. Within two years, the Elephant Queen outreach programme visited nearly 300 schools, and over 200 villages, and engaged with more than 135,000 people.
As part of this, surveys were conducted before and after the screenings, coupled with interviews with key community figures. The surveys targeted communities surrounding national parks and known to suffer from high levels of human-elephant conflict.
The survey results showed that films like TEQ have the potential to reshape attitudes and garner support for elephants in rural communities. Published in the journal of People and Nature, the study showed that 86.7% of community viewers (aged 16-85) who saw “The Elephant Queen” felt the film changed their attitudes towards elephants. On average 79% of viewers believed the film would change their interactions with elephants in the future. 88.4% of viewers felt the film could change their whole community’s relationship with elephants.
As mentioned above, a harmonious future between elephants and people hinges on fostering strong connections with local communities. Seeing community views and attitudes towards elephants changing positively keeps me optimistic that we are winning their hearts and minds, one step at a time.
Looking ahead on a personal level, what are your dreams and ambitions for the conservation of Kenya’s elephants?
I am always excited about being part of an amazing team that is pushing the boundaries when it comes to understanding elephants and learning how to live successfully with them. It is my goal to continue to adding value to our research team, as we identify more ways through which humans and elephants can coexist peacefully. Elephants are highly intelligent creatures, and continuing to understand them will ensure that we give them a voice and a future in a dynamic world.
