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Stakeholders reaffirm commitment towards advancing Africa’s maritime decarbonisation agenda

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders reaffirm commitment towards advancing Africa’s maritime decarbonisation agenda

Given how rapidly the world is changing, particularly how climate change is influencing human activities and economic development, it is clear that Africa must reconsider its growth strategy and address the issue of carbon emissions in the marine industry.

Shipping Decarbornisation
Participants including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbornisation held in Abuja

As part of efforts to address the aforementioned challenge, industry actors from across the continent convened in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Monday, March 17, 2025, for a two-day African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation to discuss how to accelerate Africa’s maritime decarbonisation agenda and it’s active participation in global climate change mitigation efforts.

In his remarks, while flagging off the event, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stressed the need for Africa to take a leading role in shaping the future of the maritime industry.

The minister underlined Africa’s strategic position to become a global leader in green shipping, leveraging its geographic advantage and renewable energy potential.

To ensure that no nation on the continent is left behind, Oyetola emphasised the importance of equitable decarbonisation, a key summit goal that, he explained, aims to solidify Africa’s position in advocating for fair revenue distribution from global decarbonisation measures as well as to strengthen technical capacity for effective climate action.

“Nigeria is also bidding for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, seeking support from member states for its candidacy,” he stated.

In the same vein, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General/CEO of NIMASA, hinted the summit’s aims to align Africa’s maritime strategies with global decarbonisation efforts, supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 that advocates for climate action.

At the end of the summit, participants reaffirmed their collective commitment towards fostering the African shipping decarbonisation plan, and agreed on the following resolutions:

  • African nations should actively participate and engage for a unified position to actively engage in IMO negotiations, particularly in the Intersessional Working Groups for Greenhouse Gas (ISWG-GHG) and Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), ensuring that global decarbonisation policies are equitable and considerate to Africa’s unique challenges.
  • African nations should ensure that peoples with right technical, political and diplomatic skills consistently attend the negotiation meetings and engagement at international fora fostering continuity in driving the shipping decarbonisation agenda.
  • African nations should develop a comprehensive national action plan for shipping decarbonisation, aligned with the IMO’s GHG Reduction Strategy and tailored to local realities.
  • Establish regional training centres to equip maritime professionals with the skills needed vis-vis capacity building for the transition to low-carbon operations, including the use of alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies.
  • Develop mechanisms to monitor and report relevant shipping emission data for analysis and modelling to enable informed policy formulation.
  • African nations should harness their abundant renewable energy resources to produce zero-carbon fuels and power green port infrastructure, positioning the continent as a hub for sustainable shipping.
  • Governments should create enabling policies and incentives to attract investment in renewable energy projects for the maritime sector.
  • African nations should collectively advocate for global decarbonisation policies that address the high transition costs and limited access to clean fuel technology faced by developing countries.
  • African nations should push for the establishment of funding mechanisms to support Africa’s transition, including grants, low-interest loans, and technology transfer programmes.
  • A strategic government policy mandating agreement with shipping companies to create structured opportunities for African cadets, fostering capacity development and enhancing expertise.
  • African government should deliberately encourage policies on the engagement of women in seafaring and other aspect of maritime.
  • African Nation should engage key stakeholders including ship-owners in the decarbonisation negotiation discourse.

This high-level event was attended by international experts, including the IMO-MEPC Chairperson Dr. Harry Conway.

It serves as a platform for forging stronger collaborations among African states and global partners to advocate for just and equitable implementation of IMO policies.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Vienna Convention@40: SRADeV initiates scheme to reduce fluorinated GHGs, ozone-depleting substances emissions

Michael Simire
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Vienna Convention@40: SRADeV initiates scheme to reduce fluorinated GHGs, ozone-depleting substances emissions

The world marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) on Friday, March 21, 2025, a landmark international agreement that set the foundation for global efforts to protect the ozone layer. This milestone highlights decades of scientific collaboration, policy action, and environmental progress that have shaped international responses to ozone depletion and climate change.

Leslie Adogame
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria

In alignment with this global legacy, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has announced the launch of its pioneering initiative tagged: “Promoting Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria.”

This one-year project, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, is supported by theEnvironmental Investigation Agency, UK (EIA UK) and aims to tackle the pressing issue of F-gases and ODS emissions in Nigeria. These substances significantly contribute to global warming and ozone depletion, posing severe environmental and public health risks.

The Vienna Convention led to the establishment of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone layer (1987), a legally binding treaty that has been instrumental in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and mitigating climate change. The Montreal Protocol, widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental agreements, has not only helped in restoring the ozone layer but also in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the power of multilateral cooperation in tackling environmental crises.

Linking Global Commitments to Local Action: SRADeV Nigeria’s Initiative

As Nigeria continues to honour its commitments under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), SRADeV Nigeria’s project seeks to bridge gaps in policy, technology, and enforcement mechanisms.

Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, emphasised the importance of continued commitment.

“Nigeria has made significant progress in implementing the Montreal Protocol, but there is still a lot of work to be done, and this is why we have designed our upcoming initiative to assess the country’s progress, identify gaps, and propose necessary actions to enhance environmental sustainability,” he said.

As part of the implementation strategy, SRADeV Nigeria will be engaging extensively with national key stakeholders, including: Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) like the National Ozone Office (NOO), NESREA among others: industry practitioners like NARAP and developmental bodies like UNIDO. A comprehensive gap analysis has been conducted to evaluate Nigeria’s current stance on reducing ODS and F-gases emissions, and the findings will be further reviewed by stakeholders to inform targeted interventions.

To formally launch the project, an inception workshop is scheduled for April 10, 2025, bringing together policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public. SRADeV Nigeria will roll out capacity-building programmes, stakeholder engagements, and public awareness campaigns to ensure widespread knowledge and compliance.

Mr. Jeremiah Ato, Policy and Technical Officer at SRADeV Nigeria, highlighted the challenge of public awareness.

“Refrigerants are used in nearly every household and commercial sectors, yet most Nigerians are unaware of their environmental impact. This highlights the urgent need for capacity building and widespread public awareness,” Ato stated.

As the world celebrates four decades of the Vienna Convention’s impact, SRADeV Nigeria says it remains committed to driving national action in alignment with global environmental goals.

“We invite government agencies, industry leaders, the media, and the public to support this initiative in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria,” submitted the organisation.

Mr. Victor Fabumi, Programme Manager at SRADeV Nigeria, emphasised the environmental impact of F-gases and ODS to the climate, stating: “F-gases, in particular, have an exceptionally high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and significantly contribute to rising global temperatures, exacerbating climate change. Likewise, ODS not only accelerate global warming but also deplete the ozone layer. By tackling the issues of the emissions of both F-gases and ODS, SRADeV aims to play a key role in combating climate change.”

Rural water initiative reduces disease risk in Malawian villages

Michael Simire
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Rural water initiative reduces disease risk in Malawian villages

Residents of rural Malawian communities report significant health improvements following the implementation of the Rural Private Taps Initiative by the nonprofit, Water for People.

Mary Beans
Mary Beans, a programme beneficiary

Community members in Mangulenje Village, Chikwawa District, previously collected water from rivers shared with livestock, exposing them to waterborne illnesses including bilharzia and diarrhoea.

“We used to risk our health by drawing contaminated water from the river, where animals like cows also drank,” said Mary Beans, a programme beneficiary.

“Thanks to Water for People, those days of uncertainty are over.”

The initiative provides direct water access to rural households, reducing disease exposure while saving time previously spent collecting water.

“We were living on the edge, relying on contaminated water that made us vulnerable to deadly diseases like cholera and diarrhoea,” said Suzan Phiri from Glasten Village in Chiradzulu district.

“Those dark days are now behind us.”

Water For People operates throughout Malawi to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services. The organisation’s efforts align with World Water Day on March 22, which promotes water conservation and sustainable management.

“The Rural Private Taps Initiative has been a game-changer for rural communities,” said Ulemu Chiluzi, Country Director for Water for People.

“By providing access to safe and reliable water, we’ve seen a significant improvement in the health, wellbeing, and livelihoods of thousands of people.”

Chiluzi added that the programme has reduced water collection burdens on women and children while encouraging community ownership of water infrastructure.

World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993, highlights global water challenges and promotes sustainable water resource management.

By Meclina Chirwa, AfricaBrief

Stakeholders unveil co-created Climate Education Manual for Nigerian schools

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders unveil co-created Climate Education Manual for Nigerian schools

Over 100 students, teachers and other stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to unveil a co-created Climate Education Manual for teaching climate change in Nigerian Schools.

Climate Education Manual
Prof Chukwumerije Okereke (centre) with students, teachers and other stakeholders at the unveiling of the Climate Education Manual in Abuja

The Climate Change Manual, an initiative of Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, with funding from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, was designed to equip Nigerian secondary school students with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to advance their knowledge of climate literacy. The manual built on the success of co-creation and the inception workshops held in Abuja and Enugu State in September 2024.

Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment, described the Climate Manual initiative as a step forward. She praised the collective effort of all stakeholders in ensuring that the younger generation is empowered to take climate action from their young age and contribute towards the development and enhancement of a sustainable, low carbon economy.

Dr Abiola-Awe highlighted several initiatives that the DCC has implemented across several capital cities of the nation to enhance the capacity of the next generation to innovate and mentor fellow learners in taking climate actions.

“Today, as we launch this manual, I want to encourage everyone here present to adopt the use of this manual. There is no small pace in learning. We learn every day, and every opportunity provides that. Together we will all make a meaningful difference, not only for this generation, but generations to come,” she added.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, F.C.T.A, Education Secretariat, represented by Dr. Mrs. Bukola Obateru, thanked everyone who contributed to the development of the manual, stating that their efforts will shape the future of the planet. He added that the fight against climate change is a collective responsibility.

“Through this education awareness that we are creating, and the action it motivates, we can build a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said, while thanking Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and his team at the Society for Planet and Prosperity for driving this initiative.

The Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Miss Peace Gobo, expressed his support for the Climate Manual initiative. He stated that, as part of NOA’s mandate to drive awareness and sensitisation, the NOA has developed a National Climate Charter, with climate awareness as one of the anchor pillars.

Climate Education Manual
Climate Education Manual

He also noted that the agency has recently created the Environment, Climate and Energy department within the agency to drive the present administration’s environmental sustainability goals. He also stressed the need for every citizen to be climate aware, especially the young ones to whom the future belongs.

Highlighting his optimism in his goodwill message, Sir Richard Inyamkume, Registrar General, Institute for Climate Smart Research and Policy advocacy, stated that this initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards a sustainable future. He added that the initiative also resonated strongly with the work being carried out by the institute.

“As we launch the climate education manual, we aim to empower individuals, students, educators, and communities to deepen their understanding of climate change, and also recognise its impact on our world today. Through the knowledge that we will give to them through this manual, we will pave the way for informed action. So, let this manual serve as a tool of hope and change guiding us towards a greener future,” Sir Inyamkume stated. 

Several distinguished stakeholders, including Miss Ifechi Anikwe of Clean-Tech Hub, Mr. Shekwoyemi Kure from ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Chioma Ome, Country Director of Solar Sister Nigeria, Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi from Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy were present and endorsed the manual, describing it as a timely resource that will help to drive Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Launching the Climate Education Manual, Professor Okereke gave an overview, objectives and the methodology through which it was developed, stating that the next step is to ensure that it is used in order to achieve its objectives. Prof Okereke thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the development of the Climate Education Manual.

He also thanked the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her endorsement, and for writing a powerful foreword for the manual.

The launch brought together students, teachers, and key stakeholders, as witness to this historical milestone and unveiling of the much-anticipated manual.

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communication Specialist, SPP), Elochukwu Anieze (Senior Policy Analyst, SPP) and Ginika Okoroafor (Research Fellow, SPP)

ACReSAL awards ₦8.5bn contract for erosion control project in Kano

Michael Simire
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ACReSAL awards ₦8.5bn contract for erosion control project in Kano

Kano State Government under its World Bank-assisted programme, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a N8.5 billion contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa gully erosion control project in Kano.

ACReSAL
ACReSAL officials in Kano announce Habib Engineering Limited as the bid winner

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed government commitment to the project.

Hashim, who is also the Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, said the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to prioritise infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities.

“Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for school children.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days,” Hashim said.

He noted that to ensure quality execution and accountability, a  robust monitoring team would be constituted, adding that over N600m would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In his remark, Ammar Nouri, the General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Ltd., which is handling the project, said work would commence on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa, commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani of Bulbula, expressed his happiness that the government has finally awarded a contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that erosion has been a serious problem in the neighbourhood for years.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Flooding: Ogun advises residents in 22 communities to relocate to safer grounds

Michael Simire
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Flooding: Ogun advises residents in 22 communities to relocate to safer grounds

The Ogun State Government on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, the state capital, advised residents of 22 flood-prone communities in the state to quickly relocate to safer grounds.

Isheri
Flooding in Isheri North community in Ogun State

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, at a news conference said this was to prevent the devastating consequences of flood on their lives and properties.

The news conference was held to create awareness on the 2025 flood risk.

It was also to list the achievements of the state government in flood prevention and erosion control since the inception of the Dapo Abiodun administration in 2019.

Oresanya stated that Gov. Abiodun had pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent residents from suffering losses due to flooding.

“Ogun has been identified by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) as one of major flood-prone areas in the country.

“As part of the state’s mitigation strategies, an annual flood alert is always issued by the Ministry of Environment to enlighten the residents on the extent of the vulnerability of settlements and communities,” he said.

The Commissioner further stated that the governor has vowed to do everything possible to prevent the residents from lamenting due to damages from flooding.

“The communities on the flood red alert are on the flood plains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa and Yemule River Banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Atila, Makun, Iwopin and Igele Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East,

“Others are: Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko River in Abeokuta; Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan and Sense in Sagamu; Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu and Isakale in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, among others,” he added.

Oresanya said the state government, through the ministry, has constructed and improved upon 69 drainages and rivers within six years of assumption.

“To mitigate the impact of flood in the state, the government within six years have also worked on 988.3 kilometres of rivers and drainages, and constructed 698 metres of concrete drainages and culverts.

“Presently, the cleaning of rivers are still ongoing in various parts of the state to further reiterate the governor’s determination to reduce the impact of flood in the state.

“More projects to mitigate flooding in wetlands areas of Isheri, Akute and Werawa will commence in April in phases, with the cleaning of Banku River to Majidun and Wawere,” he said.

The Commissioner also stated that the retention of flood in the area has reduced from annual average of six to three weeks in 2024.

“This positive impact is the outcome of approval given by the governor for the dredging of Apara River to mitigate the adverse impact of flooding in the Isheri community,” he said.

Oresanya then asked local government chairmen and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to disseminate the information to those dwelling in the grass roots.

He pleaded with farmers to follow the rainfall predictions and plan the planting scheme in line with the weather forecast.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Gbenga Oyeleye, while speaking on the development, disclosed that the state government has also assembled seasoned environmental experts to tackle unexpected developments through flood.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, urged residents to take heed of the directive to help neutralise the negative impact of flooding in the state.

By Bukola Adetoye

‘An assault on climate movement’ – Group flays $660m Greenpeace judgement

Michael Simire
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‘An assault on climate movement’ – Group flays $660m Greenpeace judgement

Climate advocacy group, 350.org, says it stands in full solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals the devastating legal ruling in favor of Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

My Esperanza
My Esperanza, the Greenpeace ship

The $660 million defamation judgment, submits 350.org, “is not only an attack on Greenpeace – it is a chilling assault on the entire climate movement”.

Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, said: “This ruling is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and crush the power of grassroots activism. It sends a dangerous message: that fossil fuel giants can weaponize the courts to silence those who challenge the destruction of our planet. 350.org unequivocally expresses its solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals this ruling. Greenpeace has been a tireless force for environmental justice, and this legal attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine its critical work.

“SLAPP suits like this one are designed to intimidate, drain resources, and stifle public participation. They strike at the heart of climate activism by creating a precedent that could cripple not-for-profits and grassroots movements through legal intimidation.

“The ruling sends a dangerous message to environmental organizations worldwide: that corporate polluters can weaponise the courts to silence opposition. This is especially concerning for smaller, frontline groups operating in regions without strong legal protections. If one of the world’s most prominent environmental organisations can face financial ruin for speaking out, smaller movements with fewer resources are even more vulnerable.

“This is a wake-up call for the entire movement. The fossil fuel industry is increasingly turning to ‘lawfare’ – using courts and legal action as weapons of intimidation. If this tactic succeeds, it will embolden corporations to escalate their attacks on environmental defenders everywhere.”

350.org says it is calling for: 

  • Stronger legal protections against SLAPP suits: Governments must introduce and enforce anti-SLAPP legislation to prevent corporate abuse of the courts.
  • Global solidarity and financial support: Environmental groups, funders, and allies must rally around Greenpeace and other organisations targeted by lawfare, ensuring they have the resources to fight back.
  • Public resistance against corporate bullying: The climate movement will not be silenced. This ruling only strengthens our resolve to hold fossil fuel companies accountable and push for a just, renewable energy future.

Jellema adds: “This verdict is a dangerous escalation – but it will not succeed in silencing the global climate movement. We will not be intimidated. This fight is far from over, 350.org will continue to stand with Greenpeace and all movements challenging fossil fuel giants – because our future is worth fighting for.”

Greenpeace ordered to pay more than $660m to fossil fuel company over pipeline protests

Michael Simire
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Greenpeace ordered to pay more than $660m to fossil fuel company over pipeline protests

In a win for the oil and gas pipeline company Energy Transfer, a nine-person North Dakota jury found the environmental group Greenpeace liable for more than $660 million in damages and defamation for the 2016 to 2017 Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Greenpeace
Protest against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Photo credit: Getty Images

In their lawsuit, Dallas-based Energy Transfer claimed Greenpeace was responsible for defamation, disruption and property damage for the protests that captured national attention in 2016. Greenpeace claimed the lawsuit threatened its freedom of speech. 

In a statement, Energy Transfer said, “This win is really for the people of Mandan and throughout North Dakota who had to live through the daily harassment and disruptions caused by the protesters who were funded and trained by Greenpeace. It is also a win for all law-abiding Americans who understand the difference between the right to free speech and breaking the law.”

Greenpeace plans to appeal the verdict. “This is the end of a chapter, but not the end of our fight. Energy Transfer knows we don’t have $660 million. They want our silence, not our money,” Sushma Raman, interim executive director of Greenpeace Inc., told CBS News.

Greenpeace accused Energy Transfer of filing a “SLAPP” lawsuit, short for strategic lawsuits against public participation. SLAPP lawsuits have been criticised as being a method of curtailing free speech and assembly by individuals, organizations or press by threatening lengthy and expensive legal proceedings in court. 35 states have anti-SLAPP laws aimed at preventing these types of lawsuits. North Dakota is not among them.

Energy Transfer previously filed a federal RICO lawsuit against Greenpeace seeking $300 million in damages in 2017, but that case was dismissed by a federal judge. Energy Transfer then filed a lawsuit against Greenpeace in North Dakota state court shortly after.

“The verdict against Greenpeace not only represents an assault on free speech and protest rights,” said Rebecca Brown, president and CEO of the Center for International and Environmental Law, in a statement. “This case is a textbook example of corporate weaponization of the legal system to silence protest and intimidate communities. This misuse of the legal system stifles legitimate dissent and must be seen as a direct threat to environmental justice and democratic freedoms.”

In the weeks and months preceding the trial, Greenpeace raised the alarm that the damages sought by Energy Transfer, thought at the time to be in the $300 million range, would be catastrophic to the group, claiming that would amount to 10 times the group’s annual U.S. operating budget. Energy Transfer reported over $82 billion in revenue in 2024.

The damages ultimately awarded total roughly $667 million and will be split up among several arms of Greenpeace. Greenpeace USA is on the hook for about $404 million, while Greenpeace Fund Inc. and Greenpeace International must each pay some $131 million, according to The Associated Press.

The 1,172-mile pipeline crosses four states and has been operating since late 2017 despite the controversy and the protest, which stemmed from a pipeline crossing under Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe called the pipeline a violation of its treaty rights and claimed the pipeline route risked polluting the tribe’s primary water source and would damage sacred sites.

The protests at Standing Rock drew thousands of people from around the country who camped outside the pipeline’s construction site. Celebrities and prominent figures including now-Trump cabinet members Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also visited the camp.

But violence erupted between police, security guards and protestors several times, culminating in tear gas and water cannons being used against protestors. The camps were cleared in February of 2017. More than 140 people were arrested at the Standing Rock protests.  

One of the organisers of the protests was Chase Iron Eyes, an attorney for the Lakota People’s Law Project, who was arrested during the demonstrations and charged with felony inciting a riot. Iron Eyes questioned Greenpeace’s liability for the protests.

“I never met a single Greenpeace person, a representative, or ever went to a training or anything like that,” Iron Eyes told CBS News.

Instead, Iron Eyes found the ruling to delegitimize the concerns and agency of Native Americans who chose to protest at Standing Rock. “To hold them solely responsible for our fight, this is a tribal nation fight,” he said. “I think it’s disrespectful to tribal nations, to the Sioux Nation in particular, it was our nation, and our people who stood up.”

Courtesy CBS News

Access Bank to honour ‘Power of 100’ awardees at IWD 2025 conference

Michael Simire
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Access Bank to honour ‘Power of 100’ awardees at IWD 2025 conference

Access Bank, a financial institution committed to fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment, will be honouring the distinguished Power of 100 awardees at its upcoming International Women’s Day (IWD) Conference.

Women
Women

The landmark event, scheduled to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, will celebrate the achievements of exceptional women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across various industries in Africa.

The Power of 100 initiative is said to be part of Access Bank’s continuous effort to recogniee and support women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for others.

“These remarkable individuals have made significant contributions to business, entrepreneurship, social development, and advocacy, aligning with this year’s IWD theme: Accelerate Action,” said the bank.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the celebration, stating: “At Access Bank, we believe in the power of women to drive progress and transformation in the society. The Power of 100 awardees represent a diverse group of trailblazers whose resilience, passion, and dedication inspire the next generation of female leaders. We are honoured to celebrate them at this year’s International Women’s Day Conference.”

Reiterating Chizoma’s comments, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head, Women Banking confirmed that the conference will feature insightful panel discussions, keynote addresses from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony to highlight the achievements of the Power of 100 recipients.

Kunle-Ogunlusi said: “The Access Bank International Day event will serve as a platform to encourage dialogue on gender inclusion, leadership, and economic empowerment for women.

“The Bank remains committed to promoting initiatives that create an enabling environment for women to thrive. Through our flagship ‘W’ Initiative, we have consistently championed financial inclusion, capacity building, and business growth for women across Africa.”

Austrian hydrologist, Günter Blöschl, emerges 2025 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

Michael Simire
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Austrian hydrologist, Günter Blöschl, emerges 2025 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

Based on his world-renowned research and work on flood risk reduction, water resource management, flood scaling, and regional process hydrology – Professor Günter Blöschl has been declared winner of the Stockholm Water Prize 2025.

Professor Günter Blöschl
Professor Günter Blöschl

Professor Blöschl is a pioneer of water engineering. His comprehensive database and analysis are said to have revolutionised and deepened the global understanding of flood risk reduction and water resource management. His contributions make him the founder of the new and growing scientific field, regional process hydrology, and co-founder of sociohydrology, both of which advance our knowledge of flood risks under climate change on a global scale.

In its citation, the Prize Committee of the Stockholm Water Prize said: “Professor Günter Blöschl is the world’s leading flood hydrologist. He has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change coupled to the strong influence of regional flood processes. His observation-based connection between climate and floods revealed that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to the historical record.”

On winning the Stockholm Water Prize, Professor Blöschl states: “This is such an honour. It really makes me think about how lucky I am to be working with such brilliant people.”

He has worked alongside previous prize laureates, Taikan Oki and Andrea Rinaldo.

Günter Blöschl is a professor at the Vienna University of Technology, the current head of the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at the Vienna University of Technology, as well as the Director of the Doctoral Programme of Water Resources Systems at the Vienna University of Technology, that he founded more than 15 years ago, and part time professor at the University of Bologna. He grew up in Vienna, where he currently lives with his family, three children and four grandchildren.

Professor Blöschl’s research took him to many international locations, including the US and Canada, and he spent two years in Australia. He enjoys being a citizen of the world, in particular working with people, gaining new international perspectives on scientific and societal issues, and believes that there is immense value in sharing perspectives and aims across disciplines and sectors of society.

Anette Scheibe Lorentzi, Chair of Stockholm Water Foundation, says: “With his ground-breaking research, Professor Blöschl has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of flood risk reduction and sustainable water resource management. In the face of a changing climate, this knowledge is more important than ever, and I congratulate Professor Blöschl on being awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2025.”

The Stockholm Water Prize is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The Prize will be presented to the Laureate, Professor Blöschl, by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, official patron of the Prize, during the World Water Week in Stockholm in August. Founding partners of Stockholm Water Prize are Ålandsbanken, Bacardi, PDJ Foundation, WEF, and Xylem.

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