25 C
Lagos
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 5

Govt dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

Michael Simire
-
0
Govt dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, was caused by the release or failure of water from nearby dams.

Joseph Utsev
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally sound and fully operational.

”It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

”Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” the minister stated.

Utsev expressed the federal government’s sympathy to the Government and people of Niger, especially the communities affected by the disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.

He commended the swift response of the state government, local authorities, and first responders for providing relief to victims.

According to the minister, the flooding was largely due to heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.

Utsev explained that unregulated building activities and encroachments blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, which normally remained dry except during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to him, the absence of efficient alternative drainage channels worsened the situation.

The minister also recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the ministry, had warned of potential flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area as part of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released on April 10.

”The AFO identified 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate risk.

”The high-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he said.

Utsev reiterated earlier warnings, urging state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.

He also encouraged stakeholders to consult NIHSA’s online flood forecast dashboard for detailed, location-specific risk information to aid proactive planning and disaster mitigation.

Utsev described the Mokwa flood as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to manifest in more frequent and intense weather events nationwide.

”As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to managing Nigeria’s water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient systems.

”We call on all sectors, government, private, civil society, and communities to work together in building safer and more resilient environments,” he said.

He added that technical personnel from the ministry, NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) were already on site in Mokwa conducting a thorough assessment to guide future interventions.

While expressing the government’s condolences, the minister noted that flooding is not just a natural event but a developmental issue requiring coordinated and sustained response.

According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 200 people lost their lives and around 500 remain missing following the floods in Mokwa on May 29.

NEMA also reported that at least 121 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall, destroyed over 265 homes, as well as key roads and bridges.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged federal assistance and activated the National Emergency Response Centre to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts.

By Akpan Glory

Climate adaptation investments yield impressive returns – WRI study

Michael Simire
-
0
Climate adaptation investments yield impressive returns – WRI study

As climate hazards like floods and wildfires intensify – and global financial resources grow tighter – a new study by World Resources Institute (WRI) presents evidence that bolstering funding for adaptation and resilience is not only urgent but also one of the smartest development investments available today.

Climate adaptation investment
Climate adaptation investment

The study defines adaptation investments as those aimed at reducing or managing physical climate risks, such as climate-smart agriculture, expanded health services and urban flood protection. However, in many cases, the resulting development and social benefits matched or exceeded the avoided losses from climate impacts.  

“This research has pried open the lid on what resilience is truly worth – and even that first glimpse is staggering,” said Sam Mugume Koojo, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action from Uganda. “It’s time for leaders to recognise climate adaptation is not just a safety net but a launch pad for development.” 

WRI evaluated projects based on three key types of returns (commonly referred to as the “triple dividend of resilience”): avoided losses from climate disasters; induced economic gains (e.g. job creation and increased crop yields); and broader social and environmental benefits (e.g. improved health systems, biodiversity). On average, benefits were fairly evenly distributed across all three types. Yet only 8% of investment appraisals estimated the full monetised values of these dividends – suggesting that actual rates of return are substantially underestimated in economic assessments of most adaptation investments. 

Benefits beyond avoiding climate shocks 

While adaptation investments have traditionally focused on reducing climate vulnerability and strengthening the resilience of investments, the study finds that over 50% of their documented benefits occur even if climate-related disasters do not happen.  

Infrastructure built to better manage extreme weather events may provide year-round value: irrigation systems can support diverse cropping patterns and evacuation centres may double as community hubs. Nature-based solutions – such as watershed, wetland and coastal protections – frequently provide added ecological and recreational benefits. 

These findings demonstrate that investing in adaptation is not just a protective measure – it also helps advance countries’ broader development priorities and sustainable development goals. 

“One of our most striking findings is that adaptation projects aren’t just paying off when disasters happen – they generate value every day through more jobs, better health and stronger local economies,” said Carter Brandon, Senior Fellow, WRI. “That’s a major mind shift: policymakers don’t need a disaster to justify resilience – it’s simply smart development.” 

Adaptation investments also cut carbon and protect nature 

Nearly half of the analysed adaptation investments are also expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions, showing that adaptation and mitigation often go hand in hand. This overlap could open the door to greater climate finance from investors focused on lowering emissions.  

The strongest examples of this win-win were found in energy, forestry, transport, cities and agriculture sectors. Many of these projects use nature-based solutions that sequester carbon and deliver ecological benefits, such as urban tree planting to reduce heat or stabilising hillsides to reduce erosion. 

Recommendations for policymakers 

Based on these findings, WRI recommends that government leaders treat adaptation as an engine for economic opportunity and fully integrate resilience into national development strategies. The paper also calls for a standardised approach to measuring and reporting adaptation outcomes, which would improve investments’ comparability, transparency and accountability.  

The study builds on the Adapt Now report released by WRI and the Global Commission on Adaptation in 2019 and was prompted by the G20 and the government of Brazil’s interest in better evidence of economic benefits from investing in resilience.

“This evidence gives leaders and non-State actors exactly what they need heading into COP30: a clear economic case for scaling adaptation,” said Dan Ioschpe, Climate High-Level Champion for COP30. “Belém must become a turning point – mainstreaming resilience into national and local priorities and unlocking the full potential of non-state actors’ leadership.” 

Forecasting hope: Climate action for a more resilient Cook Islands

Michael Simire
-
0
Forecasting hope: Climate action for a more resilient Cook Islands

Cook Islanders have a close connection to their land and feel a sense of stewardship to protect it against the rapidly changing climate.

However, extreme coastal hazards are increasing, including rising sea levels, tropical cyclones, and changing rainfall patterns, putting coastal communities and the livelihoods that depend on them at risk.

Cook Islands
The project is funding the implementation, improvement and maintenance of critical high quality climate information and early warning systems for multiple hazards

Tessa Vaetoru, Development Programme Manager, Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), said: “Cyclone Martin didn’t just show us what it means to be unprepared, it reminded us of how isolated and vulnerable we are as small island communities in a vast ocean. An entire island left to survive in silence, with no warning and no way to call for help.

“It taught us the cost of silence, of systems that don’t reach us in time. FP147 is an investment that is changing that, it’s about ensuring our outer islands are seen, heard and warned, giving our people access to accurate climate information, early warning systems that can save lives. Because no one should ever have to live through what Manihiki did.”

Forecasting a resilient future with climate insights & early warnings

To deliver lasting climate resilience, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is funding a $49.9 million climate information and knowledge services project implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Cook Islands Government.

Celine Dyer, Climate Change Office Coordinator, Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands, said: “The project focuses on the MET (Meteorological) Office, which is strengthening its infrastructure in the Outer Islands (Pa Enua) and right across the nation so that it can disperse more credible, timely information to our communities.”

Samuel Nga, Principal Technician, Cook Islands Meteorological Office, said: “We’re able to put out our own stations, collect our own data, input that into the models and create our own forecasting system. Since the Green Climate Fund came in, we’ve seen an increase in staff capacity. They’ve taken on more responsibilities to sustain ourselves as a Cook Islands MET Service.

“With the support from the GCF, we’re able to build ourselves up as a really strong whole Cook Islands MET Service so that people can rely on us again to provide accurate information and provide forecasting and warnings to our own people.”

Rooted in wisdom: community voices & Indigenous knowledge 

A project component, “Te Aorangi Kupu”, involves integrating scientific information with traditional knowledge, language and storytelling. The Climate Change office translates climate and weather terminology to Cook Islands Te Reo Maori, the local language, making climate information accessible for all.

They also incorporate traditional knowledge into their solutions. For example, insights about water holes – such as their locations and optimal usage times – have been passed down through generations.

Celine Dyer: “Getting communities engaged in these discussions, getting their feedback, and having them provide solutions [is important]. They’re the ones who know the solutions that suit their context.”

Matt Blacka, Cook Islands National Programme Manager, Climate Services Project: “This year, 2025, we will get our first weather radar for Rarotonga, which means we will be able to see all the weather systems within 100 kilometres of this island. That’s a huge investment. Without the GCF project, we couldn’t fund infrastructure like that. There’s just no way we could.”

By Zeenia Dastur, Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Group seeks inclusive climate action plans in Lagos

Michael Simire
-
0
Group seeks inclusive climate action plans in Lagos

Analysis by The Aiding Lives Initiative for the Vulnerable (ALIVE), an NGO, has identified gender gaps in the Lagos Climate Action Plan Policy.

ALIVE
Participants at a Stakeholders’ Interface Meeting on Developing a Gender-Sensitive Climate Action Policy, organised by The Aiding Lives Initiative for the Vulnerable (ALIVE). Photo credit: NAN

Accordingly, the group has called for the development of inclusive climate action plans that incorporate coastal community voices, lived experiences, and importance of including women in building a climate-resilient state/environment.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Ms. Pandora Umechukwu, made the call at a Stakeholders’ Interface Meeting on Developing a Gender-Sensitive Climate Action Policy in Lagos State on Monday, June 2, 2025.

The meeting had the theme: “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Lagos State Climate Action Policy”.

Umechukwu said that the meeting provided a platform for women from flood-prone communities like Makoko, Ago-Egun, and Badia, to directly engage policymakers and share their lived experiences of climate impacts.

“We have gathered a diverse group of stakeholders to share knowledge, review findings, and begin the collaborative process of developing a Gender-Sensitive Climate Action Policy for Lagos State.

“A policy that acknowledges the differential impact of climate change n women and children, their experiences, knowledge, and leadership in crafting lasting solutions.

“The idea is amplify the voices of these coastal communities who are living through the hard impacts of ocean surge and environmental degradation.

“They endure the brunt of the climate crisis without adequate representation in policy dialogue,” Umechukwu said.

The event featured the presentation of a Gender Analysis of the Lagos State Climate Action Plan (2020–2025).

The analysis, led by ALIVE and eco-activist collaborators, revealed key gaps in the policy’s engagement with women, including absence of gender-disaggregated data and limited inclusion of women in planning and implementation.

Others were lack of funding for gender-focused climate adaptation, gender mainstreaming mentioned, but without clear strategies or funding, and unaddressed gender specific impacts on women.

Umechukwu explained that the meeting interface was about changing that narrative, saying that women and children in coastal communities bear the greatest burden of climate impacts.

She said that women do not have access to clean energy, mobility, and flood protection.

She decried that women faced gender-specific vulnerabilities due to their dual roles as caregivers and income earners, saying that during floods, they were responsible for ensuring the safety of children, sourcing food, managing water collection, and navigating destroyed sanitation systems.

According to her, unlike men, women are rarely included in decision-making processes, which limits their access to critical information and resources.

“Transport, housing, and energy policies failed to address women’s unique needs. Informal women-led businesses are often displaced without support.

“The current Climate Action Plan does not include specific gender-responsive measures.

“Ocean surges and environmental degradation have deeply disrupted life for women and children in Lagos’ coastal communities.

“Women are most affected by flooding and ocean surges, but are least involved in the solutions. We aim to elevate community voices and propose transformative, inclusive policy changes,” she said.

The meeting also featured a health talk by Dr Anulika Madueke, a medical doctor, who addressed the public health risks of flooding on women and children, calling for stronger preventative practices and applauded the resilience of the community women.

A representative from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources lauded the work done so far, acknowledging the clean-up efforts, climate resilience trainings, and grassroots policy analysis as “commendable steps” toward inclusive environmental governance.

As the current Climate Action Plan expires in 2025, the meeting concluded with clear calls to action, to develop inclusive climate action plans that ensure communities were actively engaged and consulted at every stage before, during, and after the planning process.

Officials present at the engagement expressed commitment to deeper engagement with communities and recognised the importance of including women in building a climate-resilient state.

The meeting had in attendance representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Chairmen and Directors of Environmental services of Bariga LCDA and Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Community Development leaders and 100 women from coastal communities.

ALIVE is a nonprofit organisation committed to empowering vulnerable women and children by promoting health, well-being, environmental resilience, enabling them to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

By Lilian U. Okoro

Nigeria seeks $25bn gas pipeline investment

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria seeks $25bn gas pipeline investment

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is pursuing a $25 billion undersea gas pipeline project aimed at supplying natural gas to Europe through the West African coastline.

Kashim Shettima
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria

Shettima disclosed this on Monday, June 2, 2025, during a meeting with Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent commodity trader, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline will deliver gas from Nigeria to Morocco, then onward to Europe.

Shettima said President Bola Tinubu’s leadership marks a unique opportunity for international investors, especially with major reforms reshaping Nigeria’s economy.

He noted Tinubu’s bold reforms have positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

“Most importantly, it’s about leadership. President Tinubu understands both energy and finance, having emerged from that professional ecosystem.

“For 25 years, no leader has made such bold decisions — removing fuel subsidy, unifying exchange rates, and implementing broad tax reforms,” Shettima stated.

He called on investors to recognise the new economic direction under Tinubu. “This is where the action is. Invest in Nigeria,” he urged.

Shettima described Nigeria’s gas sector as a stable and transparent space, well-positioned amid global energy uncertainty and shifting demand patterns.

“I urge you to engage in our energy transition plans. Use your expertise in LNG and Associated Petroleum Gas.

“The world is shifting. Nigeria is a gas economy, not an oil one. We have the world’s eighth-largest gas reserves,” he told Vitol executives.

He said Nigeria wants to fully harness gas potential, thanks to the sector’s transparency and reduced government interference, particularly in NLNG operations.

“What we earn from NLNG is steady and reliable. This is why we’re exploring gas exports to Europe,” he said.

Shettima confirmed the undersea gas pipeline is an expensive project, estimated at $25 billion, and will require significant technical knowledge.

“We need your expertise more than your money. Gas supply reliability is key, which is why the undersea option is on the table,” he explained.

He appealed to Vitol to support Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions, bringing its global network and technical skill into the project.

“We urge you to use your global influence and resources. The project will be managed with full transparency.

“I sincerely invite you to join us in making this project a success,” Shettima said.

Vitol Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Dellapina, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector.

“Nigeria has been a close and crucial partner for Vitol. We’ve contributed across downstream, finance, trading and government collaboration,” Dellapina said.

He reiterated that Vitol is prepared to invest further. “We remain committed to this country and want to grow alongside it,” he said.

Vitol’s Head of Public Affairs, Murtala Baloni, also acknowledged the company’s strong relationship with Nigerian partners and institutions.

“We support government efforts where we can, including deploying capital where needed,” Baloni said.

He disclosed Vitol’s role in Project Gazelle, where the company provided $300 million to NNPC Limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also present at the meeting was Thomas de Montulé, Vitol Group’s Nigeria Country Manager.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

HOMEF sympathises with Mokwa flood victims, urges govt to be proactive

Michael Simire
-
0
HOMEF sympathises with Mokwa flood victims, urges govt to be proactive

Flooding has become a persistent nightmare in Nigeria. In 2012, floods affected 33 out of the 36 states following the rain that fell between July and October that year. The floods displaced over 2 million people, resulting in more than 400 deaths and other associated destruction.

Flooding
Flooding in Nigeria

In 2018, the Benue and Niger rivers overflowed due to heavy rainfall, causing flooding in 12 states, including Kogi and Niger. Four years later, in 2022, another severe flood killed over 600 individuals, displacing more than 2 million others. The impacts of these floods have been catastrophic for communities and states.

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has expressed sympathy for the families of the victims of the recent flood that struck Mokwa – a transit town for traders in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.

It was reported that at approximately 3:00 am on Thursday, May 29, 2025, there was intense rainfall followed by a hazardous flood, which is said to have displaced over 3,000 residents, destroyed properties, and claimed over 100 lives, with many individuals still unaccounted for.

While mourning this tragic loss, HOMEF emphasised that the government must take proactive measures to prevent similar or worse incidents from occurring in the future.

The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, in his reaction to the recent flood event in Niger State, noted that communities and cities in flood-prone areas could cease to exist if nothing is done to address this menace.

“This is a horrendous recurring decimal. There is no word to describe our lack of preparedness and our ill-maintained infrastructure. Combined with insecurity and the fact that more rain is expected, the displacement problems will be compounded. There is no time for excuses.

“This is the time to declare an environmental state of emergency across board. This national emergency can impact our national wellbeing by leading to food scarcity, environmental degradation, mass displacement, increased poverty, water-borne diseases and exacerbate insecurity,” Bassey stated.

On forecasts and early warnings from different agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), he expressed his disappointment, emphasising that these warnings become meaningless if provisions are not made to move people and settle them on safe and higher ground.

“Nigeria needs to be proactive; our government needs to have emergency preparedness and be able to relocate people when these warnings and forecasts are made, to avert the kinds of disasters we see when flooding events like this occur. We sympathise with the families affected by the floods and stand in solidarity with the communities that have been impacted.”

Stephen Oduware, Programme Manager of Fossil Politics at HOMEF, noted that flood damage continues to escalate, making recovery challenging and problematic.

Oduware said: “Apart from the usual palliative measures and reactionary responses, what plans are in place to ensure that the already predicted localised heavy rainfalls do not result in the kinds of catastrophes we witness during floods? What is the Nigerian government doing to address the issues of flooding holistically? When floods occur, they leave a trail of destruction, causing damage to properties, loss of lives, livelihoods, and other socioeconomic impacts.”

HOMEF believes that flooding is both a consequence of climate change and a result of poorly planned urban areas and inadequate emergency preparedness. While the effects of climate change are widespread, many Nigerian cities and towns are also beset by the latter.

HOMEF called for immediate measures to address the root cause of climate change, for improvement on practices that preserve natural habitats and wetlands, and investment in infrastructure that can help reduce the frequency and seriousness of flooding.

The group called on all relevant agencies to work together in a fully synchronised manner to ensure that every facet of the disaster is addressed and succour is extended to the impacted people.

Bill Gates to direct majority of $200b pledge toward Africa’s future

Michael Simire
-
0
Bill Gates to direct majority of $200b pledge toward Africa’s future

In an address on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union, Gates Foundation Chair, Bill Gates, urged African leaders to seize the moment to accelerate progress in health and development through innovation and partnership, despite current headwinds.

Bill Gates
Bill Gates

He announced that the majority of his $200 billion spend over the next 20 years will go to Africa with a focus on partnering with governments that prioritize the health and wellbeing of their people.

“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”

Addressing over 12,000 government officials, diplomats, health workers, development partners, and youth leaders in person and online, he underscored the critical role of African leadership and ingenuity in driving the continent’s health and economic future.

“By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity – and that path is an exciting thing to be part of,” Gates said.

Following his address, Gates joined Dr. Paulin Basinga, the foundation’s Africa director, in a fireside chat to discuss Africa’s development agenda and the investments and partnerships needed to drive future progress.

Calls for collaboration and shared responsibility were delivered by prominent African leaders, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation, and Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations.

Renowned advocate for women and children, Mrs. Graça Machel, described the current situation as “a moment of crisis” and emphasized the importance of enduring partnerships in Africa’s development journey.

“Mr. Gates’ long-standing partnership with Africa reflects a deep understanding of these challenges and a respect for African leadership, ideas and innovation,” she said. “We are counting on Mr. Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that Africa’s health progress is a result of strong government leadership, resilient communities, and partnerships that deliver results.

Gates called for prioritising primary healthcare, emphasising that “investing in primary healthcare has the greatest impact on health and wellbeing. With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results. Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.”

Gates’ speech highlighted how countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia are showing what’s possible when bold leadership harnesses innovation. From expanding frontline health services and using data to cut child mortality, to deploying advanced tools against malaria and HIV, and safeguarding primary healthcare despite fiscal strain – these country-led efforts are driving scalable, homegrown progress.

Reflecting on more than two decades of engagement on the continent, Gates said, “I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources.” He added, “The kind of field work to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible.”

Gates spoke about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, noting its relevance for the continent’s future. He praised Africa’s young innovators, saying he was “seeing young people in Africa embracing this, and thinking about how it applies to the problems that they want to solve.” Drawing a parallel to the continent’s mobile banking revolution, he added, “Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance, as you build your next generation healthcare systems, to think about how AI is built into that.”

He pointed to Rwanda as an early example of this promise, noting, “Rwanda is using AI to improve service delivery. E.g. AI-enabled ultrasound, to identify high-risk pregnancies earlier, helping women receive timely, potentially life-saving care.”

In Ethiopia and Nigeria this week, Gates will see first-hand the state of health and development priorities in the wake of foreign aid cuts, and he will affirm his and the foundation’s commitment to supporting Africa’s progress in health and development over the next 20 years.

“Our foundation has an increasing commitment to Africa,” Gates said. Our first African office was here in Ethiopia about 13 years ago. Now we have offices in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. That’s a great way for us to strengthen partnerships.”

While in Ethiopia, Gates met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and heard how Ethiopia is sustaining the momentum on critical reforms, expanding essential services, and remaining resilient amid shifting global aid dynamics. Gates also took part in a roundtable with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute on the country’s iodine-folic acid double-fortified salt initiative.

From Addis Ababa, Gates will travel to Nigeria, where he will meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engage with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria’s primary health care reforms. He will also participate in a Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation future and meet with local scientists and partners shaping Nigeria’s national AI strategy and scaling up health solutions.

Gates’s trip follows the foundation’s historic announcement on May 8 that it would spend $200 billion over the next 20 years to advance progress on saving and improving lives and Gates’ commitment to give away virtually all of his wealth to the foundation in that timeframe.

Over the next two decades, the foundation will work together with its partners to make as much progress as possible towards three primary goals: end preventable deaths of moms and babies; ensure the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases; and lift millions of people out of poverty, putting them on a path to prosperity. At the end of 20 years, the foundation will sunset its operations.

Over the last two decades, the Gates Foundation has worked alongside African partners to save lives, develop vaccines, and strengthen systems. It has helped catalyse more than 100 innovations and contributed to saving more than 80 million lives through Gavi and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

UN-Habitat Assembly concludes with bold roadmap to tackle global housing crisis

Michael Simire
-
0
UN-Habitat Assembly concludes with bold roadmap to tackle global housing crisis

The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly concluded on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Nairobi with a renewed global commitment to sustainable urban development and a bold new direction to confront one of the world’s most pressing challenges: the global housing crisis.

UN-Habitat
Government representatives and key stakeholders convene for the closing plenary session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly on May 30, 2025, at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo credit: UN-Habitat/Peter Ndolo

At the heart of the Assembly’s outcomes was the adoption of UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which places housing, land, and basic services at the centre of sustainable urban transformation. The plan aims to accelerate inclusive, climate-resilient, and equitable development in cities and communities – particularly in countries grappling with climate change, conflict, and inequality.

“The Strategic Plan we have adopted is ambitious yet firmly grounded in realism,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat. “We look to our Member States to honour their commitments and continue their generous contributions, so that together, we can deliver transformative impact where it is needed most.”

The Plan aligns with global priorities set out in the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, positioning adequate housing as a fundamental driver of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on behalf of the host country’s President, Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya, said: “The right to adequate housing must transition from principle to practice…This session has reinforced our shared responsibility to action.”

World Urban Forum 13: Baku 2026

Looking ahead, the Assembly confirmed that World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2026 under the theme: “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.”

The theme reinforces the global housing agenda and builds on the outcomes of WUF12 and the Cairo Call to Action, highlighting housing as a cornerstone of climate adaptation, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.

“We are determined to work closely with a wide range of partners to make WUF13 in Baku a major milestone for the global housing agenda,” said Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator.

New leadership and renewed governance

The Assembly also elected new leadership for its governance bodies. Malaysia will serve as President of the United Nations Habitat Assembly from 2025 to 2027, with the United Arab Emirates taking over the presidency from 2027 to 2029. 

Both countries will also share a seat on UN-Habitat’s Executive Board, with the UAE assuming the role for the first two years, followed by Malaysia. The Assembly also elected 36 new members to the Executive Board.

Nigeria hosts summit on boosting Africa’s green energy investment

Michael Simire
-
0
Nigeria hosts summit on boosting Africa’s green energy investment

Nigeria is to host the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) to boost the continent’s natural resources through smart, cross-sector collaboration for sustainable growth.

Dele Alake
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Abuja.

According to Tomori, AFNIS, which will take place from July 14 to July 17, in Abuja is Africa’s leading platform for harnessing the continent’s abundant natural and energy resources to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He said the fourth edition of the conference to hold in Abuja would facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, support the development of enabling policies for the natural resources sector, and highlight investment opportunities across the continent.

“The fourth edition of AFNIS will bring together visionaries, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s natural wealth.

“This year’s summit themed brings together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors, across the continent,

“This is aimed at developing bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration,” he said.

He added that the 2025 summit would foster partnerships and attract investments to Nigeria, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development expected to highlight reforms positioning the mining sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The four-day event, he said, is with theme: “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development”.

“This provides an opportunity for Nigeria to concretise partnerships that landed in multi-billion-dollar investment deals on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi 2023.

“Whilst also opening new vistas for expanded collaboration with Nigeria’s business community,” he said.

According to him, a lithium processing plant will be unveiled at the summit, reflecting Alake’s push for local value addition, with the project expected to generate jobs, support technology transfer, and drive industrial growth.

AFNIS 2025 will bring together senior dignitaries from over 25 nations, along with executives from leading organisations such as the African Development Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), among others.

The AFNIS 3rd edition in 2024 in Abuja also bought together key stakeholders from the mining, agriculture, finance, power, and energy sectors—both renewable and non-renewable to facilitate cross sectoral collaboration.

Building on the success of its predecessors, AFNIS 2025 continues the discourse initiated in 2022, where sustainable development of African natural resources was highlighted, and 2023, which delved into the need for a just and equitable transition towards a greener Africa.

The 2024 agenda underscored the pivotal role of Africa’s abundant natural resources in fuelling economic prosperity and empowering marginalised communities.

By Martha Agas

1...456...2,239Page 5 of 2,239

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×