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Alex Ekwueme varsity partners French Embassy on plastic waste management

Michael Simire
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Alex Ekwueme varsity partners French Embassy on plastic waste management

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is in partnership with the French Embassy Fund (FEF 209) project, on plastic waste management on campus.

AE-FUNAI
VC’s rep, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga (5th left), in a group photograph with some management staff and participants at the workshop

In line with this, the university on Thursday, February 27, 2025, hosted a one-day workshop with the theme “Plastic Waste Management in AE-FUNAI”, aimed at reducing, reusing and recycling of plastic waste to create value, and support young researchers in developing solutions for a healthier environment.

AE-FUNAI was one of the five institutions of higher learning in Nigeria that won the French Embassy research grant for plastic waste management in Nigeria to combat plastic pollution and promote safer environment on campus.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom, extended his gratitude to the French government for the award, assuring that the university would work tirelessly to reduce the menace of plastic waste on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, reiterated that the title of the project, “Green Campus Initiative: Transforming Plastic Waste to Wealth in AE-FUNAI Community”, encompasses elements of environmental education, community education, and entrepreneurial development that promote responsible and recycling practice on campus.

He maintained that the university is committed to a safer environment through the Campus-Green Initiative established in 2016, with the aim of making the campus more environmental- friendly and beautiful by planting trees and raising awareness about climate change.

He appreciated the coordinator of the project, Prof. Robert Onyeneke and his team for the feat, while hoping that knowledge gained at the workshop will positively transform our society.

Earlier in his welcome address titled “Transforming Plastic Waste to Wealth in AE-FUNAI”, the Project Coordinator, Prof. Robert Onyeneke, appreciated the French Embassy in Nigeria for their dedication to environmental sustainability in Nigeria and lasting collaboration with AE-FUNAI.

He noted that in AE-FUNAI and its environment, the magnitude of plastic waste is not comprehensively known as plastic waste is continuously increasing and the crises require urgent attention.

He said that the purpose of the workshop was to bring together key stakeholders in Ebonyi State, the academia, government, private sector, communities, amongst others, to share knowledge and explore practical solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste as well as promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Prof Onyeneke further reiterated that tackling plastic waste challenge in our environment requires coordinated efforts at different levels, thereby, encouraging the masses to join hands together to address the challenge.

He extolled the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom and his management team, for their unwavering support, adding that sustainable plastic waste management falls within the core of the Vice-Chancellor’s strategic vision of building an environmentally conscious, socially inclusive and climate-resilient university.

While giving his goodwill message, a representative of the National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Ebonyi State, Mr. Austin Nwanuforo, applauded the organisers of the workshop for availing them the opportunity to participate in the plastic waste management awareness creation, stressing that, as an agency, they have been having advocacy and sensitisation on plastic waste management.

He stated that plastic waste has been a challenge to the nation and called for all hands to be on deck to curb the crisis.

Mr. Nwanuforo, mentioned that the agency has introduced the mechanism known as R, which includes Reduce, Reuse, Recover, Repair, Redesign and Recycle, aimed at mopping out plastic waste in the society.

He added that the agency has also drafted a regulation that ensures that plastic waste management is being handled by all the stakeholders for proper management.

He assured the university of the agency’s willingness to partner with it in the area of awareness creation by introducing environmental club in the university where students will be educated properly on plastic waste management.

Presenting a lecture titled “Preventing Plastic Pollution: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, Dr. Friday Archibong stated that improper waste disposal systems and lack of awareness about sustainable waste disposal are issues surrounding our environment which, in turn, cause a lot of harm to the body.

He noted that in preventing plastic pollution, all regulatory measures from the university and the government must be put in place to stop indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste in waterways and landfills.

Contributing, Dr. Obinna Oje who spoke on “The Role of the Universities in Tackling Plastic Waste”, maintained that universities play a pivotal role in addressing plastic waste through education, research, innovation, and community service, adding that as hubs of knowledge and innovation, they are positioned to drive systemic change by placing a ban on plastic items in cafeterias, and as well install water refill stations on campus.

He enjoined students and faculty members to join hands and contribute to a sustainable future, stressing that plastic waste pollution, if not properly managed can cause health damage to lives.

CODE, UBEC explore collaboration to encourage adoption of gender-responsive budgeting framework

Michael Simire
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CODE, UBEC explore collaboration to encourage adoption of gender-responsive budgeting framework

In an attempt to tackle Nigeria’s educational crisis, the federal government has revealed a plan to get the estimated 17 million children who are not in school back in the classroom within the next four years.

CODE
Cross section of participants during CODE’s courtesy visit to the UBEB headquarters in Abuja

While this idea may appear overly ambitious, the breakdown shows that the goal is to incorporate at least 10 million of this group into the system within three years.

Speaking to the management team from Connected Development (CODE) during a courtesy visit to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) headquarters on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Abuja, Hajiya Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of UBEC, stated that this plan is achievable because the government has already enrolled nearly half of that projected number in various Quranic schools.

“So, what we’re trying to do, working with relevant agencies, is within the next two to three years, we’re able to at least bring basic education into the lives of 10 million out-of-school children,” the ES said.

She explained that this would be accomplished by integrating or infusing Quranic education, collaborating with the Al-Majri Commission and other relevant organisations to ensure that even those attending Al-Majri Quranic schools have basic reading skills.

With CODE’s proposed collaboration and work with other relevant commissions and directly, particularly with States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), Hajiya Garba assured that “we will have the necessary infrastructure, conducive learning materials, and an environment to ascertain that even those who have dropped out are back in school.”

In his remarks, CODE’s Chief Executive Officer, Malam Hamzat Lawal, who led his team to honour this August visit, informed the audience that the purpose of their visit was to first congratulate Garba on her appointment as the UBEC’s executive secretary and to explore potential areas of alignment between their works for collaboration.

Lawal described the ES as having an amazing profile and stated that his hope is for his female children to be like her, since her accomplishment illustrates the value of education.

Without schooling, he added, Garba would not have been able to climb to the position of managing one of the World Bank’s largest funds.

As a result, the activist, who is also a Malala Fund Education Champion, stated that the partnership will ensure that these children have access to education and return to school to improve their dignity.

“With this partnership, what it means is we’re going to scale in terms of accelerating progress, reducing the numbers of out-of-school children, and working with critical partners, particularly religious and traditional institutions, to ensure that they all go back to school,” CODE’s CEO stated.

He continued by saying that this will be accomplished by making sure that teachers receive proper training, higher salaries, and appropriate money for the necessary infrastructure.

“Every class must be conducive for children, particularly girls.

Because we know that when girls are on their menstrual cycle, without water or a toilet, they will be unable to attend school,” Lawal explained.

Sani Muhammad, the founder of the Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), stated that through the Malala Education Fund Champion program, his organisation has worked with SUBEBs, particularly in Kano State, to persuade the government to adopt the gender-responsive budgeting education framework.

BCAI, he continued, has also worked with non-profit organisations such as CODE and other government agencies to create the Community Participation Framework (CPF), which helps capture the voices of young girls living in underprivileged communities.

“You serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to many young girls, and we want to congratulate you and also wish you success as you steer the affairs of UBEC,” Muhammad said.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Climate Change Council engages stakeholders on how to promote bankable climate-smart initiatives

Michael Simire
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Climate Change Council engages stakeholders on how to promote bankable climate-smart initiatives

As the first country in West Africa and the second in Africa to have the Climate Change Act, Nigeria is set to have an enabling framework to attract climate finance and a ready-to-go mechanism to domicile climate change funds and support bankable climate-smart projects.

NCCCS
Group photo of participants at the event

The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, who unveiled the plan on Monday, March 3, 2025, during a stakeholder meeting hosted by her council in Abuja with support from the Green Protocol, emphasised the outcome of the deliberations, which she said has two distinctive pathways for the country: the government mechanism for the climate change fund and a draft for climate finance taxonomy.

According to her, “Africa is set to host COP32 in 2027, and Nigeria can be a co-host.”

She went on to say that in COP29, climate funding pledged by developed countries increased from $100 billion per year to $300 billion per year. Which means it is urgently important to have a specific framework that can provide an architecture for climate finance, operationalisation of climate change funds, domiciliation, and use of proceeds for Nigeria.

In the event was the Rwanda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, who spoke about the similarities between both nations and climate change issues such as desertification in the Sahel, rising sea levels on the Atlantic coast, and biodiversity losses.

While commending Nigeria, he shared Rwanda’s commitment with the country to drive sustainable projects that create job opportunities.

“Africa is not here to be a victim. We are here for a pact for urgency for climate change demand integrated with a stakeholder’s approach where government agencies, civil society organisations, and communities work together to plan initiatives on the ground,” the diplomat stated.

He continued by adding that Rwanda is proud to stand with Nigeria in this journey, as it is one of the first countries in Africa to issue a green bond and a framework for carbon credits trading and is ready for carbon trading and capacity training on green economy initiatives.

According to Green Protocol, the fund has the potential to drive investments in renewable energy, adaptation measures, and resilience, ensuring that communities most affected by climate change receive the support they desperately need. The state of research is more inspiring, and the diverse group of partners in one room is committed to shaping climate finance in Nigeria.

“This event is a testament that we can work hand-in-hand with the government to achieve real, tangible, and concrete products,” the body noted.

The federal government of Nigeria is expected to spearhead the sponsorship of the climate fund as the initial seed capital funder. With the NCCCS facilitating it, the funding is expected to align with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), have a fund structure, and have an investment development link for donor partners.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Govt approves N2.5bn satellite gadget to combat illegal mining

Michael Simire
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Govt approves N2.5bn satellite gadget to combat illegal mining

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its third meeting of the year on Monday, March 3, 2025, approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite gadget to combat illegal mining in the country.

Federal Executive Council (FEC)
Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting

Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said this while briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting.

He said the technology was an integrated solution framework to combat unlicensed, unregulated, underreported mining activities.

The Minister said the deployment of the technology would curb activities that had led to revenue leakages, illegal operations and illegal extraction and exploitation of the country’s minerals.

“We are procuring satellite equipment, satellite gadgets that will be installed in strategic places all over the country that would enable us to have visual effect, real time of the operations that are ongoing in sites all over the country.

“There will be a centre like a screen in the operation centre, the mines martial centre, and in my office as well.

“At a glance, at the click of a button, you can surf any mine site and see the operations there; the volume of the mineral extracted, the number of trucks going out, and, of course, the security situation in the environment,” said the Minister.

Alake said his ministry introduced the technology in addition to a two-prong strategy to combat illegal mining.

He said on assumption of duty, the ministry adopted a two-prong approach: persuasive and coercive strategies.

He said the persuasive strategy entailed appealing to the sense of responsibility of artisanal miners to form cooperatives.

“When they form cooperatives, they become structured, formalised and legalised, and their operation can now add some value to the nation.

“When they form cooperatives they become bankable. They can even have access to financial institutions to procure loans to expand their businesses.

“And of course, it means they have to pay their obligations to the Nigerian state,” he said.

He said the ministry had been able to persuade the illegal and artisanal miners to form over 300 cooperative societies.

Alake said the second approach, the coercive strategy was for those who were recalcitrant, who failed to yield to the persuasive method.

“We used the coercive measure, and that is epitomised by the Mining Marshalls that we established. To date, we have arrested apprehended, prosecuted and convicted illegal operators, including foreigners,” he said.

By Salif Atojoko

Minister calls for regional policy alignment to harmonise LPG market in West Africa

Michael Simire
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Minister calls for regional policy alignment to harmonise LPG market in West Africa

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on West African nations to align their policies and work towards creating a harmonised Liquefied Petroleum Gas market that ensures affordability and accessibility across borders.

LPG Expo
The 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos

Speaking at the ongoing 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos on Monday, March 3, 2025, Ekpo emphasised that regional cooperation was vital to accelerating the adoption of LPG and achieving energy security in the region.

The Expo, themed “LPG as Clean Fuel for Energy Transition in West Africa,” brought together key stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss sustainable energy solutions for the region.

Ekpo, represented by Mr. Abel Igheghe, Technical Adviser (Downstream) to the Minister, expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners, development agencies and private sector players to scale up LPG adoption across West Africa.

“We must leverage our gas resources and expertise to foster a future where LPG leads the way in energy security and climate action in the region.

“The choices we make today will determine how quickly we transition to cleaner energy solutions that protect the environment, improve public health, and drive economic growth,” he said.

The minister noted that LPG is not just a fuel but a catalyst for sustainable development.

“LPG represents a pivotal opportunity for us to shift towards cleaner, more efficient energy systems that benefit both people and the planet,” he said.

The minister urged stakeholders to explore new opportunities over the next two days of the Expo.

He acknowledged the need for continued investment in LPG infrastructure across West Africa, stressing that governments and private entities must work together to establish efficient supply chains, improve safety standards and create an enabling environment for investment in the LPG sector.

To accelerate LPG adoption, Ekpo highlighted ongoing policy interventions, including tax waivers on LPG imports and equipment.

According to him, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is working on developing a pricing framework for LPG to ensure price stability and possibly reduce costs for consumers.

“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative is working in synergy with the LPG sector to provide a broader spectrum of clean energy alternatives.

“Together, these efforts are strengthening our energy security and reducing reliance on expensive and polluting fuels,” he added.

He emphasised that energy transition is a regional challenge that requires collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“No country can undertake this journey alone. It requires strategic partnerships, regional cooperation and joint efforts to ensure that the benefits of clean energy are accessible to all.”

The minister also recognised the importance of the ongoing dialogue at the Expo, calling it a critical platform for advancing conversations on energy transition and the growing role of LPG in West Africa’s path toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the organisers for bringing together public leaders, investors and stakeholders committed to shaping West Africa’s energy landscape.

“As we gather here today, it is important to recognise the global push toward clean energy and the crucial role that LPG plays in this transition,” Ekpo said.

He said that, across West Africa, millions of households and businesses still rely on biomass and traditional fuels, which degrade the environment and pose significant health risks.

Ekpo stressed that LPG, with its lower carbon footprint, is a viable and scalable alternative that can help mitigate these issues.

He said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government has made significant strides in advancing LPG adoption as a key component of the country’s energy strategy.

Ekpo highlighted the “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to increase the adoption of gas for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

The minister also mentioned key initiatives such as the National LPG Penetration Programme and private sector investment, which have contributed to expanding LPG infrastructure and reducing reliance on imports.

“In the past two years, we’ve seen a 20% increase in LPG storage and distribution infrastructure.

“These efforts are crucial to ensuring price stability and improving access to clean energy for all,” Ekpo revealed.

As the region moves forward, Ekpo reiterated that the transition to LPG as a clean energy source must be supported by robust infrastructure.

He expressed confidence that through strategic policies, partnerships and continued investment, West Africa can build a sustainable, accessible and affordable LPG market that benefits everyone.

In his remarks, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, said that the state drives LPG adoption and gas-based energy solutions for a cleaner future.

Ogunleye, represented by Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said government has outlined the state’s ambitious roadmap for expanding the adoption of LPG, promoting autogas for transportation and developing gas-to-power projects for cleaner electricity generation.

Ogunleye stressed the urgent need for increased LPG penetration in Nigeria, which remains below its potential.

“Statistics reveal a stark reality: less than 25% of Nigerians have access to clean cooking, leaving over 75% reliant on solid fuels like firewood and charcoal.

“This not only contributes to deforestation but also worsens indoor air pollution,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s per capita LPG consumption is just 2 kg, far below the African average of 4 to 6 kg per capita, pointing out that household air pollution from inefficient cooking fuels was responsible for over 78,000 deaths annually in the country.

“The case for LPG adoption is urgent and compelling, and Lagos is leading the way in pioneering clean energy solutions through LPG,” Ogunleye added.

“As Nigeria’s most industrialised state and commercial hub, Lagos accounts for over 40% of the nation’s energy consumption, powering the needs of over 26 million residents,” he stated.

Ogunleye explained that the state government has made gas a cornerstone of its energy transition strategy, aiming to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for its population.

He said that among the key initiatives driving LPG adoption in Lagos is the state’s gas policy, which serves as a blueprint for the utilisation of gas across various sectors.

Ogunleye highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting investments in LPG storage, distribution and bottling plants to enhance supply chain efficiency.

The commissioner said that one significant player in this effort is the Ibile Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC), Lagos State’s strategic agency for oil and gas development.

“Through IOGC, Lagos is expanding LPG infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and driving autogas adoption.

“IOGC is crucial in ensuring that LPG is accessible and affordable to households, businesses, and industries,” he added.

He said that the IOGC has also been instrumental in converting public transport buses and government vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), encouraging the use of cleaner fuels to reduce vehicle emissions and fuel costs.

“This aligns with Lagos’ vision for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable urban transport system.

“Additionally, the Eco-Gas Initiative has played a pivotal role in expanding LPG access to households, with Lagos now accounting for 60% of Nigeria’s domestic LPG consumption,” he explained.

Ogunleye noted that the state’s strategy focuses on expanding gas infrastructure, improving affordability and ensuring that more households and businesses switch to cleaner cooking and heating solutions.

He said Lagos is also making strides in the power sector through gas-to-power projects that will enhance energy security and reduce reliance on diesel generators.

According to him, the state is investing in gas-fired plants, leveraging its strategic location to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly electricity.

“By integrating LPG and CNG into the power sector, Lagos aims to boost energy security and contribute to a more sustainable energy future,” he explained.

Ogunleye also announced that Lagos has recently advertised an expression of interest for investors in its gas-to-power projects, inviting participation from interested parties to further advance the state’s clean energy agenda.

“With these initiatives, Lagos State is setting an example for the rest of Nigeria and the West African region, leading the charge in cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions through LPG adoption, autogas promotion, and gas-based power generation.

The expo recorded about 200 participants and 70 exhibitors across the West African countries.

By Yunus Yusuf

World Wildlife Day: Stakeholders seek innovative funding

Michael Simire
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World Wildlife Day: Stakeholders seek innovative funding

Stakeholders convened in Abuja on Monday, March 3, 2025, to call for an innovative funding mechanism for wildlife conservation.

Balarabe Abbas Lawal
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal

They unanimously agreed on the need for such a mechanism during the 2025 World Wildlife Day celebration, themed “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, stated that the theme could not be more timely as “we confront the urgent need to bridge the financing gap for wildlife conservation”.

The minister was represented by Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary in the ministry.

He emphasised that wildlife is not just a source of national pride and ecological balance but also the foundation of the economy and social well-being for millions of people.

“There is a need for an innovative financing mechanism; both private sector and community-based revenue models must be harnessed to ensure long-term conservation.

“This requires a collaborative effort between the government, international partners, financial institutions, and other communities that must work together to secure a sustainable funding stream that aligns with the conservation activity we are intending to carry out.

“Nigeria is committed to strengthening our conservation financing landscape through strategic partnerships, policy reforms, and innovative funding models,” the minister assured.

Lawal urged stakeholders to collaborate on conservation efforts that would unlock new biodiversity opportunities and drive sustainable development.

Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, called for urgent and innovative financing strategies to ensure that conservation efforts remain sustainable and impactful.

Kambari, who was represented by Dr Ama Moses, Director of Forestry in the ministry, stated that investing in wildlife conservation is not just about protecting species.

“It is about securing livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering sustainable development.

“However, achieving lasting success requires sustainable financing models that integrate government support, private sector investment, and community participation.

“Nigeria is blessed with a rich biodiversity that supports ecological balance, livelihoods, and economic development,” Kambari said.

Cheikh Toure, the representative of UNODC Nigeria, said that the 2025 theme is a call to action at a crucial time to safeguard our natural heritage globally.

“Traditional funding models are no longer sufficient or sustainable in the long run; we need innovative solutions now more than ever,” he said.

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS), described the theme as apt, stressing that funding challenges affect all sectors of life.

He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative solutions to address conservation financing needs.

Goni, who was represented by Dr Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G) and Director of Ecology and Resource Management at NPS, emphasised the need to raise awareness about investing in wildlife conservation.

“Every specie plays a vital role in our lives. Financial investment is not only about preserving wildlife; it also impacts the health of ecosystems and humans.

“The challenges confronting the parks include poaching, grazing, encroachment, banditry, and insurgency. However, the NPS remains committed to the conservation and preservation of the ecosystem,” he said.

Dr Mark Ofua, West Africa Representative for the Africa Wild Fund, in his keynote address, called for urgent action on wildlife conservation, warning that “over one million species are threatened with extinction due to human activities”.

By Abigael Joshua

UNFCCC Secretary in Nigeria to explore how climate plan can supercharge nation’s economic growth

Michael Simire
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UNFCCC Secretary in Nigeria to explore how climate plan can supercharge nation’s economic growth

The UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, will visit Nigeria for a four-day trip to discuss the opportunities a strong climate plan can bring with government officials, business leaders, civil society, and other key stakeholders.

Simon Stiell
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell

The Executive Secretary will first visit Abuja, from March 4 to 5, 2025, where he’ll engage with Nigerian government officials and civil society.

After meeting with key government officials in Abuja, he will attend a symposium on the “Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove, and Art” on March 6, convened by Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos.

The Executive Secretary will deliver a speech on the opportunities of Nigeria’s new climate plan (also known as their Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC), which will be open to media attending the event.

The speech will focus on how Nigeria can realise new economic opportunities with a new national climate plan, and why bold action on climate change can lift people out of poverty, and secure energy access for all.

The Executive Secretary will emphasise that key sectors in Nigeria’s economy are on the verge of take-off, and that bold climate plans are key to them taking flight, bringing significant benefits for households, businesses, and governments.

He will talk about how protecting the environment boosts Nigeria’s resilience to extreme weather caused by climate change, saving lives and livelihoods. From preserving mangrove forests that protect coastal areas from flooding to growing a Great Green Wall in the Sahel to restore degraded land, Nigeria has a clear path forward in adapting to the impacts of climate change on its people, crops, and infrastructure.

Additionally, the Executive Secretary will participate in a panel discussion with business leaders at the symposium on March 6 and meet with civil society representatives on March 7.

With 198 Parties, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.

Ogoni committee to present demand for oil extraction in Ogoniland to govt

Michael Simire
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Ogoni committee to present demand for oil extraction in Ogoniland to govt

The Ogoni Dialogue Committee, tasked with discussions on the proposed resumption of oil extraction in Ogoniland, says it will soon present the people’s unified demand to the Federal Government.

Ogoni
Ogoni leaders a the a town hall meeting involving various Ogoni communities and the Ogoni Dialogue Committee in Kpor, the headquarters of Gokana LGA

Ignatius Kattey, Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Church of Nigeria, and Co-Chairman of the committee, disclosed this in Saakpenwa during a meeting with representatives of communities in the Tai area, Rivers State.

Ogoniland covers four local government areas in Rivers, including Eleme, Gokana, Khana, and Tai.

Kattey explained that the ongoing dialogue with the Ogoni people is aimed at capturing their opinions and concerns, ensuring their voices were heard.

“The committee will also engage with other stakeholders, including women and youths, to enable us to present a unified demand from the Ogoni people regarding the planned oil extraction,” he stated.

Kattey urged various Ogoni communities in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) to actively participate in the dialogue process.

He noted that the Federal Government had demonstrated the willingness to honour the demands of the Ogonis, as evidenced by its confidence-building initiatives in Ogoniland.

According to him, the delegation that recently met with President Bola Tinubu requested the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, which Tinubu subsequently signed into law.

“The university has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the Ogoni people, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for the area.

“So, as we move forward, I encourage every Ogoni community in Tai LGA to submit their positions on the resumption of oil activities in Ogoniland.

“You voices are vital, as all collated views will form an integral part of our demands in negotiations with the Federal Government,” Kattey added.

The archbishop encouraged all Ogonis to participate in the dialogue, emphasising that this was an opportunity for the Ogoni people to ensure their collective concerns are heard and addressed.

He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for granting the Ogoni delegation the opportunity for dialogue, describing it as a crucial turning point in the pursuit for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.

Kattey also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his support, and Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for promptly donating land for the construction of the university.

Sen. Barry Mpigi, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, assured that the people of Tai were not opposed to the resumption of oil activities in the local government area.

“The position of the Tai people is that they want to see how their demands are implemented.

“This is why we have submitted our memorandum so that if the prospective operator listens to the terms set by the Tai people, we can work together,” Mpigi concluded.

Some of the Ogoni-bearing communities submitted their demands to the committee.

By Desmond Ejibas

ACReSAL: Kaduna communities receive N375m to boost climate-smart agriculture

Michael Simire
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ACReSAL: Kaduna communities receive N375m to boost climate-smart agriculture

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has presented cheques worth $25,000 to 10 communities each, amounting to over N375 million, as a community revolving fund to farmer groups.

Uba Sani
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State

The fund was provided on Saturday, March 2, 2025, by the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, to enable the beneficiaries to invest in climate-smart rain-fed agriculture.

The benefitting communities include Anchau, Kuzuntu, Kubau, Zuntu and Jenau, as well as Likoro, Jaja, Hunkuyi, Kudan and Danmahawayi.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said that the fund aligned with his administration’s commitment to rural transformation.

According to him, it is designed to support registered farmer groups under the umbrella of Community Interest Groups (CIGs), with loans.

Sani promised to start the disbursement of his administration’s loans with Kudan and  Kubau Local Governments in the phase one of the initiative, with a total of 82 CIGs.

He pledged that phase two would commence in the second quarter of the year, with four local governments in the Central and Southern Senatorial zones as well as two Area Councils in the Northern Senatorial zone.

According to the governor, the concluding phase of implementation would cater for the remaining 11 local government areas.

Sani maintained that the state was proud to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at combating climate change and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the people.

“Over the years, we have implemented a range of strategic policies and programs designed to enhance ecological conservation, mitigate the impact of climate change, and promote economic resilience among our citizens.

“With the support of ACReSAL, the State Government unveiled a 10-year Climate Change Policy, trained 500 women, youth, and school-feeding vendors in the production of biomass briquettes as an alternative to wood fuel,’’ he added.

The governor recalled that his administration had identified 22,435 hectares of degraded land for land restoration, provided state-of-the-art weather station.

He had also procured the Amphibious Excavator, otherwise known as Swamp Buggy, for the prevention and control of erosion, deepening of waterways, maintenance and cleaning of rivers.

Earlier, the Task Team Lead of the ACReSAL project, Dr Joy Agene, commended the state for its commitment to environmental sustainability, which was evident in it being one of the best performing sub nationals in the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas, warned that the fund was a loan and not a grant, adding that it would function as an investment fund.

Abbas said that the ACReSAL project constituted a significant component of the Federal Government’s aim to rehabilitate one million hectares of degraded land, contributing to the goal of restoring four million hectares by 2030.

“The initiative will additionally contribute to diminishing the susceptibility of countless individuals living in extreme poverty in northern Nigeria, thereby enhancing their capacity to engage in the stewardship of their surroundings,’’ he added.

By Hussaina Yakubu

I earn N2.5m annually from tomato farming, says Gombe farmer

Michael Simire
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I earn N2.5m annually from tomato farming, says Gombe farmer

An entrepreneur from the Difa community in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Salisu Danjuma, says he earns over N2.5 million annually from tomato cultivation during the season.

Tomato
Baskets of tomato being sold at Bula community in Gombe State

Speaking in an interview on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Difa, Danjuma described tomato farming as one of the most profitable agricultural ventures for youths.

Having cultivated tomatoes for the past 15 years, he said that the business had provided him with a stable livelihood while also creating employment opportunities for about 70 youths who work directly and indirectly on his farm.

According to him, during the dry season, he focuses primarily on tomato farming, harvesting over 55 large baskets weekly. These are then transported to Enugu, Rivers, and other southern states.

“I make over N2.5 million from cultivating tomato annually and this has really helped me to provide for my family and even engage youths working for me and making their daily income.

“As you can see now, we just loaded a vehicle going to the South East from here and each big basket here costs N11,000 while the medium basket is N8,000,” he said.

Danjuma stated that although tomato farming was lucrative, the high costs of fertilisers and agrochemicals had continued to reduce his income. He, however, noted that cultivating crops through irrigation was generally more expensive.

He encouraged youths in the state to explore opportunities in agriculture by utilising available water bodies in their communities for irrigation farming, saying: “It is a profitable venture.

“In Nigeria today, it is no longer sensible to wait on the government because the government cannot employ all the youths but with agriculture, youths can earn better than civil servants.

“I farm all-year-round; during wet season I go to another farmland because this place would have been overtaken by flood water from the river.

“This is why I am not begging anyone for jobs because I don’t stay idle in any season,” he said.

The 40-year-old farmer also appealed to the state government to invest more in irrigation farming, adding that food sufficiency would not be achieved with wet season farming alone.

“Government can support youths with irrigation facilities to carry out dry season farming which is more profitable and will help in addressing youths unemployment in the state,” he said.

Danjuma also appealed to the state government to provide mini processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, which often occurred after harvest.

By Peter Uwumarogie

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