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New fund to support chemicals and waste management in developing economies

Michael Simire
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New fund to support chemicals and waste management in developing economies

One year after its adoption in Bonn, the Global Framework on Chemicals on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, launched its first call for projects targeting the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste. The selected projects are expected to work on green and sustainable solutions and to channel actions to prevent and minimise harm from chemicals and waste in some of the world’s most disadvantaged countries.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division

“Pollution and waste constitute a daily crisis for people’s health, undermine economic activity, and leave nature permanently scarred,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UNEP Industry and Economy Division. “Today the historic Framework is turning from text into practice and providing concrete benefits for those at the frontlines of this crisis.”

At the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, held in September 2023 in Bonn, delegates from around the world representing governments, private sector, civil society, academia and youth adopted the Framework. During the conference, this dedicated trust fund was set up to support low-and middle-income countries, including small island developing states, in addressing chemicals, including products and waste in line with international standards.

Selected projects will receive $300,000 to $800,000 for up to three years to support transformative change to prevent and minimise harm from chemicals and waste and to protect the environment and human health, including vulnerable groups and workers. Such projects will need to have co-financing and in-kind contributions of at least 25 per cent.

According to UNEP, governments can apply for funding as well as civil society networks, subject to an agreement with the respective government.

The fund is aiming for medium-scale projects that strengthen national and regional capacities on chemicals and waste management, support the national policies and regulations, advance solutions along the value chain, and work with ministries, regional centres, health networks, major industry sectors, investment and development banks, small businesses, as well as civil society.

Priority, it was gathered, will be given to projects that ensure their long-term sustainability beyond the Fund’s three-year funding.

The Framework outlines a set of 28 targets to address chemicals, including the prevention of illegal trade and trafficking of chemicals and waste, the implementation of national legal frameworks, the alignment of financial flows, the phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035, the transition to safer and more sustainable chemical alternatives and greater transparency and access to information regarding chemicals and their associated risks.

The fund – which complements existing financial mechanisms, including those designed to tackle the two other planetary threats of climate change and biodiversity loss – has received initial support of around $27 million, primarily from Germany, as well as the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the International Council of Chemical Associations.

Applicants will be able to learn more in a series of webinars on the Fund, its priorities, and on how to apply.

Climate policies, actions around the world are increasingly gender-responsive, says UN report

Michael Simire
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Climate policies, actions around the world are increasingly gender-responsive, says UN report

A new report from the UN Climate Change secretariat reveals that 85 percent of Parties referenced gender in their latest reports and communications submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including in their national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and their Long-Term Low Emission Strategies (LT-LEDS).

Women
Women in Tanzania planting trees

Since the adoption of the first UNFCCC Lima Work Programme on gender (LWPG) in 2014, and of the enhanced LWPG in 2019, gender integration in all reports and communications, including NDCs, has been increasing in quantity and quality.

“Combining bold climate action with progress in gender equality is one of the most effective strategies to break away from business-as-usual scenarios and drive transformative change,” said Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change.

The new UN Climate Change report, Implementation of Gender-Responsive Climate Policies, Plans, Strategies, and Actions, shows 81.5 percent of NDCs include references to gender – a significant improvement on when Parties first communicated their intended NDCs in 2015, of which only a few included references to gender, according to analysis by the Women’s Environment & Development Organisation (WEDO).

However, further efforts are required to strengthen gender integration in Parties’ climate action and adaptation plans. The new report notes that current gender references primarily focus on women, especially in the context of vulnerability, with very few references considering men who may be in vulnerable situations, nor a comprehensive view of gender that considers how different factors like race, class, or ability intersect with gender in exacerbating vulnerability.

Furthermore, while developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have been consistently integrating gender into their regular reporting under the UNFCCC, developed countries often provide limited or no references to gender, particularly in National Communications and LT-LEDS.

The report indicates that gender-responsive approaches are viewed by many as a way to boost the ambition and effectiveness of climate action. Most Parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality as a critical component of this work.

This was reflected in the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake agreed at COP28, which encouraged Parties to implement climate policy and action that is gender-responsive. The next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0), which Parties are currently preparing and submitting in 2025, will serve as a critical opportunity to strengthen interconnected action to achieve gender equality and effective climate outcomes.

COP29: deciding the future of the work on gender and climate change

The review of the enhanced Lima work programme on gender and its gender action plan (GAP) is an opportunity for Parties to shape how the outcomes of the Global Stocktake, mentioned above, are implemented. The review was initiated at the 2024 UN June Meetings and are expected to conclude during COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“Parties have a significant opportunity to shape a more just and ambitious future as they develop the next work programme and action plan,” said Nabeel Munir, Chair of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI).

At the UN June Meetings (SB60), Parties and observers discussed progress, challenges, gaps, and priorities in implementing the enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and its gender action plan.

A 2.5-day workshop provided a dynamic platform for regional and global discussions on enhancing the implementation of gender-responsive climate policies and actions. Discussions also explored linkages with processes both within and outside the UNFCCC, key stakeholders, and future priorities for gender and climate change work.

We train workers regularly for optimum performance – TotalEnergies

Michael Simire
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We train workers regularly for optimum performance – TotalEnergies

Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr Samba Seye, on Friday, October 4, 2024, said that the company regularly trained its staff to ensure they delivered optimal performance to customers.

TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies workers

Seye disclosed this while celebrating Africa Customer Week Forum tagged “Happy Hour Session” at the TotalEnergies Service Station on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He noted that the session would take place over a week at all the 514 TotalEnergies stations across Nigeria.

“We focus on training our team to meet service expectations and deliver quality, which is a key component of our appraisal process.

“We’ve received feedback that our services and products are among the best in terms of quality. So, Nigerians can look forward to exciting developments ahead,” he said.

The TotalEnergies boss highlighted that TotalEnergies had been operating in Nigeria for approximately 67 years and annually hosts Africa Customer Week to express appreciation to its esteemed customers.

“During this celebration, we offer free services like cleaning car windscreens, checking engines and providing professional advice.

“These services are available at our fuel stations, and for some of our larger customers, we even go to their offices.” he added.

Seye emphasised that the initiative is fundamentally about appreciating customers for their loyalty and contribution to the company’s growth and success.

“We hold this annual event to convey our gratitude, as there is significant value in simply saying thank you,” he said.

Seye also expressed optimism regarding the recent fuel scarcity in the country.

“We are hopeful that with the commissioning of the Dangote refinery and the upcoming Port Harcourt Refinery, there will be sufficient fuel supply across our stations.

“While changes may not be immediate, we anticipate positive developments in the near future,” Seye added.

Nigerian workers bemoan soaring transport costs amid fuel price hike

Michael Simire
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Nigerian workers bemoan soaring transport costs amid fuel price hike

Park Service vows to protect FCT forest resources

Michael Simire
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Park Service vows to protect FCT forest resources

The National Park Service (NPS) has expressed determination to safeguard forest resources within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

National Park Service
Forest guards

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of NPS, made this commitment during the passing-out parade of 30 forest guards in the FCT on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Goni, represented by Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General, Ecology and Resource Centre Department, NPS, emphasised the crucial role of forest guards in preserving natural heritage and ecosystem services.

“As guardians of our forests, you have a vital role in safeguarding our natural heritage and ecosystem services,” he stated.

“The training programme equipped the forest guards with necessary tools to confront evolving challenges, including understanding bye-laws governing FCTA forest resources.”

Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, assured that the Secretariat would initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives and empower local hunters with alternative livelihoods to avoid engaging in punishable wildlife crimes.

Mrs Caroline Opara, FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Coordinator, noted that the training would enable forest guards to secure forests from negative activities.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of certificates to the 30 forest guards, demonstrating NPS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s forest resources, in line with the nation’s environmental conservation efforts.

SEFFA, FECOLART partner to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture

Michael Simire
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SEFFA, FECOLART partner to help farmers adopt climate-smart agriculture

In a deliberate attempt to respond to the negative effects of climate change on human survival, the Sustainable Environment Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA) and the Federal College of Land Resources Technology (FECOLART) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage and empower farmers to embrace innovative agricultural practices.

SEFFA
Participants during a workshop hosted by SEFFA in Jos, Plateau State, to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture and food security

With this new arrangement in place, farmers will receive training and support from experts who will provide extension services and help make decisions that will enable them to access agricultural inputs and market penetration.

Ololade Adegoke, the CEO of SEFFA, while commenting on the exercise, which was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, stated that the partnership is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and helping build resilience by producing ambassadors who will learn and teach others about climate action.

According to her, the scheme is also designed to help raise climate-smart farmers and build the capacity of communities and schools in Plateau State on greenhouse technology, irrigation, economic tree planting, and fish farming.

Additionally, it would strengthen partnerships by assisting farmers in accessing markets, which would enhance their income and standard of living in this climate change-affected and consequently unfavourable economy.

She underscored that this public-private partnership is essential to accelerating the government’s directives that all federal institutions should establish an entrepreneurial division to increase awareness and generate revenue to boost the nation’s economic growth.

Visionary leaders, the SEFFA boss asserts, are changemakers who drive others to achieve goals not just for individual development but for societal advancement.

“It is in this light that SEFFA is strengthening collaborations with stakeholders in changing the narrative as to how the devastating impact of climate change could be mitigated,” Adegoke noted.

In a similar vein, Dr. Abdulsalam Anate, representative of the Provost of FECOLART, Dr. Ademola Raji, praised SEFFA for considering his institution for this admirable initiative, citing its potential to improve farmers’ knowledge on how to use cutting-edge technologies to increase agricultural production across the country.

The alliance, he added, will also help in projecting the status of the college by allowing it to engage and share extension services with farmers and other stakeholders on how to reduce the impact of ecosystem disruption while promoting environmental sustainability.

SEFFA is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to consolidating the environment, fishing, agriculture, and aquaculture nationwide by introducing more effective climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers.

As part of this partnership, the non-profit entity would establish a greenhouse farm within the institution to act as a working demonstration site where FECORLAT students and the farming communities would receive training on climate-smart skills. 

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

GOCOP President urges members to stay with ethical online journalism

Michael Simire
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GOCOP President urges members to stay with ethical online journalism

The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo, has called on the more than 100 members of the Guild to make decisions that would distinguish them as entrepreneurs in the online media community.

Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President, at Media Roundtable on self-regulation

The President made the remark in welcoming corporate online publishers to Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the 8th annual general meeting (AGM) and Conference kicked off on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

The President said members must realise that online is the future of journalism, saying even traditional news organs have realised it and are rushing in. “We must know we are mediapreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the online media community.”

She noted that the AGM is usually to reinvigorate members’ businesses while adhering to ethical rules.

On capacity building session that started the Day One, the President said the choice of experienced members to serve as resource persons was deliberate, saying: “We have brought our members that have succeeded in various aspects to talk to members so more people can succeed. That is what peer review does to us. Today is capacity-building, peer review, and talking to GOCOP partners. We also have our annual general meeting (AGM) today where we give account of stewardship.”

Chigbo, publisher of Realnews, said GOCOP has its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

“We will visit an orphanage to give back to society. We recommend this to all our corporate members because we must put something aside each year in our different publishing outfits to give back to society.”

She appreciated members for solidarity and support while commending the people and government of Kogi State for playing host to GOCOP members. She equally commended the organising committee for painstaking efforts to make Lokoja 2024 a bright event. She gave kudos to the membership committee for strict screening processes to make the Guild a credible group of corporate publishers.

In the first presentation, Dr Maxwell Amuchie, Founder/CEO, Sundiata Post Media Ltd, drilled members on “Low Hanging Fruits; A Revenue Strategy for Online Publishers”. He said it is to help online publishers answer a crucial worry in the online publishing business, which is how to earn sustainable revenue from the practice.

He identified the obvious revenue areas which he called low hanging fruits. He named some of them as: sponsored posts, link insertions, text link adverts, and press releases.

On major revenue schemes available to online publishers, he mentioned banner adverts, special projects writing especially with state governments and agencies, digital advertising, social media revenue, events management, as well as licensing and syndication.

Dr Amuchie, who gave a deep insight into his experience in the beginning and how he stumbled on opportunities, gave hints on how to maximise the revenue areas.

He said: “Despite advice and counsel by GOCOP, members have the responsibility to define their business strategies and make their websites offer value that can attract patronage.”

Online publishers urged to embrace AI, post stories where readers are

Michael Simire
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Online publishers urged to embrace AI, post stories where readers are

Mediapreneurs, under the umbrella of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to attract readers to their websites. They are expected to leverage different online platforms and technology to promote their products or services and more with their audiences.

Olumide Iyanda
The publisher of the QEDNG, Mr Olumide Iyanda

The publisher of the QEDNG, Mr Olumide Iyanda, who made the call during his presentation at the capacity-building session of the 8th Annual General Meeting of GOCOP at Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, insisted that media managers should post their stories where their readers can easily read them.

Iyanda, who stated that many readers take interest in watching short video clicks instead of reading long texts, urged mediapreneurs to equally include videos and as part of their stories to generate more traffic.

Noting that leveraging on social media goes a long way to promote websites, he called on Publishers to know where their readers have gone to and accordingly plant their stories there.

‘’Internet penetration in Nigeria is about 45.5 per cent. Over 40 per cent of these users engage with news on Facebook, Tik Tok. Yet, 75 per cent of internet users do not go pass first page, so, it is important to use social media platforms to promote content and engage with users,’’ he said.

Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Tiktok, among others, he said, were variable channels to reach readers.

Speaking further, he urged GOCOP members to now wear the garb of business decision-makers as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) upon whose shoulders rest the success or otherwise and the fate of their workforce. He said the view the CEOs hold on their role would impact the way they related with their clients.

Iyanda explained that publishers as small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) must learn how to adapt to changing consumer behaviours to beat the increasing competition in the digital space.

For instance, he harped the need for data to make appropriate decisions. “Don’t decide what your audience needs. If your customers want tea, don’t give them coffee, prioritise  digital marketing and be active on all digital marketing platforms,” he advised that the over 100 members of GOCOP present at this year’s conference.

Iyanda spoke on “Leveraging Digital Marketing: Strategies for Online Publishers,’’ as part of the general theme of this year’s GOCOP conference titled, “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, And Transitioning to Digital Economy”.

He urged Publishers to know when to charge for stories and when not, explaining that placing fees for public relations or promotional stories for commercial interests did not breach journalism ethics.

He noted that journalism would not only be seen as a social or humanitarian service but also as a business where bills must be settled by the entrepreneur. He warned Publishers to beware of other professionals who collect money from their clients to publish stories only to turn round to use subtle methods to slip the stories into the media.

Iyanda, who warned that media professionals should maintain the code of ethics in all they do, urged Publishers to strike the right balance between ethics and demands of business.

Every year, GOCOP embarks on business sessions at its annual conferences where members are brought up to date with latest tech in online publishing as well as focus on means of increasing and generating revenues in online publishing.

Lagos vows to sustain styrofoam plastic ban

Michael Simire
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Lagos vows to sustain styrofoam plastic ban

The Lagos State Government on Thursday, October 3, 2024, vowed to deploy actionable strategies to sustain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in the state.

Styrofoam
Delegates at the stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the ban on the usage of styrofoam and SUPs in Lagos

Dr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the commitment at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the ban on the usage of styrofoam and SUPs in the state.

Wahab was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu.

He said the workshop would fashion out the necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on styrofoam and other SUPs in Lagos State.

He said that available statistics showed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily with a significant percentage being single-use-plastics and styrofoam.

According to him, these plastics have been scientifically proven to take up to 1,000 years before degrading.

Wahab added that a recent study proved that micro-plastics were found in fetus and the blood stream of human beings.

He said the resolution to ban the product would not only be beneficial to the present generation but to generations yet unborn.

He recalled that the state government in January pronounced a ban on styrofoam plastics and SUPs to reduce their harmful environmental and health impacts on human health and the ecosystem.

Wahab said that government remained determined to encourage viable options for styrofoam containers across the state.

“The implementation of the ban on styrofoam commenced on Feb. 12, 2024, upon the expiration of a three-week moratorium.

“The state announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of 2024 upon stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation, while the ban on SUPs will be effective by January 2025,” Wahab said.

He said that Lagos had seen firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution, as it affects air quality, clogs the waterways, and poses long-term health risks to the citizens.

The commissioner stressed that the resolve to ban is a critical step toward climate action, sustainable waste management, and improve the overall quality of life in the communities.

Wahab said that government recognises that the transition may not be easy as challenges such as cost of alternative packaging materials, changes in consumer behaviour and ensuring compliance across board is expected.

He, however, said that the state government was ready to implement the roles stipulated in the Lagos State plastic policy by providing an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological options.

He emphasised that government would continue to provide the necessary policy framework and support.

Wahab urged the participants to come up with practical and actionable strategies for implementation of the ban.

He also called on them to raise public awareness by charting a roadmap that would ensure a smooth transition.

“The future of Lagos – our health, environment, and economy rests on the actions we take today.

”I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the journey towards a plastic free Lagos with enthusiasm, optimism and shared sense of responsibility,” Wahab said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, said that plastic waste management was one of the most daunting environmental challenges facing Lagos State with its increasing prevalence and negative effect.

Gaji said that following the ban, studies conducted showed that drastic but needed action had been very useful in reducing the volume of plastic waste in the drainage and waterways across the state.

He said the ministry deemed it necessary to engage various stakeholders within the plastic ecosystem in a comprehensive and robust stakeholders gathering where all interested parties would be present to chat a way forward.

He reminded the stakeholders that the government was very interested in the progress and wellbeing of business organisations within the environment sector.

Gaji reiterated that the government would not take any action to jeopardise the interest of business owners.

He added that doing otherwise would be counter-productive to the progress and financial stability of the state.

“At the same time, it must be clearly noted that the state government will not shy away from its responsibility of having a clean and sustainable environment,” he said.

Also speaking, the guest lecturer, a former Dean of Law, Lagos State University, Prof. Funminiyi Adeleke, urged the Lagos State Government to consider the economic issues that may arise from the ban.

Adeleke added that the government was expected to give adequate notice, awareness and fashion out ways to cushion the effects of such ban in the short and long run.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Nigeria to unveil programme to mitigate effects of climate change – Agriculture minister

Michael Simire
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0
Nigeria to unveil programme to mitigate effects of climate change – Agriculture minister

The Federal Government on Thursday, October 3, 2024, said it would soon unveil programmes to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said this during the distribution of additional 18,500 bags of 25kg rice to vulnerable people in Kebbi as palliatives.

The 18,500 bags of rice were in addition to earlier ones received by the state from the federal government.

Kyari said the federal government was committed to easing the burdens of citizens.

“The federal government is aware that Kebbi is also affected by flooding.

“Federal authorities will come out with a programme to mitigate against the devastating effect of climate change,” the minister said.

Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said that the federal government’s delegation was in the state on the authority of President Bola Tinubu to complement the government on provision of palliatives to the people.

“President Tinubu is satisfied about the remarkable performance of Gov. Nasir Idris. Kebbi alone can feed the nation.

“In the wisdom of the President, he offers support to states to the fullest to succeed.

“Kebbi governor has made submissions to President Tinubu, which have all been approved.

“He wants Kebbi to excel, we sincerely thank the President,” Bagudu said.

The Senior Special Assistant on Politics to the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru-Masari, said Gov. Idris, had received accolades from President Tinubu on steering the affairs of the state.

“Both leaders share the same vision, better days beckon with prosperity,” Kabiru-Masari said.

In response, Gov. Idris thanked the President for his love and assistance to the state, acknowledging the delivery of another consignment of rice as palliative.

“The gesture of Mr President is tremendous. He has been benevolent to Kebbi state, we remain grateful, loyal and supportive.

“We are also happy about the performance of Minister Bagudu.

“We have no regrets sending you to Abuja as representative of our state, we are proud of you.

“Kebbi is behind you always,” the governor said.

By Ibrahim Bello

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