The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the addition of the MVA-BN vaccine to its prequalification list, marking the first vaccine against mpox to receive this designation.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)
In a statement released on Friday, September 13, 2024, the organisation explained that prequalification approval would facilitate timely and increased access to the vital product in communities with urgent need, reducing transmission and helping to contain the outbreak.
“WHO’s assessment for prequalification was based on information submitted by the manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic A/S, and reviewed by the European Medicines Agency, the regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.”
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stated that the prequalification of a vaccine against mpox was a crucial step forward in combating the disease, both in the context of the current outbreaks in Africa and in preparing for future scenarios.
He emphasised the need for urgent scale-up in procurement, donations, and rollout to ensure equitable access to vaccines where they are needed most, alongside other public health tools, to prevent infections, stop transmission, and save lives.
According to Ghebreyesus, the MVA-BN vaccine can be administered to individuals over 18 years as a two-dose injection given four weeks apart.
“After prior cold storage, the vaccine can be kept at 2–8°C for up to eight weeks.”
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said that the prequalification of the MVA-BN vaccine would help accelerate ongoing procurement of mpox vaccines by governments and international agencies such as Gavi and Unicef.
“This decision would also help national regulatory authorities fast-track approvals, ultimately increasing access to quality-assured mpox vaccine products.
“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunisation reviewed all available evidence and recommended the use of MVA-BN vaccine in the context of an mpox outbreak for persons at high risk of exposure.
“While MVA-BN is currently not licensed for persons under 18 years of age, this vaccine may be used “off-label” in infants, children, and adolescents, and in pregnant and immunocompromised individuals.”
Nakatani emphasised the need to collect further data on vaccine safety and effectiveness in different contexts.
“Available data shows that a single-dose MVA-BN vaccine given before exposure has an estimated 76 per cent effectiveness in protecting people against mpox, with the two-dose schedule achieving an estimated 82 per cent effectiveness.”
Nakatani said since the triggering of the emergency use listing for mpox vaccines by WHO Director-General on August 7, WHO had conducted product and programmatic suitability assessments of MVA-BN vaccine.
Dr Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification, stated that the findings of these assessments were particularly relevant in the context of the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the upsurge of mpox in Africa.
Gaspar added that WHO was progressing with prequalification and emergency use listing procedures with manufacturers of two other mpox vaccines: LC-16 and ACAM2000.
“Six expressions of interest for mpox diagnostic products for emergency use listing have been received so far.
“The escalating mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries was declared a PHEIC by the WHO Director-General on August 14.
“More than 120 countries have confirmed over 103,000 cases of mpox since the onset of the global outbreak in 2022.
“In 2024 alone, there were 25,237 suspected and confirmed cases and 723 deaths from different outbreaks in 14 countries of the African Region (based on data from September 8.”
The Lagos Recyclers Association (LAGRA) on Friday, September 13, 2024, reiterated the importance of bridging the gap in circular economy financing.
R-L: The Managing Director, LAWMA, Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, LAGRA President
The association restated the importance of the circular economy at its 3rd annual conference and exhibition with the theme, “Financing Circular Economy: Bridging the Funding Gap”, in Lagos.
The Circular Economy is an economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way.
LAGRA is a driving force behind the sustainable transformation of Lagos through responsible recycling and waste management.
In his welcome address, LAGRA’s President, Dr Femi Idowu-Adegoke, restated the importance of financing the circular economy for the sector’s growth.
“In financing the circular economy, Lagos State as the economic powerhouse of Nigeria is at a pivotal point where sustainable development must take centre stage.
“The circular economy offers us a pathway to do just that by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and creating economic opportunities.
“However, one of the most significant challenges we face in achieving this vision is bridging the funding gaps that hinder the growth and scalability of circular economy initiatives.
“With a population exceeding 20 million, Lagos generates vast amounts of waste, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation and public health issues.
“The circular economy, which is based on reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials, presents an opportunity to transform this waste into wealth, reduce environmental impact and create jobs,” the LAGRA president said.
Idowu-Adegoke noted that “the transition to a circular economy is not just about environmental stewardship; it is an economic imperative which has led to the development and launch of Nigeria’s National Circular Economic Roadmap.
“This roadmap focuses on three major sectors captured in our 2021 National Determined Contributions i.e. Waste Management, Renewable Energy, Agriculture and Food Security to achieve circularity by 2050.
“It has the potential to unlock new markets, spur innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth.
“However, realising these benefits requires significant investment—investment that is currently lacking.”
Highlighting the supporting roles of state government in promoting circular economy, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the authority would go all out to aid local recyclers in the sector.
“From Lagos’ point of view, it is imperative that we do everything possible to ensure that we have a circular economy in the state.
“This is for good environmental management in order for us to have a healthy, safe and vibrant environment for the well-being of the people and also for our economic growth.
“We generate close to 14,000 tons of waste every day in Lagos, up to 85 per cent of that is not waste, because it has value.
“We are familiar with the mantra – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – that means, we should reduce how much waste we are generating in the first place. Then we try to reuse as much as possible.
“Then we must also recycle, hence LAGRA, and they have been very active. These are young people who have invested a lot in that sector.
“And what we do as LAWMA to support them, is that we ensure they have what they need to operate, and they need to be licensed so that they can be recognised as official businesses within the sector.
“We ensure that the recyclers are not harassed by other authorities, because once they have that license, they have our stickers, they are able to do their business without too much hindrance,” Gbadegesin said.
He also urged residents of the state to tap into the circular economy drive for their benefits.
“So, our message is that what you think is waste is not waste. It has value. Every waste material that you generate, and you are throwing away has value.
“We want the average Lagos resident to start sorting their waste, separate what is useful from what is not and engage the recyclers within your community to take those useful materials away from you in return for incentives,” he said.
Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, said financing circular economy should be a lifestyle.
“There is a need for us to finance circular economy. First and foremost, there are various areas within the sector of circular economy that we need to bring to bear.
“We need to start layering that, not only as an innovation or solution, but also as a lifestyle. People need more education and enlightenment about circular economy to adopt it as a lifestyle.
“There are different aspects and philosophies of perception around waste in itself. Back in the days, we used to look condescendingly towards those that pack waste.
“Our waste is becoming a resource in transition; people are beginning to make money from responsible disposal.
“So, there is a commerce aspect of it, and establishing the rudimentary models that make commerce thrive is the financing that we are talking about,” Oshodi said.
Climate activists are on Friday, September 13, 2024, mobilising across the globe in more than 150 events, spanning over 50 countries in all continents, calling on their governments to urgently implement a fast, fair and funded phase-out of fossil fuels to prevent further climate catastrophe.
Climate activists on the South Bank, London. Photo credit: Yui Mok/PA
In Africa, more than 70 events are planned across more than 20 countries, ranging from rallies to theatrical performances, with Kenya and Nigeria each hosting more than 10 actions. Meanwhile, in Asia as well, more than 70 coordinated demonstrations are taking place in 62 cities in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India, with many targeting coal-fired power plants in protest against the alarming expansion of new coal projects in the region.
To be compliant with the goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement, the transition out of oil, gas and coal must be done at a pace and scale required to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
However, several Global North countries are reportedly going in the opposite direction. They are said to continue their fossil fuel expansion and provide billions in fossil fuel subsidies, and even prop up fossil fuel expansion in the Global South with public and private investments.
Lidy Nacpil, of Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development and Global Campaign Demand Climate Justice, said: “The climate crisis is escalating rapidly, yet global coal use and capacity is at an all-time high. Global North nations are bankrolling coal expansion in Asia, despite their leaders’ COP28 commitment to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. We are calling on Asian governments to stop the expansion of coal in our countries and implement a rapid, equitable and just phase-out of existing coal. We demand a stop to direct and indirect public and private financing of coal. New electricity demand can be met with renewable energy, which is less costly, quicker to build, easier to make accessible to all communities and reduces reliance on imported fuels.”
The rallies kick off a global week of action ahead of Climate Week NYC (September 22-29) when world leaders assemble for the UN General Assembly and the first UN Summit of the Future where they will agree a Pact for the Future. Drafts of the pact have already seen a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels come and go – although it has been reinstated in the latest version.
Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, said: “We demand action, not empty words. Rich nations call for a transition away from fossil fuels but do little to reduce their own emissions, and instead we are seeing their continued oil, gas and coal expansion. This double standard perpetuates the colonial legacy, and disproportionately devastates communities in the Global South. Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean are paying the price with lost lives, destroyed infrastructure, and ruined livelihoods. Rich nations must lead and end the expansion of fossil fuels.”
Asad Rehman, Executive Director of War on Want and the Climate Justice Coalition, said: “For centuries, people, animals, and the environment – whole ecosystems, predominantly across the Global South – have been treated as resources to be extracted, exploited, and consumed for huge profit. But enough is enough. It’s time for rich Global North countries, including here in the UK, and multinational corporations to be held accountable for their roles in causing the climate crisis. We’re calling for Global North governments to commit to a fair and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and to pay up for the damage they have caused.”
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead, former Minister of Environment for Peru, and COP20 President, said: “As we see climate records being shattered, the political importance of the energy transition is even more compelling and urgent. But the truth is that fossil fuel use is still rising, subsidies for fossil fuels remain in place, and new exploration projects are being announced. We are at a pivotal moment in time to secure a liveable and sustainable future for our planet. A rapid and fundamental transformation of the energy system is essential if we are to have any hope of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Countries must do everything possible to accelerate the phase out of fossil fuels in a fair, fast and equitable way, and enable the rapid scale up of renewable energy in this decisive decade. To fail at this, will be to fail future generations.”
Peter Kafwimbi, Founder and President of the Kankomwila Foundation, said: “My country Zambia, like many nations, is bearing the brunt of climate change, with a recent drought and maize shortages causing widespread hunger. The Global Week of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil-Free Future is a wake-up call for world leaders and corporations to take immediate action. We demand they #PayUp for the damage caused by fossil fuel-driven climate crises and invest in sustainable solutions that can prevent further devastation. Our communities cannot afford more delays; it’s time to ensure a just, resilient future for all.”
Marta Schaaf, Director of Amnesty International’s Climate, Economic and Social Justice and Corporate Accountability Programme, said: “Climate change is a justice issue: it is producing a human rights crisis of climate injustice, racial injustice, gender injustice, intergenerational injustice and debt injustice. Lives, health, livelihoods and the right to a healthy environment of billions are at risk, especially of the most marginalised, yet historical emitting countries and high-income fossil fuel producers are failing to take the urgent steps we need for a full, fast, fair and funded phase out of all fossil fuels. We demand that states deliver on their human rights obligations to rapidly and equitably end fossil fuel production and use.”
Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, said: “The time for rich countries to pay up their fair share of climate finance is long overdue. It’s vulnerable communities that are on the frontlines of this emergency, despite doing the least to cause it – we need fairer taxes and debt cancellation now to make sure it’s polluters who pay, not the poorest.”
Laurie van der Burg, Public Finance co-lead at Oil Change International, said: “Fair fossil fuel phaseout needs fair funding. Countries agreed to phase out fossil fuels at COP28, and now it’s time to pay up. There is no shortage of public money available for rich countries to pay their fair share on fair terms. They can free up trillions in grants and grant-equivalent finance by ending fossil fuel handouts, making polluters pay and changing unfair financial rules. This will help countries deliver strong national climate plans next year that end new fossil fuel expansion, and secure our last chance to avoid breaching deadly temperature limits.”
Graham Gordon, Head of Global Advocacy and Policy at Christian Aid, said: “With temperatures soaring above 46 degrees across Asia, record-breaking wildfires raging across North America and Canada and catastrophic flooding in many parts of Africa and the Caribbean, it’s time for drastic action. Too many people’s lives depend on it. We need actions not words at the UN Summits later this month. And that means an end to all investment in fossil fuels and a new, fair and ambitious climate financing goal, with rich polluting oil companies paying their fair share.”
Susann Scherbarth, Head of Climate Justice, Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND e.V.), said: “It’s time for a serious, swift, and well-funded phase-out of fossil fuels. Germany must lead by ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and urgently addressing its gas dependency. The German government cannot accept false solutions such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, which fail to achieve real, drastic emission reductions. The deadly climate crisis must drive more people into the streets, demanding bold and immediate action. Germany’s leadership is essential now to ensure a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
Federico Sibaja, IMF Campaign Manager at Recourse, said: “The World Bank and the IMF, controlled by wealthy Northern countries, are shaping the Global South’s climate policy for their own gain, by ensuring juicy interest repayments on climate loans and privatising climate action. These institutions cannot be part of the solution, as they even continue to lock in fossil fuel dependence in debt-ridden countries.”
Ogunlade Olamide, the Senior Programme Manager, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), said: ‘’It is worrying that climate finance is being reduced to charity and business by entities responsible for the crises when coping capacities of impacted frontline communities are almost exhausted. We demand that this parasitic system must STOP, Its people over profit and not the opposite.’’
Elise Åsnes, President of Spire, a Norwegian youth NGO, said: “Norway has a historical responsibility for the climate crisis, but is nowhere near taking its responsibility. Their solutions are cowardly, fake and fossil. Norway has to implement real and comprehensive climate policies, and stop greenwashing their oil with potential CCS-technology.”
Patrick Brown, Campaigns and Operations Director at Equal Right, said: “The Global Week of Action for Climate Finance and a Fossil-Free Future is an opportunity to redouble and renew our efforts to end fossil fuel extraction and identify the means by which we can raise the trillions required annually for climate justice and a justice transition. We must put in place measures to equitably end extraction, make polluters pay and redistribute global wealth with the people of the world.”
Africa’s youth have been called upon to embrace engineering as a key driver of development and innovation across the continent.
Coss-section of Women in Tech the who attended the 10th Annual UNESCO Africa Engineering Week in Nairobi, Kenya
Speaking at the 10th annual UNESCO Africa Engineering Week – High-Level Workshop held in Nairobi – Kenya on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs and Policy at Huawei Kenya, said the shortage of engineers in Africa, and the rest of the world was a cause for concern.
“There has been declining interest in the profession from the youth, with the enrolment of young people, especially women in the profession dwindling. The continent is facing a situation where there are a lot of older more experienced engineers, but not enough young candidate engineers entering the profession. Our ability to sustain the profession lies in the number of young people choosing engineering as a career,” Mwaniki said.
She noted that Africa’s future depends on its youth embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, particularly engineering, which lies at the core of solving the continent’s most pressing challenges.
“The growing need for infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience offers a unique opportunity for engineers to shape Africa’s path toward sustainable growth. But more efforts need to be put in attracting younger people, especially women, to the profession,” Mwaniki said.
“Women, in particular, need to step out of their comfort zones and grab the opportunities that are offered by companies such as Huawei. Programs like Seeds for the future, ICT Competition, Women Collaboration programmes with our partners, etc will help expose the Women Engineers to advanced technologies that can enable them to create solutions for their country.”
The Africa Engineering Week provides a platform for government representatives, industry leaders, and academia to discuss policy frameworks and partnerships that can accelerate engineering education and innovation on the continent.
Celebrated across the region every year, UNESCO Africa Engineering Week promotes engineering solutions and awareness among students, society and policy-makers. It aims to inspire and educate youth and the public on the vital role of engineers in societies.
This year’s edition is hosted by the Ordem dos Engenheiros de Angola in Luanda, Angola, and organised jointly by UNESCO, the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO).
It will include the 8th Africa Engineering Conference, the 7th Africa Women Engineers Forum, the Young Engineers Forum and a Business-to-Business (B2B) session. These events will focus on sustainability and innovative infrastructures; engineering and acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation; and engineering education and capacity building.
“This year’s theme, ‘Engineering and for Sustainable Development’, highlights the urgent need for technical solutions to address challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development, and digital transformation,” Mwaniki said.
Partners for the eighth annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have begun to emerge with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Emadeb Group and Dangote Group leading the train of partners for the event slated for Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Reverton Hotel, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State.
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President, at Media Roundtable on self-regulation
The chairman of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, Danlami Nmodu, also listed other partners to include Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Setraco Nigeria Limited, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), according to a statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Sir Remmy Nweke.
Nmodu was also quoted as saying that the eighth conference would center on the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy” and will hold on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 10am. The keynote will be delivered by former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyle Imoke.
Additional partners for 2024, he said, comprised the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Access Bank plc, Zenith Bank plc, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Fidelity Bank plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc (STI), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
A major highlight of this year’s conference, Nmodu said, is a business luncheon with GOCOP partners on Wednesday, October 2, at the same venue, while the conference itself would hold on Thursday, October 3.
Nmodu noted that the 8th edition would be chaired by former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman, with the former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Retd), and the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, as Guest Speakers, while a Professor of Political Science at the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, and an edutainment communicator and veteran broadcaster, Ms Debrah M. Ogazuma, are panellists.
Nmodu recalled that GOCOP conference 2023 was chaired by the JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke, was the keynote speaker.
Previous speakers at the annual conference consisted of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.”
In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the Conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”
In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote entitled “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism.
Membership of the Guild is a constellation of editors and senior journalists who, having distinguished themselves in their various positions in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.
A new report released by Global Witness has revealed that at least 196 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2023 for trying to protect their homes, community or the planet. according to a new report by Global Witness released on Friday, September 13, 2024, working in collaboration with global partners.
Jonila Castro, a Filipino activist who was abducted by the Philippines military in 2023 and currently facing criminalisation
The new figures bring the total number of defender killings to 2,106 between 2012 and 2023.
Overall, Colombia was found to be the deadliest country in the world, with 79 deaths in total last year – compared to 60 in 2022, and 33 in 2021. This is the most defenders killed in one country in a single year Global Witness has ever recorded. With 461 killings from 2012 to 2023, Colombia has the highest number of reported environmental defender killings globally on record.
Other deadly countries in Latin America include Brazil, with 25 killings last year, and Mexico and Honduras, which both had 18 killings.
Central America has emerged as one of the most dangerous places in the world for defenders. With 18 defenders killed in Honduras, the country had the highest number of killings per capita in 2023. A total of 10 defenders were also killed in Nicaragua last year, while four were killed in Guatemala, and four in Panama.
Worldwide, Indigenous Peoples and Afrodescendents continue to be disproportionately targeted, accounting for 49% of total murders.
Laura Furones, Lead Author and Senior Advisor to the Land and Environmental Defenders Campaign at Global Witness, said: “As the climate crisis accelerates, those who use their voice to courageously defend our planet are met with violence, intimidation, and murder. Our data shows that the number of killings remains alarmingly high, a situation that is simply unacceptable.
“Governments cannot stand idly by; they must take decisive action to protect defenders and to address the underlying drivers of violence against them. Activists and their communities are essential in efforts to prevent and remedy harms caused by climate damaging industries. We cannot afford to, nor should we tolerate, losing any more lives.”
While establishing a direct relationship between the murder of a defender and specific corporate interests remains difficult, Global Witness identified mining as the biggest industry driver by far, with 25 defenders killed after opposing mining operations in 2023. Other industries include fishing (five), logging (five), agribusiness (four), roads and infrastructure (four) and hydropower (two).
In total, 23 of the 25 mining-related killings globally last year happened in Latin America. But more than 40% of all mining-related killings between 2012 and 2023 occurred in Asia – home to significant natural reserves of key critical minerals vital for clean energy technologies.
As well as highlighting the number of killings worldwide, the report unearths wider trends in non-lethal attacks and their harmful impacts on communities globally. It highlights cases of enforced disappearances and abductions, pointed tactics used in both the Philippines and Mexico in particular, as well as the wider use of criminalisation as a tactic to silence activists across the world.
The report also explores the crackdown on environmental activists across the UK, Europe and the US, where laws are increasingly being weaponised against defenders, and harsh sentences are more frequently imposed on those who have played a role in climate protests. The findings form part of a concerning trend of criminalisation cases emerging worldwide.
Jonila Castro, a Filipino activist who was abducted by the Philippines military in 2023 and currently facing criminalisation, featured in the report, said: “Even after our release from abduction, threats continued. We are facing difficulties in returning to our homes and communities. We are still experiencing surveillance, red-tagging, and intimidation. Attacks to silence environmental defenders challenge our advocacy for environmental protection and people’s rights.
“Environmental devastation and human rights violations are interconnected, both sustained by governments and the extractive systems they defend. Our experience highlights the urgent need for stronger protection and recognition of community activists and environmental defenders in the global fight for climate justice.”
Despite the escalating climate crisis – and governments pledging to achieve the Paris Agreement target of 1.5C – land and environmental defenders are being increasingly subject to a wide range of attacks to stop their efforts to protect the planet. At least 1,500 defenders have been killed since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on 12 December 2015.
Nonhle Mbuthuma, author of the report’s foreword and Goldman Environmental Prize Winner 2024, said: “Across every corner of the globe, those who dare to expose the devastating impact of extractive industries – deforestation, pollution, and land grabbing – are met with violence and intimidation. This is especially true for Indigenous Peoples, who are essential in the fight against climate change, yet are disproportionately targeted year after year.
“Yet the brutality of these attacks reveals something profound: the power that ordinary people wield when they unite for justice. Leaders have a duty to listen and ensure that land and environmental defenders can speak out, everywhere, without fear of reprisal. This responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of every wealthy and resource-rich nation worldwide.”
Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) held the second edition of its annual Media Roundtable event, centred around the theme: “Beyond Critique: The Importance of Constructive Media Engagement in Governance and Nation-Building.” The event brought together prominent media leaders, practitioners, students, academics, and various media stakeholders.
Panelists at the Pan-Atlantic University media roundtable
In his welcome address, Dr Peter Bamkole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of Pan-Atlantic University, set the tone for the day’s conversations by emphasising the power of truthful and transparent reporting.
“What you see, say, and write must be truthful, transparent, and reliable. Speaking the truth will change the narrative and promote constructive engagement instead of blind criticism,” Dr Bamkole stated.
The event featured an engaging panel discussion led by esteemed media professionals, including Magnus Onyibe (Public Policy Analyst and Author), Fisayo Soyombo (Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism -FIJ), Sherriff Quadry (Broadcast Journalist, Nigeria Info), Margaret Agada-Mba (Lecturer, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University), Jonathan James Lyamgohn (Media Consultant) and Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun (Head of Programmes, News Central) each offering unique insights into the vital role of the media in governance and society.
Onyinyechi Aderibigbe of Nigeria Info and Elizabeth Musa of Business Day were the moderators at the event.
During the panel discussion, Sherriff Quadry emphasised the demanding nature of journalism, stating that it requires more than simply identifying as a journalist. He highlighted the need for extra commitment, dedication, and above all, sacrifice.
Quadry also stressed the essential role of a free press in maintaining a functioning democracy, noting that democracy cannot survive without journalists, and without a free press, it becomes impossible. He further addressed the challenges faced by Nigerian journalists, asserting that determination is key, as the work can be frustrating, particularly in a context where politicians often feel they should not be questioned.
Quadry also spoke on the responsibility of journalists to ensure that their work positively impacts society, cautioning that reports should foster development rather than create chaos. In her contribution, Margaret Agada-Mba questioned the government’s view of the media, posing the critical question: while the media strives to partner with the government, does the government consider the media a partner in national development?
Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun echoed the sentiment that there should be no restraints on the press, arguing that while cultural, religious, and ethnic sensitivities exist, they should not translate into restrictions on media freedom. She further underscored the role of journalists as truth-tellers, stating that their responsibility is to present news with honesty and transparency.
She further added to the dialogue by stressing the responsibility of senior journalists to mentor the next generation.
“There has to be a space for the transference of the values that make journalism what it is,” she said, underscoring the importance of cultivating ethical values in upcoming journalists.
Magnus Onyibe added that if journalists are ever offered the opportunity to work with the government, they should ensure they do so with a clear conscience, maintaining their integrity in the face of such challenges.
Fisayo Soyonbo addressed the issue of harassment faced by investigative journalists, highlighting that the solution to such intimidation is more investigative journalism.
“The answer to harassment is more journalism because the idea of harassment is to get the journalist to stop pursuing the truth,” Soyonbo said.
He emphasised the journalist’s role in uncovering the truth and presenting it to the public: “The job of a journalist is to dig the truth and release it.”
Jonathan James Lyamgohn emphasised three key principles when engaging with the government: respect, patriotism, and press independence.
“We are the fourth estate of the realm,” he noted, underscoring the vital role of journalists in upholding democracy.
He also remarked, “Journalism will always be challenging, but journalism will always be rewarding. Our ultimate employer, beyond our organization, is the people.”
The panellists reiterated that journalism is not merely a profession but a commitment to truth, transparency, and societal impact. As media practitioners navigate the complexities of reporting in a challenging environment, they must remain steadfast in their duty to hold power accountable, foster positive change, and contribute to the growth of a more informed and engaged society.
The event called on both the media and government to foster a relationship grounded in mutual respect and the shared goal of national development while preserving the integrity of a free and independent press. Through constructive engagement and responsible journalism, the media can continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and promoting the common good.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has affirmed its commitment to end open defecation in Nigeria.
A cross section of panelists at the workshop
Jane Bevan, Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), UNICEF, stated this at a two-day media dialogue themed “Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)” in Lagos.
Bevan emphasised that collaboration from all sectors was crucial in achieving this goal.
“We are not just working toward an open defecation-free Nigeria; we are building a sustainable future where improved sanitation drives health, economic growth and environmental resilience.
“We need the government, partners and the private sector to join us in making Nigeria open defecation-free.
“We also need the media to assist us in sensitising the public to the dangers of open defecation.
“By leveraging the power of information, we can create a movement that not only raises awareness but also translates into tangible actions for ODF at the community level.
“We must keep this campaign on the front burner,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs Chizoma Opara, a Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, expressed concern over the persistence of open defecation in the country.
Opara, who is also the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, noted that the 2021 WASHNORM reports, revealed that more than 48 million Nigerians still engage in the practice.
“Open defecation is a sanitation and hygiene-related issue and a significant contributor to the spread of NTDs.
“Diseases like onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are transmitted through contaminated soil and faeces, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, malnutrition and ill health.
“By addressing open defecation, we can significantly reduce the transmission of NTDs,” Opara said.
Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as WAJE and a UNICEF Champion, expressed concern on the high rate of open defecation in Nigeria, reiterating her commitment to leading the campaign against the practice.
The event also featured a panel of discussion session where stakeholders deliberated on strategies to eliminate open defecation and related issues.
Some tomato and pepper farmers and dealers in Bula community, Akko Local Government of Gombe State, are facing economic challenges as tomato prices drop by 90 per cent in two weeks.
Baskets of tomato being sold at N1,000 at Bula community in Gombe State
A correspondent who visited the community on Thursday, September 12, 2024, observed that hundreds of baskets of tomato and bags of pepper were displayed for sale in the market.
Farmers and dealers were observed persuading customers to patronise their commodity.
As of Thursday, a big basket of tomato is N1,000 as against N10,000 which the commodity was sold at the community two weeks ago; this represents a 90 per cent drop in price.
A bag of bell pepper (Tatashe) which was sold for N40,000 two weeks back is now N10,000; representing 75 per cent drop in price of bell pepper.
While scotched bonnet (hot pepper) which was N50,000 is now N16,000; representing a 68 per cent drop in the price of the commodity.
Alhaji Saleh Maikudi, the Chairman of Tomato Farmers Association from Bula community, said farmers in the community were incurring huge losses daily.
According to him, a farmer or dealer loses daily, N9,000 per basket of tomato, N30,000 per bag of bell pepper and N34,000 per bag of hot pepper when compared with the price of the commodity two weeks back.
Maikudi, a 35-year-old farmer, said the situation was frustrating as his members had resorted to begging buyers to patronise.
He said the fear of incurring huge post-harvest losses had made farmers and dealers to beg customers in spite of the low price.
“This is why we are begging the Federal and the Gombe State Governments to come to our aid by providing processing facilities to prevent these losses and cut post- harvest losses.
“We have tomatoes and pepper in surplus now why not process and store, so we don’t experience scarcity of the commodity like we saw few months back?
“Farmers are now frustrated and apprehensive because the prices are not showing any good sign that they will get returns on their investment in view of the huge cost of farming,” he said.
Malam Khalifa Bello, the Chairman of Vegetables Sellers Association in the community, decried the huge monetary loss and post-harvest losses farmers in the community were facing.
He appealed to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and private investors to assist farmers with mini processing facilities to process tomatoes into paste or powder and package in sachets or cans.
According to him, until tomato value chain from planting, harvesting, processing, packaging and storage is harnessed, farmers in the state will not make enough profit from the vocation.
Bello attributed the drop in prices to the large quantities of the commodity being harvested from different farmlands in the community as they were at the peak of harvest.
He said more than 1,500 baskets of tomato and 2,000 bags of different types of pepper were being transported out of Bula community to various parts of the country daily.
A big basket of tomato was sold for as high N150,000 in May.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Mohammed Ndarani, on behalf of over 1,216 residents of host communities filed a claim of N500 billion against Shell Petroleum Development Company for breach of subsisting “Mareva” injunction.
Shell facility
A Mareva injunction is aimed at preventing the dissipation or removal of assets by defendants where it would be to avoid judgment.
The case is filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja with number FHC/ABJ/cs/1300/2024.
This follows a reported $2.8 billion divestment deal between Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited and a group of Nigerian organisations and which the host communities are kicking against.
The communities claimed that the recent transaction between Shell and Renaissance is a clear breach of the subsisting Mareva injunction granted by the Federal High Court, Akure on Sept. 28, 2023.
The injunction restrained Shell from disposing its assets in Nigeria until the conclusion of the case.
The communities are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Shell, Renaissance and any other intending investors from entering any further negotiations towards the disposal of the said assets in breach of the injunction.
They prayed the court to order Shell to within 48 hours of the delivery of judgment in this suit, pay the sum of N500 billion as damages and another N5 billion as the cost of prosecuting the suit and legal representation.
The host communities, who sad that they are fish farmers, claimed that they suffered a great loss of properties due to the incessant incidents of oil spillage occasioned by ruptured pipelines belonging to Shell.
The claimants are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Shell, Renaissance and any other intending investors from entering into any further negotiations towards the disposal of the said assets.
SPDC JV, which operates 15 onshore and three shallow-water oil mining leases in Nigeria, had earlier this year moved to sell its assets to Renaissance.
Renaissance is a consortium of ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith, and Petrolin.
The deal is valued at $1.3 billion, with an additional $1.1 billion in potential payments related to receivables and cash balances.
The net book value of the assets is $2.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023, and further contingent payments were expected, depending on business performance and product price fluctuations.
