Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, amid concerns over Russian and Iranian oil supply and sanctions threats, despite worries that escalating trade tariffs could dampen global economic growth.
Oil prices have extended gains
Brent crude futures were up 98 cents, or 1.3 per cent, at 76.85 dollars a barrel by 1011 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 92 cents or 1.3 dollars to 73.24 dollars.
Both contracts posted gains of nearly 2 per cent in the prior session after three weekly losses in a row.
PVM oil analyst John Evans said “with the U.S. bearing down on Iranian exports and sanctions still biting into Russian flows, Asian crude grades remain firm and underpin the rally from yesterday.’’
Shipping of Russian oil to China and India, the world’s major crude oil importers has been significantly disrupted by U.S. sanctions last month targeting tankers, producers and insurers.
Adding to supply jitters are U.S. sanctions on networks shipping Iranian oil to China after President Donald Trump restored his “maximum pressure” on Iranian oil exports last week.
However, countering the price gains was the latest tariff by Trump which could dampen global growth and energy demand.
Trump on Monday substantially raised tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the U.S. to 25 per cent “without exceptions or exemptions” to aid the struggling industries that could increase the risk of a multi-front trade war.
The tariff will hit millions of tons of steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and other countries.
“Tariffs and counter-tariffs have the potential to weigh on the oil intensive part of the global economy in particular, creating uncertainty over demand,’’ Morgan Stanley said in a note on Monday.
“However, we think this backdrop will probably also cause OPEC+ to extend current production quotas once again, which would solve for a balanced market in [the second half of 2025]’’, the bank added.
Trump last week introduced 10 per cent additional tariffs on China, for which Beijing retaliated with its levies on U.S. imports, including a 10 per cent duty on crude.
Also weighing on crude demand, the U.S. Federal Reserve will wait until the next quarter before cutting rates again, according to a majority of economists in a Reuters poll who previously expected a March cut.
The Fed faces the threat of rising inflation under Trump’s policies. Keeping rates at a higher level could limit economic growth, which would impact oil demand growth.
U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were expected to have risen last week, while distillate inventories likely fell, a preliminary Reuters poll showed.
The poll was conducted ahead of weekly reports from the industry group, the American Petroleum Institute, due at 4:30 p.m. ET (2130 GMT) on Tuesday and an Energy Information Administration report due on Wednesday.
Yobe State Government has initiated a partnership with the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) in the socioeconomic development of local government areas of the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, the Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, in Damaturu on Monday, February10, 2025.
Yobe State Government and UCLG Africa officials during the meeting in Rabat, Morocco
UCLG Africa is the umbrella body for three pre-existing continental groups of local government organisations: the African Union of Local Authorities (AULA), the Union des Villes Africaines (UVA) and the Africa Chapter of the Unao dos Ciudades Capitaes Lusofono Africana, (UCCL AFRICA).
It is currently headquartered in the city of Rabat, The Kingdom of Morocco, where it enjoys a diplomatic status as a Pan-African International Organisation.
Part of its mandate is to build capacity in African local governments, mobilise resources and facilitate development based on the priorities of African local communities.
Mohammed said that modalities of funding the projects in Yobe local communities were discussed when Alhaji Baba Wali, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and UCLGA Secretary General, Mr Jean Mbassi, met in Rabat on Monday.
“The projects would be funded through the African Forum for Decentralised Cooperation (FACDI), which will provide 60 per cent, with the Moroccan government providing 20 per cent while the benefitting local governments would provide 10 per cent in kind, including land for the projects.
“There are windows for the local governments to benefit from effectively combat climate change, desert encroachment and floods.
“There are opportunities to source funds from the Green Climate Fund to support the fight against climate change and its consequences on the people,” Mbassi said.
In his remarks, Wali, who led the state government’s delegation to Rabat, described the discussions as fruitful, saying Yobe government would hasten registration process to facilitate the programme.
The SSG said the state government would explore opportunities for capacity building for local government staff, especially through the College of Administration Management and Technology (CAMTEC) Potiskum.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, said that the partnership would make local government councils to become proactive in administration and service delivery.
“The ministry has the mandate of Governor Mai Mala Buni to support the local government councils to deliver efficient services to the people.
“We would be on the same page to fast track the partnership in the interest of our people,” he assured.
Alhaji Bukar Adamu, Chairman, Damaturu Local Government Council and Association of Local Governments in Nigeria ( ALGON), Yobe Chapter, said that the 17 local government areas of the state were ready to key into the programme for its immense benefits.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has empowered 300 scavengers with Briquette Machines to combating Borno’s 105kg monthly waste and increase economic productivity in the state.
Waste scavengers
Mr. Mohammed Alkali, the NEDC’s Managing Director, made this known at the presentation of the briquette Machines to the scavengers who underwent comprehensive training on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Alkali said that the strategy adopted by the Commission was aimed at addressing climate change related issues in combating the tonnage of waste being generated in the state monthly for economic prosperity.
He said apart from empowering the scavengers, the Commission had also engaged those who would be fabricating the machine locally in order to incorporate local content.
“So you can see we have trained people to go do something for their benefits. These youths will be producing the locally made briquette to enhanced their skills and create more job opportunities in the state,” the managing director said.
Alkali said that the Commission was intended to retain those who are fabricating the briquette Machine for the benefit of bringing more people into the project for at least one year.
“Those who are fabricating are going to be engage for at least one year. Those we have donated the machines to will be monitored to make sure they use the machines optimally,” he said.
Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Dr Zainab Challube of the University of Maiduguri, said they have trained close to 300 people in two cohorts.
“The first one we are be able to bring scavengers and then trainers. Then the second one was strictly trainers and the trainers were about 120 and the first one we had 152. So you see we having a close of about 300.
“This is an initiative that was actually setup by NEDC in order to addressing one of the confronting issues that is facing Borno State that is the issue of indiscriminate disposal of waste.
“This initiative has been brought into place to see how we could equipped those that are into the business to see the linkage between them and then the theoretical aspect and how they could do it on a very controlled manner to earn a very decent and a lucrative living out of it,” Challube said.
The project coordinator said they have given the scavengers a practical knowledge, a more theoretical aspect so that they would not be doing the business haphazardly as it were.
“Those that are scavenging actually don’t have background knowledge but it may be due to inheritance or passion or how they look at the environment.
“But the training they have, they are going to have like a work ethic in a very conducive manner.
“I believe that the North-east region will be having more and more of these youths as you can see they have given them recycling machines.
“We hope to see that we have a central recycling plant in Borno State where all these people will come and they will be a coordinated body whereby they can bring waste and then it will transfered into wealth,” she said.
Challube said that from available statistics in the state more than 451 tonnes of plastic are being brought into Maiduguri in addition to the one that was being produced internally.
A retired Professor of Sociology, Lai Olurode, has urged the Federal Government to partner the private sector to deliver affordable housing for the vulnerable in the country.
National Housing Programme estate in Kaduna
Olurode, who disclosed this in an interview on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Lagos, was reacting to the Federal Government’s proposed construction of 100,000 social housing units for vulnerable groups across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.
Olurode said the housing could be smaller units like a room and parlour, instead of full flats, to reduce costs.
He recommended that local materials such as mud and thatch should be used for the construction to lower construction expenses.
He said the cultural context of the target beneficiaries’ locations should be considered to prevent abandonment of the housing units.
Olurode urged the government to ensure that the housing project benefits the vulnerable groups it intended to serve.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure proper monitoring of the project to avoid being hijacked by powerful individuals and elites.
“It’s a laudable decision if the governments have come out to say that it will deliver that large scale houses across the 774 LGAs in the country.
“But the caveat is that accessibility must be guaranteed by the vulnerable group.
“The project must not be allowed to be hijacked by very powerful individuals, politically well-connected and dominant economic elites who, in terms of affordability might be able to muster the financial strength to purchase the funds.
“We don’t know what the criteria will be, if the vulnerable groups are really the targets, how are they to be reached? How are we going to make sure that they are not short-changed?,’’ Olurode said.
Olurode urged the government to use the Lateef Jakande’s housing project in Lagos as a model, which successfully targeted low-income groups.
He also stressed the need for accurate data collection in identifying the vulnerable population.
He advocated the use of the National Identification Numbers (NINs) to gather information about the unemployed, uneducated, homeless, and those without skills.
Olurode highlighted the failures of past programmes due to lack of accurate target, suggesting that the government could work through the local governments and grassroots organisations to identify these individuals.
He noted that housing alone was not enough to tackle the challenges in the country.
Olurode advised the government to come up with a comprehensive system of social services, which would include basic income support for the elderly, unemployed youths, and others in need.
“I think what is missing in Nigeria’s development trajectories is the fear of government to render social services.
“What do I mean? If you have a name, you have national identity numbers for every group, you have data on them, whether they are on NIN or on any income at all, then you can support them to open an account, even if it’s only N10,000.
“So that the burden on the income of the working individuals who currently support vulnerable family members will reduce.
“Because by the time that you have a house or roof over your head and you cannot feed, the next thing you will think of is to sell the house,’’ Olurode said.
Director of Project, Kaduna State Water Corporation, (KADSWAC), Mr. Usman Ibrahim, on Monday, February 10, 2025, assured Nigerians of the Federal and Kaduna State Governments’ commitment to the provision of potable water.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
Ibrahim disclosed this at a two-day stakeholders’ retreat to assess the progress of the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme in Kano, organised by KADSWAC.
The retreat has “Enhancing Effectiveness: Procedures and Best Practise of Work Plan Preparation and Implementation, Proper Financial Management and Fund Disbursement” as its theme.
The retreat is specifically on financial documentation, fund disbursement mechanisms and procedures to best practice of work plan preparation.
The director explained that both governments were deeply concerned about the Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities.
Ibrahim said the aim of the retreat was to review progress, identify issues, and find solutions to tackle them, hence the choice of Kano.
“There is need to improve water and sanitation services for the people, in line with this, the Kaduna state government has awarded a N25 billion contract in December,” he confirmed.
Similarly, Mr. Ibrahim Hamza, Kaduna State Commissioners for Public Works and Infrastructure, who doubles as the Chairman, State Steering Committee of SURWASH, recalled that the programme began in May 2021.
He said there was mid-term review by World Bank and Federal Ministry of Water Resources last year to see what had been done in the past three years on the project.
“There is need for state government to bring in their money, expend it, if the result comes out, they will go and claim their money or whatever they invest.
“Provision of water is one of the key projects of SURWASH which encompasses both urban, semi-urban and rural water supply sanitation and hygiene for most of the communities,” he said.
The Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) was officially launched on Monday, February 10, 2025, marking a ground-breaking step towards addressing Africa’s energy and e-waste challenges.
Frances Wood, UKRI International Director
Operating as a Pan-African, multisectoral, and interdisciplinary Research Centre, CEPREC unites academia, government, and industry to drive collaborative research, innovation, and capacity building. The Centre is committed to developing cutting-edge knowledge and skills that leverage circular economy principles to support Africa’s energy transition.
CEPREC is funded by the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, a £1 billion commitment to clean energy research and development. The initiative is supported by an extensive partnership involving over 30 stakeholders from government, industry, and academia across the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa.
Initially, CEPREC will operate in six sub-Saharan African countries – Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Rwanda – before expanding further across the continent.
Frances Wood, UKRI International Director, said: “The Ayrton Challenge Programme demonstrates the power of research and innovation to address critical global challenges. These projects exemplify how equitable, interdisciplinary collaboration can unlock transformative solutions, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.”
CEPREC will empower local researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to develop, manage, and scale circular microgrid projects through workshops, training programmes, and interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing.
Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Director of CEPREC and Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University,said: “CEPREC was set up to transform the way we think about waste, turning it into opportunity, empowering communities, and driving economic transformation. This initiative will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
Professor Layi Alatise, Deputy Director (Engineering) of CEPREC, and Professor in Power Electronics at University of Warwick, said: “When technology is implemented without local capacity to maintain and expand it, sustainability is compromised. CEPREC will prioritise knowledge transfer and skills development to ensure its impact is long-lasting. By integrating circular economy principles into Africa’s energy sector, we are creating a resilient and sustainable future.”
Professor Giuliana Battisti, Deputy Director (Social Sciences) of CEPREC and Professor of the Economics of Innovation at Warwick Business School, added: “This initiative represents a unique opportunity to align cutting-edge research with real-world applications. By combining technological innovation with policy integration, we can create a self-sustaining ecosystem for Africa’s renewable energy future.”
Chatham House, the globally renowned think tank, is also a collaborator, to ensure that research is transformed into actionable policies, shaping national, regional, and international energy strategies while guiding key decision-makers in sustainable energy and circular economy practices.
Dr. Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House, who is leading CEPREC’s Policy engagement, also said: “The transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative; it requires a comprehensive international policy framework that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices across all sectors.”
CEPREC’s initial focus countries were strategically selected to represent the diversity of sub-Saharan Africa, covering East, West, and Southern regions. These countries differ significantly in energy access rates, economic scale, and population size – from 85% energy access in South Africa to just 5% in rural Sierra Leone, and from Nigeria’s $477 billion GDP to Sierra Leone’s $4 billion economy. This diversity ensures that CEPREC addresses a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities across the continent.
The long-term vision for CEPREC is to establish itself as the leading research cent redriving new knowledge, policy development, and skills empowerment for Africa’s energy transition. The initiative aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
With the official launch of CEPREC, key stakeholders are invited to collaborate on this transformative initiative.
In her remarks, Abi Okoya, Head of Strategic Partnerships, said, “CEPREC is committed to forging transformative partnerships that drive Africa’s sustainable energy future. This is more than a Centre – it’s a movement to unite government, industry, and academia in creating innovative, circular solutions that will redefine how we power our communities. We invite stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to join us in scaling impact, driving policy change, and ensuring that Africa leads the global transition to sustainable and inclusive energy systems.”
After two years of talks, we are closer to securing a treaty for the ages. One that hits the problem of plastic pollution hard and protects human, planetary and economic health.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen. Photo credit: Eric Bridiers
A high degree of convergence has been reached in 29 out of 32 articles that are proposed to make up the treaty text. However, three areas require significant further work. Products, including the issue of chemicals. Sustainable production and consumption. Financing, including a financial mechanism and aligning financial flows.
There is a strong determination across Member States, across communities, across science, across civil society and across industry to get the treaty done. But a big political and diplomatic push is needed in the coming months, with the engagement of all stakeholders and strong G20 leadership, to lay the ground for success at INC 5.2.
Businesses have been engaged from the start and have a continued critical role to play, as do non-governmental organisations and other groups. Businesses have been calling for global rules. On Extended Producer Responsibility, which will make it easier for them to do their jobs with efficiency. On chemical additives of concern in plastic products where there are exposure risks.
Unless countries and businesses start implementing solutions now the costs will spiral. Plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow 50 per cent by 2040. The cost of damages from plastic pollution are predicted to rise as high as a cumulative US$281 trillion between 2016 and 2040.
And just as costs are growing, so are risks to businesses. Consumers, shareholders and markets are beginning to move. That is the exciting bit. Consumers will vote with their dollars, euros and shillings. Markets will move faster. So, businesses, don’t wait. Don’t risk being left behind. Act now.
We know what needs to be done. We need to have text that promotes, encourages and ensures a reduction in the production of single-use and short-lived plastics. Policies on Extended Producer Responsibility and recycling targets. We need to think innovatively regarding chemicals of concern, taking inspiration from existing agreements that protect us from harmful chemicals. We need to ensure that mechanical recycling is uncontaminated by harmful chemicals. This is especially the case for locations where mechanical recycling is done with basic technology – often at smaller SME level. We must prevent harmful chemicals in the recycled plastic products.
We need to design products for refill, reuse, disassembly and recycle. Increase transparency, traceability and disclosures. Invest in environmentally sound waste management. Tackle legacy plastic clean-up. Put in place funding. And more.
We are getting closer. I am calling for negotiators to focus on the three elements that need work. There are differences, but it is important to come together in the middle of the big tent, while ensuring that the text eliminates plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The world has already agreed to end plastic pollution. All actors must do their part to deliver this promise. Starting now.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), spoke during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has called on the Edo State Government, the Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency management team to aid the people of Ekeke-Erah community in Owan East LGA, Edo State, following a devastating dam collapse that led to destruction of their environment.
Protesting members of Ekeke-Erah community in Owan East LGA, Edo State
EDEN received a Save-Our-Souls from a member of the community about a dam failure near the Agric Settlement in Esan West LGA on January 22, 2025. The failure of the dam caused severe flooding in Ekeke-Erah, destroying key bridges, including the First and Second Oghidekpe Bridges, Osemihien River Bridge, and Ovbieda River Bridge, cutting off access to the community.
Speaking to EDEN Media team, President of the Owan General Assembly of Nigeria (OGAN), Fred Enaikhe Aleburu, revealed that farmlands were submerged, leading to major agricultural losses, while the contamination of the Oghidekpe River left residents without clean drinking water. He further revealed that after some media reports following the incident, the Edo State Emergency Management Agency visited the community and left without providing any form of relief or succour for the people.
“In response, the community staged a peaceful protest, demanding urgent government intervention. Following the protest, officials, including Hon. Aruna Mohammed and Hon. Barr. Eric Okaka, pledged to rebuild the damaged bridges and install boreholes for clean water. Meanwhile, Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA) assessed the situation and promised to escalate the matter to the governor.
“To address immediate needs, a philanthropist, Amb. Barr. Joseph Eriki, donated ₦1 million, leading to the distribution of 20,000 bags of clean water. However, as 16 days have passed since the disaster, the community anxiously awaits tangible action, including infrastructure repairs, medical aid, and agricultural support, to restore their lives and prevent future crises.”
The Village Head of Ekeke-Erah, Chief Yakubu Kadiri, lamented the suffering of the people, explaining that the failed dam and resultant pollution of the river brought about water crisis, and disruption of transportation to buy or sell in the other communities.
“The most urgent issue is that we have not had safe drinking water for the past four days, and those who consumed the contaminated water are now in the hospital. Before this, we relied on the Oghidekpe River for drinking water. As the community leader, I sent youths to investigate the cause of the problem, and they discovered that a dam had been built at the river’s source. The blockage caused the dam to burst, leading to the flooding and water contamination. We confirmed that this is a government-owned project.”
Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, berated the Edo State Government for a slow response to the plight of the people despite their pleas for help, insisting that the rights and livelihood of the common people have been greatly affected in the communities, with many cut off from water and road access.
He urged the state government to quickly provide portable drinking water for the people, to fix the destroyed bridges and compensate the community for their lost farm produce and properties.
He also called for a medical team to be deployed to the community, to check and treat the people against any diseases that may have been caused by the fallen dams.
Under a new partnership agreement signed between TotalEnergies Lubrifiants and Mayer & Cie., the Tixo Stainless co-branded product range will be sold by Mayer & Cie.’s expert distributors worldwide to their customers
TotalEnergies and Mayer & Cie. sign the partnership agreement
Signed on February 6, 2025, the new agreement allows the two leaders to join forces to combine TotalEnergies’ Tixo Stainless oils, said to be one of the highest-performance knitting machine lubricants, with one of the best knitting machines available on the market.
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is one of the world’s leading suppliers of oils for knitting machines. Its range of Tixo products, specially designed to meet the requirements of knitting machines and approved by key manufacturers, is considered one of the best oils available on the market for lubricating needles, needle beds, sinkers and knitting cams on knitting machines. They are also compatible with all types of yarn.
Tixo knitting oils is said to have been developed to offer the best washability at low, medium and high wash temperatures, without compromising mechanical performance. This ensures adequate lubrication of machine components, guaranteeing machine reliability and the quality of the knitted fabrics produced.
Mayer & Cie., a German company founded in 1905, is a long-established, premium manufacturer and supplier of large-diameter circular knitting machines. As a trailblazer in the sector, setting standards while developing new processes and approaches, the company is further distinguished by its strong expertise and market knowledge.
Benjamin Mayer, Managing Partner Mayer & Cie., said: “We are excited to offer our circular knitting machine customers a premium-quality machine and needle oil, adding yet another element to ensure exceptional performance.”
Founded on shared values and a common passion for innovation, this agreement reflects both partners’ commitment to meeting their customers’ specific needs with highly advanced, high-performance solutions. The partnership also embodies TotalEnergies Lubrifiants’ expertise in knitting machines lubrication as several world’s key knitting machine manufacturers place their trust in the Tixo range, which Mayer & Cie. has just joined.
Rainer Keiemburg, Vice President for Industrial Lubricants at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, said: “It is an honour to welcome Mayer & Cie. as one of our key partners. Combining their circular knitting machines with our lubricants was an obvious choice for me, and I am delighted to collaborate together to fully satisfy their customers.”
Nigeria’s Country Director of the Social Good Fund (SGF), Joledo Oyewole, has described Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development (CODE), as a true champion whose selfless life of sacrifice, generosity, and influence has changed lives in Africa and beyond.
Mrs. Ijeoma Aladesaye, CEO of Servelead Group, poses with other dignitaries at Hamzat Lawal’s official induction as NASS global ambassador in Abuja
Oyewole’s portrayal was based on his first encounter with Lawal, particularly when he observed him opposing anti-people’s policies. Hamzat has also been seen in public, delving into a highly scary political arena in pursuit of social justice.
“Hamzat is not one to back down – oh no, elephants don’t back down – talk less of the White elephant!” he said in his speech during a roundtable social media impact programme organised by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative (SHI) in Abuja.
According to him, his story with the legendary human rights advocate is one characterised of impact, humility, brotherhood, trust, and support. To be frank, he continued, the story of Hamzat, if put in a book, locked in a chest, and brought out after many years and read, would still remain astonishing.
“Hamzy, as I like to call him, is the real deal,” he said, noting their working relationship as a blessing that has brought in millions of dollars and continues to provide leverage for a generation, a nation, and a continent to develop and thrive.
Follow the Money, a digital tool he developed to promote transparency and accountability in government and non-profit expenditure, has resulted in a more equitable distribution of development and resources across the continent.
Induction as NASS global ambassador
The space was crowded with almost 200 young-looking folks eager to learn and make sense of their surroundings. After several hours of waiting and a few background engagements, particularly a presentation by Pamela Williams, a brand and marketing specialist, Hamzat Lawal, the man of the moment, appeared.
“I am excited to be inducted by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative as NASS global ambassador,” he remarked, waving joyfully at the audience.
Given the global dwindling space, it is critical that Nigeria, at this point in its history, develops the resource management skills of its youth in order to support and empower them to reach out to and help underserved communities.
Empowering start-ups – especially non-profits – with the resources they require to oversee their internal operations and reduce expenses to maximise impact will benefit society by providing access to water, healthcare, and education for a large number of underprivileged people.
Data is an invaluable resource for advancing this process. As a result, fostering a generation of young Nigerian business entrepreneurs who understand how to collect feedback and use it to drive government policy is vital to the attainment of social rights and justice.
These are just a few of the challenges that the newly appointed NASS global ambassador will work with partners to overcome to ensure service delivery, especially in hard-to-reach locations. He will also have to apply his more than eighteen years of experience in the non-profit sector to determine how to expand the number of persons inducted to boost support for different government initiatives.
His awareness of these issues should help him concentrate on using his vast experience to reduce the running expenses that consume the budgets of young start-ups, save the money, and advise them on how to utilise it for charitable purposes.
According to the NASS global ambassador, this experience will be reflected in identifying struggling establishments and assist them in getting through these difficult times by sharing information, allowing them to create a community of organisations that can continue to learn and use the knowledge that is currently available to reach millions of Nigerians, particularly women and children in hard-to-reach communities.
“I’ve been here for almost 20 years, so I’m getting old,” he stated.
So, to him, it is about leaving a legacy, passing on knowledge, and ensuring that the future generation is prepared to serve humanity. It is also about encouraging patriotism in both the younger and older generations because “I believe in intergenerational dialogue and equity.”
Mrs. Ijeoma Aladesaye, CEO of Servelead Group, disclosed during the occasion that there is an ambition target to raise up to $5 billion over the next five years to support community development in Nigeria.
“One of our key initiatives is the development of an app, which we are launching today. While it is starting in Nigeria, the goal is for it to eventually facilitate global resource exchange,” she asserts.
Aladesaye highlighted that social impact requires a vast range of resources, both financial and non-financial. Although many people and organisations are willing to donate and help, connecting them to those in need remains a barrier.
Therefore, this platform will help close that gap and facilitate the flow of resources to support important areas like education, access to clean water, healthcare, and livelihood improvements for women and children, the Servelead CEO hinted. “We are not merely seeking financial donations; we’re enabling a system where individuals and organisations can connect and exchange resources to drive social change.”
Conclusion
To be honest, the NAAS initiative is one that all non-profits, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, businesses with CSRs, and governments should quickly identify and engage with in order to reduce spending while increasing impact, which is why their decision to select a worthy advocate like Hamzat to help send the message to Nigeria and the rest of the world is commendable.
