The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger partnership and deepened relations with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
Vice-president Kashim Shettima (left) with Secretary General of OACPS, George’s Chikoti
The spokesperson of the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Shettima stated this during a high-level OACPS meeting chaired by Angola.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima reiterated the importance of solidarity among member states in the face of numerous global challenges.
The vice-president also emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to the organisation’s goals, while addressing pressing national concerns.
“Nigeria remains a principal partner of OACPS, championing our shared values of democracy, diaspora engagement, and development.
“Our presence here at the UN General Assembly allows us to amplify these priorities on the global stage and explore avenues for deeper collaboration,” he said.
On the recent inclusion of Nigeria on a high-risk jurisdiction list for anti-money laundering concerns, Shettima said, “We’re here to set the record straight and engage in constructive dialogue with our international partners.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for OACPS initiatives, including the organisation’s focus on Haiti’s ongoing crisis.
While acknowledging Kenya’s contribution of 400 troops to Haiti, he highlighted Nigeria’s historical role in South-South cooperation.
Shettima said, “Our technical aid corps programme, which has sent teachers and doctors to the Caribbean, exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to uplifting fellow OACPS nations.”
He outlined Nigeria’s strategy to leverage its position as Africa’s most populous nation.
This, according to him, will enable the country to advocate for OACPS interests, promote fair treatment in international financial systems, and strengthen ties with both developing and developed nations.
“We’re representing Nigeria’s interests while also championing the collective voice of the OACPS.
“President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria aligns closely with the OACPS agenda.
“In today’s interconnected world, our success is intertwined with that of our partner nations,” Shettima emphasised.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of OACPS, Georges Chikoti, lauded Nigeria as “a motor of the OACPS and an important member state.”
Chikoti said that the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria and expressed gratitude for the country’s significant contributions.
The secretary-general expressed confidence in the UN’s involvement and commitment to supporting member states facing various challenges.
He also reiterated the importance of strengthening partnerships between OACPS member states and the European Union.
According to Chikoti, such partnerships will also focus on crucial collaborations in areas such as environment, infrastructure, education, and business development.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to the review and upgrade the Abuja Master Plan.
Nyesome Wike with JICA officials during the visit
Wike stated this when a team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited him in Abuja on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
He said the project, under the Review and Upgrading of Integrated Urban Development Master Plan for Abuja, would be implemented in partnership with JICA.
“For us, be assured that it is a project that we are committed to, and we will do all we can to see that the project comes to fruition,” he said.
The minister promised the JICA team that all the expectations from the FCTA for the implementation of the project would be made in due course.
He also assured JICA of stronger collaboration for the development of the FCT, including satellite towns and environs.
Also speaking, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said the review of the 45-year-old Abuja Master Plan was crucial to address current challenges in the capital city.
“We are talking about supporting facilities in terms of infrastructure, water supply, power supply, and storm water and wastewater drainage system.
“We are also looking at the need for a smart city for Abuja, so that the city will be one of the top cities of the world.
“Urban mobility has remained a challenge, and we are feeling that they should look into those areas to enhance it,” he said.
Ahmad said the population explosion in Abuja had equally created the need to look into creation of employment opportunities.
He said the JICA team, with support from a technical team from critical departments of the FCTA and FCDA have begun collection of basic data for the formulation of the project’s inception report.
According to him, an international conference will be convened to seek inputs from critical stakeholders once the inception report is approved.
Earlier, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, said the open defecation, nutrition and urban development projects were few among the numerous projects being implemented by JICA in FCT.
Kazuyoshi particularly said that Capacity Development for Nutrition Improvement in FCT and the elimination of open defecation projects recorded a huge success.
He solicited for more collaboration with the FCTA to deepen the result-oriented project to impact on more communities of the FCT.
Speaking on the review and upgrade of the Abuja Master Plan, Mr Nobukuyi Kobe, Infrastructure Management Department, JICA, said the goal was to ensure sustainability in line with relevant government policies.
Kobe said that Output 1 of the project was the formulation of regional infrastructure development strategy for the Federal Capital City and satellite towns, and integrated urban development plan from 2025 to 2050.
He added that Output 2, was an enhanced capacity of planning and implementation officers of the reviewed plan.
He, however, said that FCTA would be expected to support in expediting correspondence with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The FCTA, he said, is also expected to approve the reviewed and updated plan, along with the Urban and Regional Planning Act, as well as seamless collaboration of FCTA and FCDA.
Ahead of the meeting of the COP Presidencies Troika holding on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in New York City, CAN International is urging the Presidencies to prioritise public, grant-based financing as the bedrock of equitable and ambitious climate action and the embedding of just energy transition plans in the upcoming cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
COP Troika: King Charles III with Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28 (second left); Mukhtar Babayev, the President-designate of COP29 (left); and Ana Toni, the Brazilian National Secretary for Climate Change (right)
Initiated at COP28 in December 2023, the COP Troika comprises UAE, Azerbaijan and Brazil, who have decided to join forces and work actively together to keep the 1.5 degree Celsius climate goal within reach.
In its letter to the Troika, the climate network of almost 2,000 organisations warns against the exclusive focus and reliance on private investment to fund countries’ climate plans, which can disproportionately burden developing countries and ordinary people, and severely hinder progress towards the collective 1.5°C climate goal.
Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of CAN International, said: “There can be no climate ambition without Equity. To achieve equity and ambition, developing countries need climate finance at a scale responsive to their needs, predictable and non-debt inducing. This is why we need developed countries to include their contributions of public finance in this new cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s). Relying only on private sector investments has not provided the results expected in previous years and has allowed developed nations an escape door in delivering their obligations to providing climate finance as agreed in the Paris Agreement. Grant-based public financing is essential and achievable.”
In CAN’s view, the journey towards the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C should begin with an equitable, time-bound phaseout of fossil fuel production and consumption starting with developed countries, which have for far too long shirked their responsibilities and turned a blind eye to the rapidly worsening impacts of climate change around the world.
Fernanda Carvalho, WWF Head of Policy for Climate and Energy, said: “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are more than just numbers on mitigation, although they are a crucial element. Civil society expects the Troika to deliver a roadmap for NDCs that will collectively deliver 1.5°C alignment and climate justice. Neither is possible without significantly scaled up, grant-based public finance from developed countries to support developing countries in the transition. This is the real pact our future depends upon.”
David Knecht, climate expert at Fastenaktion Switzerland, said: “The next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will determine whether the world can course-correct to 1.5°C and deliver climate justice. The next NDCs must catalyse community-driven development. At the same time, the NDCs 3.0 need to include concrete fossil fuel phaseout plans, as agreed upon in Dubai, and we expect developed countries to lead on this, as well as on providing direly needed grant-based finance for the global transition. To signal to the world what is needed, the Troika must step-up and present NDCs that set the highest expectations.”
The NDC Troika meeting, taking place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, will feature government representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Brazil. CAN International urges the Troika to champion a just and equitable approach to financing the NDC cycle, ensuring that climate action benefits all, not just the wealthy.
Experts have estimated that the world’s militaries are responsible for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Military hardware
This means that if the world’s militaries were a country, they would have the fourth largest carbon footprint – higher than that of Russia.
But militaries are excluded from current climate agreements, so face no accountability for their greenhouse gas emissions.
Military spending is at a record high of $2.44 trillion, and yet states are failing to deliver on climate finance commitments.
With States set to agree on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) at COP29, public spending on militarism must be addressed for a just climate transition. The intersections between militarism and climate crisis have impacts on communities on the frontlines.
The world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since WWII, devastating communities while large-scale armed conflicts drive global emissions higher with no route for accountability for those impacted.
Peace and climate justice are intrinsically linked, and an upcoming webinar will outline what a COP of peace must mean for those on the frontlines of both armed conflicts and the climate crisis.
Holding on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the webinar on divesting from war and investing in climate justice, “COP29: The COP of Peace – Addressing Militarism for Climate Justice”, is part of the first annual Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice (September 21 to 28, 2024).
It will feature speakers from monitoring groups, creative campaigning groups and from communities impacted by both militarism and the climate crisis.
Indeed, Azerbaijan, host of the 2024 climate summit, has declared that COP29 will be a “COP of peace” and has called on states to “transcend political challenges” and commit to a truce during the month of COP29.
Besides determining what really is a “COP of peace” and how can it be achieved, the webinar looks at the intersections of peace, demilitarisation and climate justice and explores how and why COP must address the issue of militarism.
At the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Segment on Tuesday, September 23, 2024, Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, committed to deliver a 1.5-aligned climate goal, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil (right) and Emmanuel Macron of France
In a reaction, environment watchdog, 350.org, has welcomed President Lula’s commitment to delivering a 1.5°C-aligned Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) later this year as a crucial step towards climate action.
At the same time, 350.org expressed grave concerns that Brazil’s NDC will sideline the country’s significant fossil fuel production expansion and only address fossil fuel consumption.
“Science demands a halt to fossil fuel expansion,” submitted the group.
Brazil is set to become the fourth-largest oil producer globally, an untenable position for a nation seeking climate leadership.
As the host of this year’s G20, and next year’s COP30, observers believe that Brazil must lead by example and set a precedent for other countries by presenting ambitious NDCs that outline the country’s plan to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver renewable energy fairly for all.
Ilan Zugman, 350.org Latin America Managing Director, said: “Lula went in the right direction in his speech, but expanding fossil fuel production while claiming climate leadership is incompatible with the 1.5°C pathway. As long as the Brazilian government insists on extracting oil and gas, especially in the Amazon, talking about decarbonising the economy and a fair energy transition is a pure exercise in rhetoric.
“Lula is right in calling on rich countries to fulfill their obligation to finance mitigation and adaptation actions in countries of the Global South, but without cleaning up Brazil’s fossil fuel expansion plans, President Lula undermines his own credibility as a climate leader and puts the 1.5 threshold at risk.
“Lula has several weeks to ensure that Brazil will present ambitious national climate goals that stop the expansion of oil and gas extraction in the country, especially in the Amazon, and encourage a just transition to renewable energy.”
Panelists at a dialogue on the Media of the Future have emphasised the importance of media representation for people of African descent and the need for Africa to build its mega media platforms.
UN General Assembly
The panelists made the call at an online dialogue on the theme: “The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent.”
The dialogue was convened in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future held during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) High-level Week.
UNGA 79 opened on Sept.10, 2024, while the High-Level Week began on Friday, Sept. 20, and will run through Sept. 27.
At the dialogue which was organised by Mr. Simon Ibe, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Global Patriot Newspapers, the panelists discussed the challenges faced by Africans in gaining access to global media outlets.
Participants discussed the challenges faced by Africans in having their stories accurately represented internationally, and stressed the need for them to take control of their narratives and destinies.
The participants also advised Africans to prioritise skills for sustaining economies, attracting investment, and creating wealth, and to leverage technology and leadership in the African economy to change media coverage and ensure adequate representation of Africa’s positive aspects.
In his presentation, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Group, a tech company, stressed the importance of media representation for people of African descent and the need for Africa to build its mega media platforms.
Ekeh spoke of his contributions to the transition from analogue to digital media in West Africa and emphasised the importance of knowledge and content in the media industry.
He highlighted lack of awareness about the innovative and creative abilities of black people and stressed the need for Africa to become part of the global community through greater access to the global media.
He shared his experiences in building a tech group and digital retail business and how insufficient access to global media exposure was a major issue, and encouraged the African media practitioners to find financial resources to develop their own mega media platforms, driven by technology.
Also, Yul Anderson, President of the African American Future Society (TAAFS), spoke on the need for coordinated messaging by African media outlets to combat disinformation and promote positive stories about People of African Descent.
He spoke extensively about the Black Futures Summit, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future.
Laolu Akande, Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire, conveyed a message from the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) expressing support for the team’s efforts.
Osinbajo commended the convener of the dialogue, Mr. Ibe for creating the platform for the discussion and expressed the hope that the outcome of theevent will positively impact the Media of People of African Descent.
In his presentation as a panelist, Mr. Akande spoke of the significant gaps in understanding and representation of Africa globally, emphasising the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to understanding Africa and its people.
He identified four gaps hindering Nigeria’s development.
These include the gap between the elite and the masses; the gap between the elite and the media; the gap between the elite and the people; and the failure of political leadership to deliver national development.
Akande, spokesman for Osinbajo, stressed the importance of the African elite taking responsibility for the continent’s fate, human capital and infrastructure development.
He pointed to the need for media leaders to invest properly in journalism and for African billionaires to fund media outlets to shape the narratives about the continent.
Ms Nicky Spencer-Coker, the spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, shared her background as a lawyer and activist.
In speaking, she discussed the significant role of the media in shaping society and narratives, emphasising the challenges faced by people of African descent in gaining access to global media outlets and having their stories accurately represented.
She highlighted the low percentage of black-owned media in the United States and acknowledged the rapid expansion of the media in Africa due to advances in telecommunications.
Spencer-Coker also pointed out the influence of American media on perceptions of Africa, often leading to negative and stereotypical portrayals.
She stressed the importance of African voices being heard and the need for more African representation in global media and leadership roles.
In her address, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), agreed on the importance of the conversation about media representation and moving the narrative forward.
Abike stressed the need to change the negative narrative about Africa and Nigeria in particular, suggesting that Africans should control their media image and invest more in the continent.
She highlighted the potential of the African diaspora, particularly in America, to contribute significantly to the continent’s development.
Abike also criticised the treatment of Africans by other Africans on the continent and encouraged the team to focus on promoting trade and collaboration among African countries.
She discussed the challenges faced by Nigerians in investing and owning homes in Africa, and mentioned the Diaspora Commission’s programs to facilitate home ownership and investment opportunities.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need for collaboration between Nigerians at home and those living abroad to change the narrative about Africa through initiatives like the upcoming diaspora investment summit being organized by NiDCOM.
Toyin Umesiri, a global influencer and CEO of Nazaru, emphasised the importance of wealth creation and productivity in building economies, rather than focusing solely on poverty alleviation.
She discussed the challenges of promoting business and trade with Africa, particularly in the US, and stressed the need for individuals to take control of their own narratives.
Umesiri also highlighted her background in education and experience in training entrepreneurs and working with investors.
She argued against focusing on poverty alleviation and foreign aid, stressing the need to prioritise skills for sustaining economies, attracting investment, and creating wealth.
Also speaking, Prof. Akil Khalfani, the Director, Africana Institute, Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, emphasised the need for a rethinking of journalism and media representation, advocating a Pan African approach that utilizes a historical foundation to tell the story of Africa and African people.
Khalfani criticised the Euro-centric approach to education and suggested that African history and culture should be presented with a broader perspective.
Khalfani also highlighted the significance of African organizations and the need for Africa-centered strategies and critiques of other perspectives.
He stressed the importance of Africanizing ways of doing business, global commerce, and thinking about identity.
Mr. Simon Kolawole, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Cable Newspapers, in his presentation, made a strong case for the empowerment of media of people of African descent for effective global outreach.
The highly respected columnist stressed that currently, Media of people of African descent were grappling with serious challenges that were constraining their operations and ability to compete at the global level.
Dr. Adeola Popoola, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) New Jersey, proposed a stronger hold on the Guild of Editors to ensure all media houses contribute to a weekly digest of news headlines across the continent.
Ibe, however, thanked everyone for their participation and expressed his gratitude for the insightful discussions, mentioning that there would be a sequel in the future, especially as the issue was so crucial that it could not be sufficiently addressed at one sitting.
The Laudato Si Movement of Nigeria (LSM-NNIGERIA) has called on governments, civil society groups, and most especially, religious leaders to support the endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) to help address the harmful impacts of this deadly substance on the environment and public health.
Participants at the 2024 Global Day of Action on the FFNPT, which held on Saturday, September 21, 2024
Despite numerous scientific studies that revealed that burning the world’s current fossil fuel reserves would result in emissions seven times higher than what is feasible to keep global warming below 1.5ºC, the group finds it worrisome that many governments—including those who identify as climate leaders—continue to approve new coal, oil, and gas projects, in contradiction to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
The national coordinator of the group, Bonny Rex Oboh, expressed his displeasure over such inhuman conduct, saying it is alarming and unacceptable given that these anomalies are occurring at the expense of people to benefit self-serving business owners.
Oboh, who spoke briefly after a peaceful procession with other concerned stakeholders in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to commemorate the 2024 Global Day of Action on the FFNPT, added that the unchecked use of fossil fuels is not only wreaking havoc on ecosystems but also exploiting vulnerable communities, depriving them of their livelihoods and rights.
In one of his messages, Pope Francis tasked global leaders to consider a swift transition away from dangerous fossil fuel reliance. Following this call, the environmental rights campaigner urged the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba and St. John International, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary, to step up as true defenders of justice and faith to speak boldly and act decisively to confront this national and global crisis.
He drew attention to the Holy Father’s statement in his apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum that global emissions are still rising in spite of numerous negotiations and agreements. So, he is asking well-meaning Nigerians to demand immediate and concrete action to halt the worsening climate crisis. According to him, this action must be urgent as the world prepares to attend this year’s climate conference (COP 29) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The Laudato Si Movement in Nigeria, he assured, remains committed to advocating for a just and sustainable future for all.
“Let us raise our voices in unity, calling on our faith leaders and government to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Together, we can protect our common home,” Oboh said.
In the same vein, Ms. Augustine Ojapah, the Fossil Fuel Campaigner, Laudato Si Movement, Nigeria, validated Pope Francis’ call to swiftly, systematically, fairly, and justly end fossil fuel consumption, leaving no one behind.
“As we Laudato Si Movement Members in Nigeria take action today to call on our faith leaders and government to sign the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, we need to complement the Paris Agreement with a specific international binding treaty to end the era of fossil fuels,” she said.
Barrister Angela Odunukwe, the Deputy Youth Animator of the Laudato Si Movement in Nigeria, believes that caring for Mother Earth is a collective responsibility. The Pope Francis call, she observed, is a call to every person on the planet to care for the earth.
“As we take action today to call on our faith leaders and government to sign the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, every one of us has a role to play,” Odunukwe stated.
The lawyer went on to explain that this is where ecological conversion comes into play and that people must realise because they are earth stewards who must accept responsibility and take action for climate justice.
The Season of Creation is a Catholic celebration that marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
As the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty Initiative embarks on a new phase of the campaign and the development of the global Treaty, the Initiative announced on Monday, September 23, 2024, the appointment of Kumi Naidoo, globally recognised environmental and human rights leader, as its new President.
Kumi Naidoo. Photo credit: Bas Beentjas/Greenpeace
According to the Initiative, Naidoo brings over three decades of activism and leadership experience to the role and will help spearhead the organisation’s mission to secure a global plan to phase out fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner.
Kumi Naidoo has been a leading voice advocating for climate justice, sustainable development, and human rights across the world. As former Executive Director of Greenpeace International and Secretary General of Amnesty International and CIVICUS, he has been at the forefront of pivotal movements shaping environmental policy and social justice.
In response to his appointment, Naidoo said: “Throughout my life, I have sought justice for those marginalized by unjust political, economic and energy systems, especially in the Global South. The Fossil Fuel Treaty embodies this mission – it is a movement for global justice. It recognises that to effectively address the climate, health, environmental, economic and social risks posed by fossil fuels, we must foster international cooperation for a rapid and just transition away from these harmful resources, ensuring that countries, communities and individuals in the South are not left behind. We must bring together world leaders who are committed to protecting what we love and have the courage to take action – the governments leading this initiative are the ones already doing that.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that outdoor air pollution, largely caused by fossil fuel emissions, contributes to over 4.2 million premature deaths annually. From compromising health, security, and livelihoods to fuelling conflicts globally, fossil fuels undermine all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The scientific and economic evidence is clear: there can be no new fossil fuels in a healthy, thriving world.
“There are enough solutions out there in the world to transition away from oil, gas and coal, but that requires countries to stop expanding these projects and start focusing on clean, safe and fair energy sources. We need bold ideas, and this is the biggest new idea there is, and just at a time when the power and deception of the fossil fuel industry are finally being exposed, and countries are beginning to realise that we need to phase out fossil fuels. The Treaty is a blueprint for how to do that in a fair and equitable way. Later is too late. The race to see who will join the growing bloc of countries at the forefront of the solution is on; and the time to act is now,” added Naidoo.
Kumi Naidoo’s strong commitment to equity and innovative approach to advocacy were celebrated by the members of the initiative’s steering committee. They emphasised that these qualities are essential as the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative enters a critical phase on the mission to unite countries to negotiate a new, binding global plan for a rapid and fair transition away from oil, gas, and coal. The Steering Committee also takes the opportunity to welcome a new Co-Chair, Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches.
Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder of the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative and a long-time environmental activist, commented on Naidoo’s appointment: “I am thrilled to welcome Kumi Naidoo as the new President of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. Kumi’s visionary leadership, deep understanding of global issues, and unwavering commitment to justice make him the addition we need to help guide our movement through this crucial phase of the campaign as we bring more governments on board. His passion for the cause and extensive experience in climate advocacy will be instrumental as we strive to unite nations and make this Treaty a reality. True leadership is measured by the courage to confront the bullies in the oil and gas industry, declare that their time is up, and create a clear plan for a sustainable future.
“The Treaty is that plan, and Kumi is one of those true leaders. He has done it before, from fighting apartheid to contributing to the negotiation of the Paris Agreement – and together we will do it again now, to address the greatest threat of our time. We are also thrilled to welcome Reverend James Bagwan as a Co-chair to the Initiative. Reverend James brings years of experience and crucial perspectives from the faith community and leadership from the South Pacific.”
Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, and member of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Steering Committee: “Africa – and the world – is burning, both literally and figuratively. The appointment of Kumi Naidoo as President of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative brings strengthened inspiration to our movement, at a time when we can no longer accept weak leaders and their empty promises. We share the rage at the reality of climate impacts and energy poverty that plagues our continent. And we share a commitment to fight with those who bear the brunt of a crisis they have not created. Africans have been marginalised in the quest for justice, our rights violated, and our contributions overlooked.
“With Kumi joining the leadership of this Initiative, we are set to amplify the vision and voice of our continent and demand the change our people deserve. Accompanied by Rev James as Co-Chair it is clear that the Fossil Fuel Treaty is a marker of equity and justice in international negotiations.”
Tasneem Essop, executive director of Climate Action Network, and member of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Steering Committee: “As someone who participated in the transformative power of global solidarity during the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, I welcome Kumi’s appointment as President of the Fossil Fuel Treaty with great hope. In our historic struggles we have always defied the odds and succeeded. We must now believe again that we can fight the existential threat of fossil fuels through our collective action. Kumi’s leadership will help contribute to building the kind of people-powered movement we need to safeguard our future.
“We must harness that spirit of solidarity to tackle the culprits of the climate crisis and protect our communities and our planet. Together with Rev James joining as Co-Chair, and with the entire leadership of the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative, we can be optimistic about winning this fight for a just and fossil free future.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches and new Co-Chair of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative Steering Committee: “I am deeply honoured to be named the new Co-Chair of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative Steering Committee. The call from communities, governments, and churches from the region that is spearheading the political call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a powerful affirmation of the just transition we urgently need. It also highlights the vital role that faith communities play in mobilising climate action. The ecological transformation we seek through the Fossil Fuel Treaty requires that we abandon our self-centred attitudes and act collaboratively for the good of the collective.
“Together with other leaders in this movement, we must cultivate the will to do what is right and just, have the foresight to sacrifice immediate gains for the greater good, and inspire hope that we can leave our children a healthier and more sustainable world than the one we inherited.”
The Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative aims to negotiate a binding global agreement to phase out fossil fuel production fast and fairly, aligned with scientific and economic consensus. As world leaders prepare for crucial negotiations this September in New York City, Naidoo’s leadership is expected to elevate the urgency of this mission, rallying stakeholders across sectors, advocating for systemic change to protect our climate and communities.
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has urged Kogi riverine communities at the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue to relocate to upland due to impending floods.
The River Niger
Mr Sadiq Yelwa, Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, gave the advice at the palaces of the Atta Igala, HRM Alaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa, and the Eje of Ibaji during a sensitisation tour on Sunday to Idah and Ibaji LGAs.
He said the warning was as a result of the impending floods due to the release of water from the Niger Dam and Lagdo Dam some days ago.
Yelwa urged the traditional rulers to enlighten their subjects on the dangers of imminent floods and encourage them to relocate to higher and safer grounds to avoid human and material casualties from flooding.
He urged the royal fathers to impress on their subjects the need to heed the warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) of imminent floods that would surpass that of 2022 with devastating effects.
“Flood is a natural phenomenon that no one can stop, and the only option left is for the people to prepare against it to avoid being caught unprepared,” Yelwa said.
He, therefore, enjoined the communities in the 10 flood-prone local government areas of the state to be vigilant to avoid being overrun by water overnight, stressing that the onslaught remained unpredictable.
“It is being anticipated that the effect may be higher than it has always been.
“Therefore, it is always good to call on the subjects to be careful and endeavour to relocate to safer grounds until the situation becomes healthier so that we can avoid loss of lives.
“That is why we felt we should come and pass this message to the royal fathers so that they will inform their subjects.
“We have visited Atta Igala and Eje Ibaji. We have been advising and appealing to the traditional rulers, youths, and community leaders.
“We need the leaders to help us prevail on the people living along river basins and channels to move up land until the situation improves.
“We have also procured two boats for Ibaji communities, which will be commissioned and put to use on Thursday,” Yelwa added.
The Atta-Igala, HRM Matthew Opaluwa Oguche-Akpa, promised to sensitise his people to ensure that they moved.
The Atta-Igala, who was represented by one of his chiefs, HRH Ibrahim Atadoga, the Inalogu-Atta, commended N-HYPPADEC for its presence to ameliorate the hardships on the riverine communities in Kogi.
Earlier, the Eje of Ibaji, HRH Ajofe Egwemi, described flooding in Ibaji LGA as a natural phenomenon that had come to stay in view of its recurrence.
The traditional ruler urged the commission to table its age-long request for construction of an all-season road.
“We have other issues, but this is the most challenging. Please remember our roads.
“We are perpetually cut off by flood because, as long as we don’t have good roads, we are cut off. Our communities are only accessible from January to May every year,” Egwemi said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State has constituted a 32-member committee on flood disaster relief distribution for victims of the Maiduguri flood.
This is contained in a statement from the Secretary to Borno Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani.
The government said the committee has Alhaji Baba Gujubawu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring/Evaluation as Chairman, while Prof. Ibrahim Umara of University of Maiduguri as Co-Chairman.
Other members include representatives of North East Development Commission, Police, EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NSCDC, NEMA, SEMA, religious and traditional rulers as well as relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Representatives of United Nations organisations in Borno and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) will also serve as members.
The Nov. 10 flood caused by the collapse of Alau Dam spillway, resulted in many deaths and destruction of property yet to be quantified in Maiduguri town and environs.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, on Monday, September 23, 2024, called for collective action to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution and flooding.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev
Utsev made the call during an event to commemorate the 2024 World Rivers Day, with the theme “Protect Our Rivers from Pollution”, in Abuja.
Utsev noted the important roles rivers play in the water cycle, economy, ecosystem, and sustainable development.
“Our rivers are lifelines for communities, ecosystems, and economies across Nigeria, it is our collective responsibility to prevent pollution, flooding, and other threats that endanger these vital resources.
“Protecting our rivers require a collective effort. Let us all work together to prevent pollution and flooding so that future generations can benefit from these priceless resources.”
He noted that this year’s celebration was subdued due to the devastating floods of Sept. 10, 2024, which caused significant damage in Borno State.
Utsev recalled that the floods claimed lives and destroyed properties, prompting his ministry to assess the Alau Dam to prevent future disasters.
“As we commemorate World Rivers Day, we also stand in solidarity with the people of Borno State.
“We are working closely with the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to monitor water levels across the country and ensure that such incidents do not reoccur,” he said.
Utsev stressed the importance of flood preparedness, particularly in states along the Benue River, such as Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue.
He urged state governments to remain vigilant, clear drainage channels, and relocate residents from flood-prone areas.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protect Nigeria’s rivers from pollution, urging stakeholders to view rivers as “living entities” deserving of legal rights and protections.
He called on all Nigerians to safeguard rivers from harmful practices such as waste dumping and overuse.
“We must extend these protections to our watersheds and basins, recognising that clean and healthy rivers are fundamental to our survival,” Utsev added.
Also, Dr Bello Goronyo, his state counterpart, noted the role of rivers and dams in sustaining life and supporting national development.
He stressed that protecting rivers was crucial for maintaining dam infrastructure, which supports water supply, irrigation, and hydro-power generation.
Goronyo warned against activities that harmed rivers, as they jeopardised dam safety and water resources.
He called for collaboration between the government, stakeholders, and the media to enhance public awareness and prevent misinformation about dam safety, urging support for sustainable water management.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission and NIHSA.
They all called for collective action towards protecting the nation’s water bodies, saying monitoring should be done regularly.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic tree planting and river clearing at the Jabi Lake, FCT, Abuja.
The World Rivers Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness about the vital importance of rivers.
This year’s observance in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect the country’s waterways.
