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  • Foundation earmarks funds in fight against climate change in Adamawa

    Foundation earmarks funds in fight against climate change in Adamawa

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    An NGO, Emnamu Foundation has launched ”Action Against Climate Change” campaign aiming to plant at least one thousand trees to combat the devastating effects of climate change in Adamawa state, and presented cars to deserving people.

    The foundation also announced a donation of 200 operational vehicles to address logistical challenges faced by humanitarian organisations, and in supporting of those who risk their lives for humanitarian causes.

    The president, Emnamu Foundation, Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, who made the disclosure in Adamawa, in an event held at the Malkohi IDP Centre in Yola, Adamawa State, said that the NGO has planted over 50,000 trees from January to August, 2024, while stating that another 50,000 trees will be planted before the end of 2024.

    The gesture, according to him, is in commemoration of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day, “Act for Humanity”, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and supporting humanitarian efforts.

    While reiterating the philosophical foundation of the NGO, Dr. Emmanuel averred that the Foundation’s initiative is aiming at creating a more sustainable and equitable future, while noting that the Foundation decide to take a bold step against climate change by planting more trees.

    He said, “Today, Monday, we gather to pay tribute to the 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the United Nations Secretary-General’s representative, who tragically lost their lives in tragic bombing at the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. Since 2009, adding “This day has been dedicated to advocating for the protection and support of humanitarian workers and the communities they serve”.

    “As the President of the Emnamu Foundation, I am proud to share the impact we have made in alleviating hardship, particularly among the underprivileged.

    “Through our initiatives, we have restored hope to many, especially the youth, by creating thousands of jobs, providing essential resources such as food, housing, and educational materials, and supporting community development.

    “To address the pressing issue of climate change and its severe impact on our environment, we have launched a significant tree-planting campaign, titled “Action Against Climate Change.”This year alone, we have planted over 50,000 trees, with plans to plant an additional 50,000 by the end of the year.

    “We also plan to collaborate with the state government on its monthly sanitation initiatives. Our volunteers will participate actively in raising awareness about malaria prevention and environmental hygiene. As the saying goes, “If you can control mosquitoes, you can control malaria.” Our commitment to improving public health and promoting a clean environment remains unwavering.

    “Furthermore, in support of those who risk their lives for humanitarian causes, I am pleased to announce a donation of 200 operational vehicles to address logistical challenges faced by humanitarian organisations. This gesture extends to sister organisations aligned with our mission.

    “Additionally, I am launching a 500 million Naira entrepreneurship support initiative. This programme aims to assist over 500 entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, in growing their businesses amid current economic challenges. Our goal is to reduce poverty and promote equality, working towards a more inclusive society.” Dr. Emmanuel said.

    “The foundation also presented gifts to deserving individuals, including Hajiya Hauwa Samaila, who received a Toyota Venza, and Hon. Tsamari Naiwa Fakuta, who received a Toyota Forerunner.

    “Other beneficiaries included Alh. Alheri Mathias, RAV4 Toyota, Hyelda Pandi, Kia Shortage, Hon. Dogara Faci, Honda Accord as well as Justice and peace Development Commission, who got Toyota Forerunner.

    In the same development, the Emnamu Foundation launched an entrepreneurship support grant program, benefiting Alh. Musa Usman Shuwa, Chairman of Emnamu Foundation in Madagali local government, Dona Ishaya Mildu, and Miss Zion Phelimon.

    Meanwhile, a total of two hundred bags of rice was given to the Yola IDP Camp to improve their livelihoods and cushion the effect of economic hardship. Dr. Emmanuel also donated the sum of two million naira to the Association of Disabled Persons in Adamawa State.

    The event that was attended by dignitaries from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other organizations highlighted the importance of protecting humanitarian workers and the communities they serve. End:

  • CHRAN lauds AKSG on Climate Change initiatives

    CHRAN lauds AKSG on Climate Change initiatives

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom towards mitigating the challenges of Climate Change in the state.

    A CHRAN Press Release signed by its Director, Mr Franklyn Isong and Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Comrade Vincent Aluu and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday commended the readiness of the state government to key into the Energy Transition Plan of the Federal Government.

    The Rights Group said the move would enable the state to savour the benefits and embrace the climate change postulations adding that the Governor’s promise to appoint a Special Assistant on Climate Change and also set up a Committee to monitor all issues relating to Climate Change in the state was laudable.

    The release said the Governor’s response to CHRAN’s advocacy on Climate Change during its interaction with Study Group 5 of the Senior Executive Course 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, earlier in the month , where it called for the setting up of a specialised Department on Climate Change to manage and to advise government on related issues.

    It also commended the state government for sealing a deal with a German-based energy conservation company, Atmosfair AG, for the establishment of its factory, Atmosfair Climate Sustainability Limited, a subsidiary of Climate Change Project Innovations and Technology, to produce Save80 Cookstove, a fuel-efficient cookstove with less firewood in cooking.

    It noted that the company in addition to creating jobs opportunities for the unemployed youths would also mitigate effects of Climate Change in Akwa Ibom.

  • Osinbajo To Deliver Lecture On Climate Change In US

    Osinbajo To Deliver Lecture On Climate Change In US

    Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday departed Abuja, the nation’s for the United States of America where he is scheduled to deliver a Special Lecture at the University of Pennsylvania, UPenn in Philadelphia.

    According to a release issued by media aide to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo’s lecture on Monday with the theme “Climate Change and a Just Transition”, is to be hosted by the University’s Center for Africana Studies.

    Outside the lecture, the Vice President will also participate in an interactive session with students and faculty coordinated by Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Wale Adebanwi.

    Osinbajo, a leading voice and strong advocate for a Just Energy Transition for Africa and the developing world, is currently spearheading efforts aimed at creating the African Carbon Market as one of the pathways of a just and sustainable transition.

    The Vice President is expected back in Abuja right after his engagements in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania.

    UPenn which is one of the eight private universities known as the Ivy League in the United States was initially established in 1740 as a charity school. It was later transformed into an academy in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin, a future founding father of the United States, who also served as the first president of the Board of Trustees of the University.

    It was founded through the merger of the Afro-American Studies Program and the Center for the Study of Black Literature and Culture at the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. The Center is hosting the Vice President’s Special Lecture in partnership with other faculties of the University such as PennCarey Law, Perry World House, Wharton Business School, Coalition for Equity and Opportunity and Perelman School of Medicine.

  • Climate change: France donates €2.5m to Nigeria

    Climate change: France donates €2.5m to Nigeria

    Bank of Industry (BOI) and the French Development Agency (AFD) have signed a grant agreement for €2.5m delegated by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which will further their partnership to fight climate change in Nigeria.

    A statement by the French Embassy in Nigeria said the agreement was signed at a meeting at the French Embassy under the primary patronage of Madame Emmanuelle Blatmann, Ambassador of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

    France has committed more than €1.5bn to the Green Climate Fund since 2019.

    On August 23rd, 2022, BOI and AFD signed a €100m credit line for the expansion of green finance in Nigeria.

    This was approved under AFD’s Transforming Financial Systems for Climate (TFSC) Program with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a USD650m program developed in 17 countries for 100 percent climate investment projects.

  • Climate change: Nigerian Government scaling up measures to contain extreme weather outcomes – Farouq

    Climate change: Nigerian Government scaling up measures to contain extreme weather outcomes – Farouq

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has announced that the Nigerian Government is not relenting its efforts at scaling up measures to solve extreme climate change outcomes in Nigeria.

    The Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq made this known at a Side Event at Cop 27 on Wednesday, held in Sharm El Shiek Egypt where world stakeholders are meeting to profer solutions to mitigate extreme climate changes.

    Umar Farouq said that climate change-induced hydro-meteorological events were causing devastating humanitarian crises in Nigeria, hence the urgent need to scale up climate change adaptation efforts.

    “The Nigerian Government through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is scaling up climate change adaptation efforts in Nigeria to build community resilience and adaptation practices to mitigate and reduce the consequence of climate change.”

    “The reason we are here is to harness and discuss good practices, programs, and strategies that other countries are using to reduce vulnerabilities of Climate Change. We want to know how to build adaptive capacities and resilience in line with national and international policies and commitments in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. “

    “Specifically, we aim to know how to identify and map out climate change risks better and generate political will to implement and finance national adaptation projects, as we harmonize inputs and launch a people-centered climate change adaptation in coordination with key partners like the Ministry of Environment and other relevant MDAs.”
     

    We will work with the Nigerian National Adaptation Plan, which seeks to reduce vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change by building adaptive capacity and resilience. The Plan also advocates the integration of climate change adaptation into relevant new and existing policies, programs, and activities as well as in development planning processes and strategies”, the Minister said.

    Recent large-scale displacements, infrastructural damage and loss of farmlands following extreme flooding have led to disruption of livelihoods, increased risk of hunger as farmers are unable to grow crops amid heightened fear of the outbreak of malaria, cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases.

    Among the panelists who discussed Scaling Up of Climate Change Adaptation Efforts in Nigeria were Dr. Abubakar A. Suleiman, Deputy Director, Disaster Management from the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Amjad Abbashar, Chief of United Nations Office For Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office For Africa, Sylvia Wabbes agronomist with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on emergency and resilience for agriculture and food – based livelihoods systems, among others.

  • Climate change: Nigerians to benefit from UK £95m support

    Climate change: Nigerians to benefit from UK £95m support

    The UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, has said at least four million Nigerians will benefit from the £95m Propcom+ investment aimed at increasing productivity and adapting to the effects of climate change while at the same time reducing emissions.

    Cleverly, revealed this at the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

    In a statement made available by the British High Commission on Tuesday, the new £95m Propcom+ programme is set to help address key barriers to sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

    It would support the development of climate-resilient agricultural policies, actions, and investments that deliver nutrition, increase productivity, adapt and build resilience while reducing emissions, and protect and restore natural ecosystems.

    COP 27: Buhari seeks G7 support
    According to the statement, the new Propcom+ programme involves supporting inclusive and resilient growth by promoting the progressive transformation of Nigeria’s rural economy.

    It stated, “The new programme will build the capacity of small-scale farmers and rural communities in climate-smart agriculture. It will work with Nigeria’s vibrant private sector on agriculture to increase productivity, improve nutrition and food security, enhance climate resilience, pursue lower emissions, and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, as well as helping to tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity.”

    Cleverly said, “The Glasgow Climate Pact gave the world the tools to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and build a secure and sustainable future. Now is the time for all countries to step up their action on climate change and deliver the tangible change needed. The UK will continue to play a leading role in this mission. The funding we have announced will support countries that are facing the devastating impact of climate change, to adapt effectively.”

    UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones said Nigeria is vulnerable to climate change. Llewellyn, however, noted that the UK is committed to supporting climate resilient growth in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria Now Experiencing Negative Effect of Climate Change – Buhari

    Nigeria Now Experiencing Negative Effect of Climate Change – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that Nigeria was currently faced with the negative effect of climate change as experienced in the recent flooding in different parts of the country, as well as encroaching desertification and drought from the northern part.

    The President made this observation Tuesday at an audience he granted the former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on the sidelines of the First World Bio Summit 2022 in Seoul, South Korea.

    He expressed delight with the cooperation existing between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea especially in the area of energy supply, citing gas exports to the Asian country.

    Describing education as a key investment in addressing unemployment and underdevelopment, the President also noted that health challenges must be equally addressed.

    On his part, the former UN Scribe, who is the Chair of Ban Ki-Moon Foundation for Better Future and strong advocate for Climate Change remediation, sympathized with President Buhari over the flooding, while calling for more investment to improve education, avert environmental degradation and preventive diseases in order to meet the core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He appreciated President Buhari for attending the World Bio Summit, adding that his presence would highlight the importance of global action and cooperation in the development of vaccines and technology to meet the huge threat and challenges of pandemics.

    While noting that Nigeria is a very important country having prominent citizens occupying sensitive positions in global organizations, Ban Ki-Moon called for more people-to-people engagements and cultural cooperation between both countries even as he sought Nigeria’s support in Korea’s bid to host an EXPO in 2030.

    Commenting on his pet project, the ex-UN Scribe said his Global Centre on Adaptation is trying to mobilize resources to help developing countries fight climate change as he urged donor countries to fulfil their financial commitments to the Global Climate Fund.

    The duo also discussed the role of gender equality towards attaining a prosperous society while calling for an end to the war in Ukraine.

  • Climate Change Act: Policy Alert lauds FG, charges new DG

    Climate Change Act: Policy Alert lauds FG, charges new DG

    Policy Alert, a Civil Society Organisation promoting fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta has commended the Federal Government over the recent appointment of a Director General for the National Council on Climate Change.

    The FG had earlier announced the appointment of Dr. Salisu Dahiru as pioneer DG of the Council following campaigns from civil society groups in order to implement the Nigeria Climate Change Act, which was signed into law in November 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In a statement signed by the Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, the organization applauded the appointment, describing it as a necessary first step towards the implementation of the Act.

    “The appointment of a Director General for the Council is a necessary first step toward the implementation of the Act. We are expectant that the Secretariat under his leadership as created in the Act will be granted sufficient resources and the freehand needed to boldly address some critical issues that have dogged the climate policy space in recent years.

    “We are excited that this is coming ahead of the 27th Conference of Parties (COP)of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – the African COP.

    “We therefore charge the director and Council to ensure that Nigeria leads Africa’s charge to ensure that rich countries who bear historical responsibility for the climate crisis are held accountable to their climate financing commitments and to a higher level of ambition on emissions reduction than the so-called net-zero travesty.” It said.

    The statement urged the Council to as a matter of urgency begin to correct past mistskes which has mared Nigeria’s climate change response efforts adding that it would also continue to appraise the activities of the Council.

    ” At the domestic level, we expect that the Council will begin course-correcting some of the missteps that have marked Nigeria’s climate change response so far, particularly the misalignment between the country’s climate goals and sectoral or sector-wide policy and legal frameworks.

    “While we expect the Secretariat to hit the ground running, it must be stated that from the demand side, we will not spare any effort to hold it up to the highest standards of transparency and accountability on the management of the country’s climate response and the Fund in particular.” It concluded.

  • AWIFCA Improving Healthy Environment Through Climate Change – Founder

    AWIFCA Improving Healthy Environment Through Climate Change – Founder

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Envinromental safety would continue to be Implemented by Arewa Women Initiative For Climate change And Advocacy (AWIFCA) to ensure better livelihood through climate change at both rural and urban settlements.

    This was disclosed by the initiatives’s founder, Hajiya Alawuyya Baba Musa in an interactive session with our correspondent in Kano, adding that AWIFCA is working selflessly to makes climatic change more effective in various means of implementation.

    She announced that the organisation has mada an excellent progress in its ongoing programmes as an NGO despites some challenges, where she reiterated AWIFCA’s commitments and determination to continue making good impacts in the society.

    Hajiya Alawuyya added that ” as an NGO which I have founded in 2020, we have gone far in making good use of our time and experience to ensure that our communities are having clean and healthy environment that would be proud of at both urban and rural areas “. She stressed.

    Speaking on some successes they recorded, Hajiya Alawuyya disclosed that ” we have made good impacts in the area of environmental safety and health by initiating many activities that are being recognised by different communities which cannot be showcases at a brief time due to their might.

    She states that under the initiative, they successfully launched and supported some developmental projects which include climate change awareness March, tree planting campaigns in some selected schools in Kano state and programme on clean cooking that is aimed at reducing environmental pollution.

    Furthermore, Alawuyya Baba Musa lamented that they have also distributed Sawyer water filters to some communities in Kano state derives from seven local government areas in AWIFCA’s efforts to ensure that everybody remain healthy.

    Commenting on the activities of her NGO, Hajiya Alawuyya baba Musa said that ” certainty we are working selflessly to ensure that all is well regarding environment which is termed as one of the most important factor influencing excellent livelihood, therefore i am always bringin out moderlities that can be of benefits to the people without bias”. She concluded.

  • AU Summit: Coups, COVID-19 and Climate Change Dominate Session

    AU Summit: Coups, COVID-19 and Climate Change Dominate Session

    African leaders gather at an African Union summit this weekend to try to forge a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
    They also plan to respond to the spate of military takeovers from Sudan to the Sahel region.

    The bloc, formed 20 years ago to promote international cooperation and harmonise member states’ policies, has struggled to address six coups or attempted coups in Africa over the past 18 months and the power grabs are high on the summit agenda.

    Heads of state from continental heavyweight Nigeria, new AU chair Senegal and Kenya are due to attend, although absentees will include some major figures, like President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.

    “Peace and security are seriously threatened in several of our Regions and within some Member States,’’ AU Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said on Tuesday in a statement.
    The AU suspended Burkina Faso on Monday following a Jan. 24 military coup there.
    The leaders will also discuss the bloc’s relationship with Israel.

    In July, Faki unilaterally accepted Israel’s request for observer status at the AU, prompting criticism by South Africa, whose ruling party strongly backs the Palestinian cause.
    The issue was not resolved at an October meeting and will now be discussed by heads of state.
    It is unclear if leaders will vote or merely discuss the issue.
    Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa and the Southern African regional bloc are pushing for Israel’s status to be revoked, according to an internal memo prepared for the summit and seen by Reuters.

    The Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Morocco and Togo support Israel’s presence, one African diplomat said.
    Ebba Kalondo, a spokesperson in chair Faki’s office, did not respond to a comment request on Israel’s status.
    Sharon Bar-li, head of the Africa division in Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, also declined to comment.
    Some diplomats fear the Israel dispute might shift attention from pressing issues like the conflict in Ethiopia and unrest in Sudan following a coup in October.

    The leaders will also discuss climate change, which is aggravating floods, droughts, hot weather and locust invasions, threatening food supplies and driving up hunger and migration.
    The war in Ethiopia, which broke out in November 2020 and has killed thousands, “remains the elephant in the room’’, said another diplomat who works for the AU.

    The meeting in Ethiopia’s capital comes just three months after the country declared a state of emergency after rebellious northern forces threatened to march on the capital, and Western and African embassies evacuated citizens.
    The government has since announced plans to lift the emergency and the rebellious forces have mostly retreated back into the Tigray region, although fighting continues in Afar.