September 12, 2024

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Breaking News

1 Group uses drama to tackle child marriage in Abuja community

2 Why gas flaring persists in Nigeria – Expert

3 Enhance $700m SURWASH programme implementation, FG tells states

4 Tinubu’ll land Nigeria safely from turbulence- Akume

5 Stakeholders seek multi-sectoral approach to nutrition outcomes

Business

Expert advocates training of young professionals in deep sea mining

By Martha Agas

A mining engineer, Josiah Stephen, has appealed to the Federal Government to invest in training young professionals in the geosciences sector to become major players in Deep Sea Mining (DSM).

This is to enable them to become major players and contributors to the emerging industry of deep sea mining.

Stephen, who is also a lecturer at the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (FUAHSE) in Enugu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, DSM is the process of extracting mineral resources from the seabed in deep ocean waters.

He explained that DSM, an emerging industry offered many opportunities for economic gain.

He, therefore, urged the government to invest in research and building the technical expertise of geoscientists, particularly the young professionals.

“We can be involved in manpower development and research by trying to train and retrain young people that can be able to be industry players, academicians or technical people within the sector or the industry.

“I will indulge Nigerian government to train young people within that sector and even players that are already in the industry.

“Professionals can also get more professional training within the area of deep-sea mining and actualise our blue economy ambition as a country.

“The critical minerals such as cobalt, copper and lithium, which are essential for transitioning from fossil fuel-dependent energy to sustainable, renewable sources, are found not only on shore but also off shore.

“The critical minerals offshore are usually more concentrated and higher in quality, which is why some developed countries are already investing in them,”he said.

He also said it was a sector that nations such as Norway, India and China were capitalising on to boost their economies and support the energy transition.

Stephen stated that in every sector of the extractive industry, there was always concern for the environment, including compensation to local or host communities and taxes to the government, and the DSM sector was no exception.

He further explained that there would usually be an upheaval regarding legislation and rights to safe-guard, while also protecting the marine and aquatic communities.

The expert said that there have been several conferences and other events that brought together governments, multinationals, academia and other industry stakeholders to deliberate and legislate on the viability and sustainability of the area.

According to him, DSM is here to stay, as many countries and international mining companies have already obtained licenses and approval to begin DSM activities.

NAN reports that proponents of deep-sea mining argue that it can help meet the world`s pressing need for critical minerals, which is likely to continue growing as countries scale up their decarbonisation efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

350. org tasks World Bank, IMF on reforms for climate justice

350.org, an international environmental organisation, has urged the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to urgently initiate reforms to address world’s financial systems responsible for the worsening climate crisis.

Pascale Hunt, Senior global Communications Specialist, 350. org, made this advocacy in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the core IMF/ World Bank Spring meetings, which started on Wednesday in Washington to discuss world economic outlook and financial systems among other things, ends on Friday.

Hunt stressed the need to fix the world’s financial flows that were responsible for climate breakdown and entrenching inequality.

She said the group had initiated a campaign tagged ‘Fix the Finance’ to hold governments and stakeholders  to task on stopping finance for fossil fuels.

“A global week of Climate Justice Finance Mobilisations kicked off on April 16 until April 19 under the banner #FixTheFinance.

“This is to hold governments, UN climate talks, private banks, the IMF, the World Bank and multilateral development banks – those that hold the purse strings – to account,” she said.

Andreas Sieber, Associate Director for Global Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, said more finance and investment should be channelled towards the renewal energy sector.

“The climate crisis is now at a critical juncture; the renewable-powered world has never been closer to our grasp; investment into renewables is at an all-time high.

“But we need to take it to the next level and to finally leave fossil fuels firmly behind.

“We must address the immense injustice of the global financial system; with developing countries bearing the brunt of climate impacts without having contributed to it, and rich countries discarding accountability.

“It is time for rich countries to direct finance into renewable energy in the Global South and to play their part in fixing the system; 2024 is the year to make this happen,” he said.

In 2023, the annual UN climate talks reached a momentous agreement– a global renewable energy target–calling for the tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling of energy efficiency gains by 2030.

350. org has the goal to address climate crisis and end the use of fossil fuels, while transiting to renewable energy. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

General News

Economy: UK firm proffers solutions for Nigerian business leaders 

By Abigael Joshua

Nigerian business leaders are to benefit from the programme of United Kingdom-based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK on how to flourish despite high inflation and turbulent operating landscape.

TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, Caroline Lucas, said on the organisation’s website, www.texem.co.uk, that the programme with the theme “Strategies for Sustainable Organisational Success” is slated for April 24 and April 25 in Lagos.

According to Lucas, in today’s volatile and disruptive business landscape, organisations face numerous strategic challenges.

“TEXEM’s programme, “Strategies for Sustainable Organisational Success,” offers tailored solutions to address these pressing issues.

“Senior leaders grappling with skyrocketing costs, high currency risks, and disruptive technologies require practical insights and tools to navigate uncertainty effectively.

“This programme provides actionable strategies for sustainable success amidst turbulent times,” she said.

Lucas asserts that exceptional crisis management skills are essential in the face of staff exodus and geopolitical disruptions.

“TEXEM equips participants with the necessary leadership capabilities to lead through crises, ensuring organisational excellence even amidst adversity.

“Innovation becomes imperative in turbulent waters.

“TEXEM’s programme fosters a culture of innovation and provides guidance on harnessing adversity as a catalyst for profitable growth,” she said.

According to her, participants will learn to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustained profitability.

Lucas said resilience and effective risk management are crucial in today’s volatile landscape.

She said through interactive sessions and case studies, TEXEM helps senior leaders develop unshakable qualities, enabling them to navigate uncertainty and confidently mitigate risks.

“Optimizing resource utilisation is paramount amidst soaring costs.

“TEXEM offers insights on managing resources efficiently, ensuring optimal impact even amidst cost pressures. Decisive problem-solving is paramount.

“TEXEM enhances participants’ decision-making capabilities through peer learning and observation practice, empowering them to make better decisions that drive organisational success,” Lucas said.

She said that beyond the curriculum, networking opportunities with industry peers enrich the learning experience, abound.

“Professional exchange provides valuable insights into different approaches to overcoming challenges, enhancing overall learning and impact.

“TEXEM’s programme aims to develop leadership strategies for optimum performance in an era of uncertainty.

“By helping participants understand how to manage and deploy resources more efficiently, it equips them with the skills needed to thrive in turbulent times,” Lucas said.

Saying that adversity is the mother of innovation, she added that TEXEM empowers individuals and organisations to thrive in volatile times, fostering innovation and sustained profitability.

“At the end of the programme, participants can expect to develop leadership skills for better decision-making and possess survival skills to navigate crises effectively.

“Through its comprehensive approach and proven methodology, TEXEM ensures participants unlock their potential, foster innovation, and drive sustained profitability in today’s challenging environment,” Lucas said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Environment

Stakeholders advocate increased budget to fight impacts of climate change

By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for increased budget allocation to fight the impacts of climate change in the country.

The stakeholders converged on Abuja to review Nigeria’s 2024 Climate Budget and the Energy Transition Plan to mitigate climate change in the country.

Speaking at the forum on Thursday, Sen. Abubaka Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, said that the Government of Nigeria was committed to climate issues that would align with the sustainable goals for climate mitigation for 2030.

Bagudu, who was represented by Dr Sanjo Faniran, Director, Social Department, assured that the ministry would soon hold a round table to ensure commitment to environmental issues.

Dr Michael David, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP)

Dr Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said that Nigeria’s budget had to be climate friendly to build resilience.

He expressed displeasure on the allocated sum for climate change, saying that only 5.02 per cent of the total of 2024 budget was allocated to fight the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Shuaib Hassan Director, Centre for Environmental Studies University of Abuja, said that for Nigeria to fight climate change, it must stay away from fossil fuels.

He urged the Federal Government to look into the budget allocation for climate change, waste management and research.

Shuaib added that for the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, it would have to move from conventional fossil fuels to alternative renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reach the goal.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that climate change had impacted on the food security of the nation.

Kyari, who was represented by Mr Odey Patrick, Assistant Director in the Ministry, urged stakeholders to show more concern to the issues of adaptation and mitigation.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said that advocacy, collaboration and partnership were key to combating climate change.

Dahiru, who was represented by Mrs Adesola Effiwatt from the Climate Investment Desk, NCCC, said that climate change had gone beyond an environmental it is an economic and social issue.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), urged that whatever decision to be implemented to build climate resilience.

“GEF is the largest funder of environmental projects in the world, we have seven national parks and communities around them are surrounded with natural resources that we are trying to manage,’’ she said.

Mr Kenneth Akpan, representative of the Country Director OXFAM, expressed optimism that the budget on climate change could carry all stakeholders along. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Entertainment

Filmmaking: Free post-production training for youths in FCT

By Joshua Olomu

Mswitch Media, an Abuja-based talent development hub, has trained 20 budding talents on post-production aspect of filmmaking.

The aim is to enable them explore job opportunities that abound in Nollywood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a graduation ceremony and demo–day was held for the beneficiaries of the free creative academy on Wednesday in Abuja.

The graduation ceremony was the climax of a two-day stakeholders forum organised by the hub with the theme, “Positioning Nigerian Creatives For Global Post-Production Demand.”

The event had in attendance stakeholders in the creative industry, including actors, filmmakers and representatives of relevant government institutions.

In his goodwill address , Mr Salami Kadir, Co-founder of MSwitch Media, said the four-week training was for participants to acquire necessary skills to operate as professionals in film and music production.

He said having people with requisite skills and competences would bridge existing gaps in the country’s audio production industry.

According to him, the initiative is part of measures by the hub to complement government’s efforts in making young and passionate people self-reliant in order to reduce unemployment and curb youth restiveness.

“In Nigeria, we have beautiful and unique stories that the world is yearning to hear, but they will never appreciate our stories if they don’t come up with impeccable quality.

“This is the reason we have decided at Mswitch to champion this cause and develop the next generation of creative and innovative editors, colorists, motion graphics specialists, sound designers, and trailer editors.

“Our goal is not just to prepare them for the global job market and the creative industry, but also impacting them with necessary skills to excel in their personal projects so they can earn a sustainable living.

“At the moment, we do not even have enough people that have been trained to know how to create sound, a massive sound for motion pictures.

“So, we want to create a community of audio creators, people who have products and passion for sound, then we can help them refine those skills,” he said.

He said having vibrant post-production professionals in the industry would ensure that any video being exported would be well packaged to attract direct foreign investment and boost the image of the movie industry.

Some of the graduates that spoke with NAN on the sideline expressed gratitude to the creative hub for offering them such a huge opportunity for free.

David Ikani said:” As you can see from my face, I am really excited because I just received my certificate and this entire journey has been an amazing journey.

“This is a big stepping stone to the miles that we are going to cover eventually because this is opening the doors for young creatives who are interested in post-production.

Nkeoma Umudu, a young filmmaker, said : ” I decided to do this because I wanted to know what it means to identify real sounds in films

“I wanted to be able to identify a film that has a good sound, so, moving forward I can sit with editors and be able to tell them, okay, this is how I want my sound to be.”

Highpoints of the event was the presentation of certificates of participation to the students and electrifying performances by various artistes.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Environment

Minister raises concern on environmental integrity

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says there is need to safeguard the environment for sustainable development and environmental integrity.

Lawal made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop on Reviewing the Outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

“The time for bold, decisive action is now; our success hinges on our ability to forge a robust partnership, mobilise stakeholders, and deliver on the commitments we have made to safeguard our environment and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

“As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

“The 28th session of COP to the UNFCCC was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.’’

The minister said that Nigeria, like many other countries, was already feeling the impacts of climate change.

“As we gear up for COP 29, it is imperative that we foster the spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals,” Lawal said.

Earlier, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of NCCC, said that Nigeria’s participation at COP 28 reaffirmed the need for strengthened collective climate change action across three pillars of Adaptation, Finance, and Mitigation.

“It is critical to note that these actions include an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in this critical decade.

“This will enable the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.

“As an oil-producing and developing nation, the agreements forged during COP 28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

“We seek to facilitate an inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy.

“And to create a forum for government, businesses, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,” Dahiru said.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a keynote address, said that Nigeria was faced with numerous climate challenges that demanded bold and decisive action.

“We must rethink and restructure our national budgets to prioritise sustainability and combat climate change head-on,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanneew.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Chijioke Okoronkwo

Environment

FG collaborates with institute on environmental sustainability

By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Ministry of Environment on Tuesday in Abuja said it would partner with the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) on environmental sustainability.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said this at the inauguration ceremony of the 1st Governing Council of IEPN.

Lawal who was represented by Dr Olubunmi Olusanya, Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, assured that the Ministry would unlock all potentials in the environment sector and regulate environmental professionalism.

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman of Governing Council of IEPN said that the institute is saddled with the responsibility of regulating the activities of its members in protection of the Nigerian environment.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in Environmental Governance and Ecosystem Management in Nigeria. It was not an easy task going through the process of signing the IEPN establishment Act into Law.

“Nothing signposts man’s apparent failure to protect Mother Nature than our apathy in combating climate change challenges.

“As a matter of fact, the symbiotic relationship between man and the environment seems to have collapsed. Every passing day presents daunting environmental challenges interfering with ecosystem matrices such as water, air, land and man,”
Ezemonye said.

The president said that it behooves on all, to ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian environment.

He said that the primary mandate of the council is to protect the environment by regulating the activities of environment users in order to proffer environmental justice.

Ezemonye commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for signing the IEPN Act into Law. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

General News

Bagudu calls for capturing of senior citizens need in Dev’t Plan

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, has stressed the need to capture the yearnings and aspirations of senior citizens in the National Development Plan.

Bagudu said this at a one-day capacity enhancement workshop for state commissioners and Directors of Social Welfare on the domestication of NSCC Act and National Action Plan on Ageing in Abuja on Tuesday.

The workshop was organised by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The minister assured stakeholders of the determination to work with NSCC to come-up with accurate and acceptable document that would provide a guide to ensure proper capturing of senior citizens into the national development plan.

”The national planning function, which resides in the ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is the custodian of national development plans and it is a perceptive on where we want Nigeria to be by the year 2050.

”And, from there we also do the five year plan which is national development plan, then the annual budget.

”I would ask the director-general to ensure that these documents, which are available online are reflected upon.

”So that where we have not captured sufficiently the yearnings and aspirations of our senior citizens may be interrogated and improved upon,” Bagudu said.

He assured the participants that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration had passion for the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens in the country.

Mr Abel Enitan, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said “Nigeria is projected to accommodate 30 million older persons by the 2050.”

The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties in the Ministry Agnes Aneke, expressed the need to plan properly to arrest the situation.

”It is imperative to recognise the global trend of ageing population that by 2030 as we approach the conclusion of decades of healthy ageing, the population of aged 60 and above is expected to increase by 56 per cent.

”By 2050 Nigeria is projected to accommodate 30 million older persons.

”When Nigeria’s ageing population has not yet reached an alarming proportion, it is important that we proactively implement policies and guidelines to address the challenges of ageing in our country.

”Older Persons encounter challenges with negative stereotypes” he said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Foreign

14 TAC volunteers sign contract with Ugandan varsities

 

By Maureen Okon

A total of 14 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers from Nigeria have been contracted by universities in Uganda, following their meritorious services in the institutions.

The affected volunteers had served in the universities for the two-year TAC programme.

The Director-General (DG), Nigeria Technical Aid Corp (NTAC), Dr Buba Yabub, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja.

He spoke during a debriefing ceremony for 39 returning TAC volunteers who served in Uganda and Guinea Bissau.

He said that most countries were not willing to let go of the Nigerian volunteers because of the positive impact of the services they rendered to their host communities.

“This is why NTAC always send out the best. When we do our selection we always pick out the first 11 just like in football, because we really want to impact the lives of our sister countries,” he said.

The DG recalled that a volunteer who served earlier introduced a new department in the university he served and pioneered it successfully.

“Yes, anytime we receive volunteers we always hear the countries do not want you to return because Nigerians are very special, they are hardworking, discipline people, who put in their best wherever they find themselves.

“So nobody will like you to come back because of your quality,” he added.

He said, “When I visited Uganda, I said if they want to sign a new contract with you, it is welcome.

“I know about 12 to 14 volunteers in Uganda have signed a contract with that country with different universities and they are currently working there,’’ he added.

Buba said it was not a bad idea for Nigerians to seek greener pastures through legal employment abroad, but added that it should be done in a dignified manner.

“The last two batches that came back as I promised when we came back from Uganda, the first set, we facilitated their visas and supported them.

“In Nigeria we have a lot of manpower, that’s why you hear everywhere that there’s unemployment.

“So, if anybody is talking about fleeing the country a.k.a. “JAPA’’, it is not a bad thing, but we should do it well, so that when you go out there you will have dignity.”

The DG said one of NTAC’s new initiative going forward, would be to export Nigeria’s abundant manpower talents to other countries.

“There are countries that make their revenue through selling of their manpower, and the manpower we have in Nigeria is in abundance.

“So one of our new initiative that we will table going forward, is to see how we will harness our manpower and send out our experts to go out with dignity, with their families, and earn money for themselves and the country,’’ he said.

Speaking earlier, the teams lead volunteers from Uganda and Guinea Bissau applauded Nigerian government for the opportunities given to them.

Abubakar Abdulkarim, the team lead for Uganda TAC volunteers, said as senior professionals with high skills, they had contributed to the university system in that country.

“We have contributed immersely not only to the country alone, but to the entire East-Africa. Some of us graduated Masters students and Phd students.

“We are back home and we will continue to contribute our quota to the service of Nigeria as we have also developed and increased our knowledge through impacting others,’’ he said.

Dr Simon Achegbani, a Paediatrician and team lead for the TAC volunteers in Guinea Bissau, said that they offered selfless medical services to the people of that country.

“We faced some challenges starting from the weather that was extremely hot, and we did not have suitable accommodation that was well ventilated.

“Delay of our payment to meet our basic needs was also a challenge, but all in all, we are here and we thank the federal government, you sir, and Nigeria for this opportunity,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the debriefing was to enable NTAC to learn from the experiences of the TAC volunteers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

General News

Job creation: Stakeholders want talent development hubs for youths

By Joshua Olomu

Stakeholders in the creative industry have called for the establishment of talent development hubs across Nigeria to offer platforms for job creation for the  teeming youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they made the call as a Discussion Panel at a stakeholders workshop organised by MSwitch Creative Academy on Tuesday in Abuja.

Participants include media entrepreneurs, ICT experts,members of the academia, artistes and other players in the creative industry.

According to the panelists, Nigeria is filled with budding talents without adequate creative hubs for to showcase and develop their talents for economic benefits.

The panelist, who explored the topics “Sustainable Pathway to Job Creation” and “Positioning Nigerian Creatives for a Global Postproduction Demand”, said establishing adequate creative hubs was the antidote to the problem of youth unemployment.

Mr Opeoluwa Adepoju-Mcplenty , Head of Production, Mswitch Media, Abuja-based talent development hub, said : “ We don’t have shortage of talents in Nigeria, we only need platforms for youths to showcase their creativity.

“Creatives need platforms, like a community where they can share ideas, learn and talk about common issues facing the industry and how they can solve them together, and that is what MSwitch offers.”

Gabe Converse, Creative Director, The Refinery, a US-based organisation, said: “ Nigeria has very unique stories and there is need to support Nigerian creatives to work on Nigerian stories and projects.”

Mr Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Arts ,Culture and Creative Economy said : “Creative hubs should be established in our campuses to prepare students for employment.

“If we focus on talent discovery and development, the percentage of unemployed youths will reduce.

“The President Bola Tinubu administration has demonstrated its commitment to developing the creative sector by creating the ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

“I can tell you that we are willing to partner with creative hubs across Nigeria.”

Also, Mr Salami Kadir, co-founder of MSwiTch Media, said the hub was providing youths with necessary skills in film audio and music production industry.

He said the initiative was to complement government’s efforts in making young and passionate people self-reliant.

“We are set to graduate students from our master class and participants would be supported with platforms and opportunities to excel in the movie industry as professionals.”

Dr Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator,National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment said: “We are working towards ensuring that talented Nigerian youths get exposed and marketed to the world.”

“So we are available to collaborate with individual talents, as well as creative hubs for our talents to translate into economic benefits”

Earlier in her welcome address, Zainab Salami, Executive Director and Co-founder of Mswitch, said skills gap was one reason for rising unemployment in Nigeria.

She said the hub was committed to nurturing creative talents and ideas and empowering them with relevant skills and knowledge.

“I have witnessed firsthand, the hard-work and dedication of our graduates in executing their projects, and their perseverance reminded me of the immense potential that lies within our creative community,” she said.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

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