By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On Oct. 3, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) debuted an annual international lecture  in Abuja with national and Sahel security in focus.

The Inaugural lecture was novel, a departure from the agency’s timely delivery of factual and objective news, to igniting international conversations around security in Nigeria and the Sahel region.

It was an innovation brought to the fore with the zing and determination of Mr Ali Mohammed Ali, the new Managing Director of NAN,  the support and commitment of the management team and central organising committee.

The inaugural lecture with the theme, “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options” was organised as part of NAN’s contribution to addressing national and continental pressing issues of insecurity.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), extremist violence has surged across the Sahel; the first seven months of 2023 saw at least 7,800 civilian dead, a significant increase from 2022.

With the staggering number of fatalities in the Sahel region due to violent extremism, one cannot agree more on the imperative of this discourse.

For the benefit of hindsight, the Sahel, the vast semi-arid region of Africa separating the Sahara Desert to the north and tropical savannas, comprises Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal.

Declaring the inaugural lecture open, President Bola Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said Nigerian armed forces had made commendable progress in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent crimes across the country.

Tinubu, who was represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam  Nuhu Ribadu, reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to return the country on the path of stability through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

“We are beginning to restore order; we are beginning to get stability; we are beginning to have a new Nigeria. Nigeria is getting to be stable,” he said.

The president applauded NAN for the foresight in coming up with the lecture, saying that a secured Nigeria was also a secure Sahel region.

He said that fixing Nigeria’s challenges would ultimately translate into the other parts of the neighbouring countries facing challenges and difficulties.

“This lecture, organised by NAN, is, therefore, a worthy contribution to the ongoing debate to the body of knowledge on the nation’s security architecture and what prognosis to make going forward.

“There is no doubt that the insecurity in the Sahel is complex with deep roots in sundry causal factors such as climate change, food insecurity and extremism, which have created a ring of violence and instability in the region.

“In tackling our security challenges, our administration has adopted a multifaceted approach as enshrined in the renewed hope agenda, which prioritised security as a critical component of government focus.

“This administration, in the last one year, has put in place processes, policies and programmes to achieve improved security, economic development, and improve welfare for all Nigerians,” he added.

“To the terrorists and insurgents, I say surrender or face renewed onslaught of the military,’’ he said.

Weighing in on the theme, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was the Chief Host, said that Nigeria was winning the war against terror and banditry

According to him, the government’s target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“Indeed, this quote from the president has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.

“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with determination, collaboration and a united effort, I am confident that we can safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the Sahel region,” he said.

Idris commended NAN for standing tall in news gathering as well as its unwavering commitment to timely delivery of news.

Sharing similar sentiments, former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, identified poverty, unemployment, weak governance as some of the contributory factors heightening insecurity in the Sahel.

Abdulsalami, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said that climate change, environmental degradation, among other factors had provided fertile ground for insecurity to thrive in the region.

“At the heart of the insecurity in this region, among other factors, are the undercurrents of poverty and unemployment and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“Others are weak governance and institutional failures, as well as climate change and environmental degradation.

“These factors have certainly created a fertile ground for insecurity to thrive, with devastating impacts on our dear nation.

“We must not, however, lose faith in our capacity to ride above the storms of insecurity, since this challenge is the business of each and every Nigerian, and indeed, all Africans,” he said.

According to him, the impact of the situation is devastating to Nigeria and the Sahel, and particularly stalling development.

The General bemoaned the enormous number of fatalities in the region between 2020 and 2021 due to violent extremism.

“Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be divorced from the regional heritage in the sahel, a vast landmass which encompasses the troubled countries of Burkina, Chad, Mali, and Cameroon.

“In the year 2020, a whopping 4,660 people were killed in this region, while another 2,600 civilians lost their lives in banditry attacks in 2021,” he said.

He expressed concern that insecurity was still lingering and required concerted efforts to address the situation.

He commended NAN for organising the lecture, saying it would elicit a productive and thought-provoking response to address the situation.

Abubakar said that the event would provide the platform for stakeholders to identify actors in the situation, identify root causes and proffer sustainable solutions.

In his submission, Dr Mohamed ibn Chambas, the African Union Chief Mediator on Sudan, re-echoed that weak governance and corruption were among factors fueling insecurity in the Sahel region.

Chambas, who was the Guest Lecturer, said military solutions alone would not address the problem.

According to him, weak governance and corruption create a conducive environment for insecurity.

He said the Sahel region was so vast that there were lots of ungoverned spaces in the zone, increasing the insecurity rate.

The AU chief also listed the crisis in Libya, Sudan, Mali, among other factors that could be attributed to the challenge.

Besides, he said, foreign interference and external forces equally explored the situation for their own interest.

Chambas, who said that the shrinking of the Lake Chad Basin had caused more harm than good in the Sahel region, added that attention should be given to cut off the financing and supply network of terror groups.

Chambas also said that Nigeria’s efforts to address farmers/herders crisis, especially the creation of the livestock ministry, are commendable.

He said that ECOWAS resisted the restriction of movement of people from the three member states that pulled out of the regional body – Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Deserving no less attention, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said that a multidimensional approach, beyond military intervention, was needed to address insecurity in the Sahel.

Musa said that the prevailing security threats in the Sahel region and other parts of Africa were targeting Nigeria because of its strategic importance in the region.

The defence chief said the Sahel had, in the last decade and half, become synonymous with instability, violence, and insecurity ranging from the rise of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP to the spread of violent extremism, human trafficking and illegal arms proliferation.

He said that while insecurity did not emerge in a vacuum, its roots could be traced to a combination of local and global factors.

According to him, the factors included, poor governance, economic marginalisation, climate change, ethnic tensions, and the spillover effects of conflicts in North Africa and the broader Middle East.

He stressed that the collapse of the Libyan state in 2011, further unleashed an influx of weapons and fighters, which catalysed the rise of militant groups across the Sahel.

“Nigeria, as a critical player in the region, has borne a significant share of the fallout from this instability,” he said.

The CDS said that insurgency in the North East, led by Boko Haram since 2009, had not only devastated communities but also stretched military resources, forced the displacement of millions, and undermined economic development.

According to him, the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders with Sahelian countries has made it easier for transnational criminals, including smugglers, human traffickers, and arms dealers, to operate with impunity.

“Nigeria has demonstrated resilience and determination in confronting these challenges.

“I encourage all stakeholders including government, civil society, international partners and the private sector to work collaboratively in addressing these challenges.

“Let us always remember that Nigeria’s security and that of the entire Sahel region depend on our ability to find lasting solutions that promote peace, stability, and prosperity for all,” he said.

What’s more, it is worthy of recall that the managing director of NAN had provided insights to the essence of the inaugural lecture.

Ali had said it was high time the agency charted a course on pathways to peace and economic prosperity in Africa.

He said the lecture was expected to interrogate the root causes of the violence troubling the Sahel.

He said that given its strategic importance in the last 48 years of existence, NAN, the largest news agency in Africa, must play a pivotal role in giving direction on political, economic and social issues.”

“Security is the basic; without security, a nation cannot make progress, there will be no economic and social development.

“We have seen it in the Northwest where bandits take front row seats, conducting their nefarious activity with impunity, without any fear of reprisals.

“Agriculture has been suffering in the Northeast where there is insurgency,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, perceptive stakeholders believe that the security threat in the Sahel region is huge and should be tackled with concerted efforts and a multi-faceted approach.

They say that the recommendations of NAN inaugural lecture, if implemented, will be helpful to Nigeria and the Sahelian governments  in stamping out violent extremism in the region.(NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the author and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

It has been established that the protracted insecurity ravaging parts of Africa, especially the Sahel region, has spiral effects on Nigeria and other West African neighbours and beyond.

It is also a fact that some of the security challenges such as insurgency, terrorism and banditry, as well as kidnapping for ransom, militancy and violent extremism are trans-border in nature.

These challenges have persisted across many states in Nigeria in spite of the best efforts of Nigeria’s security establishment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as part of its desire to contribute to the efforts toward addressing these challenges, is leading a conversation tagged, Inaugural International Lecture with the theme: “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options.”

The inaugural international lecture will hold on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, said the event is part of the national effort to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy and violent ultra-nationalism, among others in the country.

Ali stated that Nigeria’s security challenges could not be divorced from its regional heritage in the Sahel, a vast landmass which also traverses the troubled countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Cameroon.

It would be recalled that in 2020, no fewer than 4,660 people were killed in this region while another 2,600 civilians lost their lives in banditry attacks in 2021.

The NAN boss said the lecture would interrogate the root causes of the violence troubling the Sahel, examine its impact on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and lay bare the options available to policy strategists based on the country’s security architecture.

Ali said that a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar would chair the event while Dr Muhammed Ibn Chambas, who is the Chief United Nations Negotiator in Sudan, would be the guest speaker.

According to him, it is expected that the public lecture would introduce fresh perspectives to Nigeria’s battle with terrorism and banditry as well as provide policy makers and the nation’s military establishment a strategic framework for contending with the onslaught from the Sahel.

The managing Director said that NAN, having existed for 48 years with a large editorial workforce, was yet to leverage on its reputation as a conveyor of truth to play a pivotal role in giving direction on political and social-economic issues.

“What NAN is doing is to tell the world that beyond reporting factually and objectively, it can intervene on contemporary issues, with a view to finding pathways to a greater nation and continent.

“NAN is about the only media organisation in the entire country that has several partnerships with other sister media organisations across the globe from the Russian news agency, to the Moroccan news agency, to the Chinese news agency.

“All of these, including Reuters and AFP are global brands. So, it’s about time NAN interfaces with the global community to provide the platform for people to talk.

“The aim is to ignite an international conversation around this flashpoint, the Sahel,’’ he said.

On the choice of the theme of the lecture, Ali said that security was central to every other thing to thrive, adding that agriculture had continued to suffer in the northern part of the country as a result of insecurity.

He said that Africa has been assailed by all kinds of conflicts and insecurity inhibiting its development .

According to him, the Sahel region and Nigeria face interconnected security challenges, fueled by Islamist extremism, terrorism and insurgency; porous borders facilitating cross-border movements and weak governance and institutional capacity.

Also, poverty, inequality, and social exclusion as well as climate change and environmental degradation were also some of the common challenges faced by the region.

Security experts have, equally, established that Boko Haram’s ties with Sahel-based groups such as Al’Qaida and JNIM; cross-border operations and sanctuaries; smuggling and trafficking networks have continued to worsen insecurity in the Sahel.

They added that shared ideological, competition for resources such as livestock, and water as well as extremist agendas and regional instability and conflict spillover were other causative factors.

These factors have led to increased insecurity in northern Nigeria; Boko Haram’s resurgence and territorial control, growing presence of ISWAP and other international terrorist groups; humanitarian crises and displacement as well as economic instability and disruption of trade.

According to Ali, the choice of Chambas, a prominent diplomat and public figure from Ghana, as Guest Speaker was as a result of his extensive knowledge in global diplomacy, peace and security, especially in Africa.

He pointed out, “Chambas was the ECOWAS Commission President, before moving to become United Nations rapporteur on the Sahel. Currently, he is the chief UN negotiator in Sudan, where there is a raging internecine war.

“So, you can see he is well versed and well-marinated to deliver a lecture on Sahel and insecurity, the genesis, the impact, the options”.

Also invited are President Bola Tinubu and members of the Federal Executive Council as well as the top echelon of Nigeria’s political establishment and top brass of the military.

He said members of the diplomatic corps and the academic community and media executives from local and African news agencies have also signified intention to attend.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe are leading traditional rulers who have also been been invited.

Ali said he was optimistic that the outcome of the lecture, after being compiled and sent to appropriate quarters, would contribute to finding lasting solutions to the insecurity issues in the Sahel.(NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the author and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By Polycarp Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

With the recent verdict of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Nigerians, particularly rural dwellers, have developed deep interest in who takes charge of the affairs of their councils.

Plateau has slated Saturday, Oct. 9, to conduct an election that will produce a democratic structure across the 17 LGAs of the state.

As the day draws closer, there have been rising concerns among residents of the state over the credibility of the State’s Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), to conduct a free and fair local government election.

Over the years, local government elections in Plateau were largely characterised by irregularities and electoral malpractices, particularly the interference by the ruling political party in the state.

In the past, those appointed to manage the affairs of PLASIEC were mere tools used in achieving the government’s whims and caprices; as such, local government elections in the past were marred by violence and other electoral malpractices.

For instance, one of the major crises that claimed lives and properties worth billions of Naira in Plateau was the outcome of the 2008 local government polls.

Political analysts and other critical election stakeholders have described the two recent local government polls in Plateau as the worst in the history of the state.

Residents further described the elections as a ”sham”, particularly as candidates of the then ruling party were practically forced on the people.

To correct such narratives, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, while constituting the management of PLASIEC, promised to ensure free, fair and credible polls.

The governor, who also promised non-interference with the process, called on his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to work assiduously ahead of the polls, promising that the elections would be free and fair.

Mutfwang, who insisted that the votes of the people must count, said that the management team of PLASIEC were carefully selected based on their track records and experience in public service.

”This is very important and significant because we are experiencing a new dawn in the annals of PLASIEC.

”The last two local government elections in the state were the most shameful, disgraceful, and one that gave us a bad name.

”This is why we carefully selected this calibre of persons, particularly the chairman, who has been in the business of conducting elections for years,”

The governor, who charged PLASIEC to uphold the tenets of democracy through free and fair elections, therefore, said his administration would not interfere in the electoral process.

”I am a firm believer in the efficacy and effectiveness of the local government administration and so, we will allow the people to elect those who they want to lead them.

”This is why since we came on board, we have not misused local government funds, because we believe in having a credible leadership at the local levels.

”I want to assure Plateau people that we will raise the bar of credible and reputable local government elections; we will ensure that true democracy takes place at the local levels.

”You are coming at a time when the commission has a trust deficit, I therefore, charge you to conduct an election that will meet global best practice,” the governor pledged.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, on its part, tasked the commission to conduct a credible and peaceful poll.

Mr Gad Peter, leader of the coalition, who commended the state government for its commitment towards conducting the election, charged PLASIEC to conduct an election that would unite the state.

”We all promote good governance and democracy in Plateau using our various organisations.

”We have collectively and individually invested in the peace of the state; we don’t want anything that will distort our current peace in Plateau.

”We are all witnesses to the outcome of the 2008 local government election; we don’t want a repeat of that ugly episode.

”This is why we are appealing to you to ensure that the election is peaceful; it should be one that will unite Plateau people the most,” Gad said.

The coalition, who promised to support the commission towards a credible poll, called on it to be fair, just and make the election an all-inclusive one.

Mr Plangji Cishak, Chairman of PLASIEC, promised to conduct a credible, free and fair poll, one that would be a model for other states.

Cishak, who noted that PLASIEC under his watch would be a complete departure from the past, promised to conduct an election that would be applauded by Plateau residents.

The chairman, who promised an all-inclusive election, said that the commission had constituted a security committee with him and the Commissioner of Police in the state as co-chairmen.

”We have replicated the same at the local government levels; this is to ensure a watertight security before, during and after the poll.

”This election is not going to be business as usual, votes will count and actual winners will be declared.

”Our integrity and that of the governor will be at stake if we allow a repeat of the past; this is a new PLASIEC under a new political dispensation,” he said.

On other preparations, Cishak said that arrangements had been made for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), to vote seamlessly, adding that special attention would be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers and the aged.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting recently organised by PLASIEC, Cishak allayed the fears of the opposition parties over rumours of possibly rigging their candidates out.

The meeting had security agencies, CSOs, media, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), candidates of various political parties, among others in attendance.

The chairman also told the stakeholders that the commission was adequately prepared to ensure an all-inclusive process.

”This initiative is essential for us to gather insights and inputs from the people, helping us to understand their expectations and concerns.

“I firmly believe that grassroots approach is foundational in building a robust democratic framework that reflects the true voices of our people.

“This election will also mark a significant milestone in the history of PLASIEC, as we are introducing electronic components for the first time.

‘‘This includes state-of-the-art Voter Verification Software, developed exclusively by our ICT team.

“This innovation is designed to ensure that only eligible voters can cast their votes, a crucial step towards making sure that the voices of Plateau people are heard and respected,” Cishak said.

To ensure the election is conducted with minimal glitches, the commission had conducted a mock exercise in six polling units across the state.

The chairman said that the mock election was to particularly ascertain the efficacy of the voter verification software developed for the election, among other issues.

He noted that the software was designed to ensure ”one man, one vote”,

Cishak, who said that some international observers had been accredited to monitor the election, added that trainings were conducted for staff of the commission, journalists and members of the CSOs aimed at ensuring a credible process.

As the election gets closer and going by the preparation made by PLASIEC, Plateau residents are optimistic of having an election that would be free, fair, credible and peaceful; an election that’s a complete departure from the previous ones.(NANfeatures)

**If used, please credit the author and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, infertility affects 49.91 per cent of couples in Africa, with West Africa contributing 41.57 per cent of this figure.

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Earlier this year as the rainy season approached the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its weather forecast, as it has done in recent years, warned of impending flooding.

As forewarned, the rain is here so is the flood. The consequences, though not as massive as two seasons ago, is huge.

Mrs Aishatu Abu’s eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the ruins that used to be her home. It has been submerged in the murky waters of the overflowing river.

The floods had come without warning, sweeping away her livelihood, her memories and her sense of security. She is not alone. The victims across the country are many.

Thousands of Nigerians, such as Abu, have been affected by the recent flood season with their lives turned upside down by the raging waters.

The floods spotlight the urgent need for effective disaster risk management in Nigeria.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), urges a comprehensive action plan to address disaster risks in Nigeria.

He advocated a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria considering new and emerging hazards associated with it.

Umar spoke at a recent Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030 in Abuja.

He said Nigeria faced severe vulnerabilities due to poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Umar said that the Sahel region, where Nigeria is located, is prone to various disasters, including floods, landslides, droughts, and conflicts.

“A review of NEMA’s existing plans has indicated an urgent need for a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria, considering new and emerging hazards.

“This is to align with the Sendai Framework and African Programme of Action (PoA) to increase disaster resilience and drive sustainable development.

“The current escalations of conflicts, banditry, annual floods, and extreme weather events have triggered the desire to develop this DRR Strategy and Action Plan for Nigeria,” she said.

One of the agencies at the centre of disaster mitigation, NiMet, is worried that many Nigerians do not heed to early warnings serious hence enormity of damage usually cost by flood and other disasters.

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, spoke in Abuja, at a three-day Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030.

“Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any moment, leaving devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods. Early warning systems are the first line of defence against disasters.

“They provide critical seconds, minutes, or hours for people to seek safety, evacuate, or take necessary precautions.

“However, an early warning is only effective if it reaches all those at risk. In Nigeria, we face various hazards, from floods to landslides, droughts, and conflicts.

“The impact of these disasters can be catastrophic, but we can mitigate them through proactive and inclusive approaches.

“That’s why we must prioritise early warning for all. We need to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, language, or socioeconomic status, receives timely and accurate warnings,” Anosike said.

Anosike said that to achieve this, Nigeria should invest in robust early warning systems that leveraged technology and community networks and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

He stressed the need to conduct regulatory and public awareness campaigns, foster collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, and support disaster risk reduction education in schools and communities.

Anosike called on all stakeholders working on disaster management and prevention to cooperate for better results.

“By working together, we can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in Nigeria. Let us commit to protecting our people, our communities, and our nation,” he said.

As the country seeks to build resilience against disasters, it must prioritise the needs of affected communities and escalate investment in disaster-related areas.

By investing in robust early warning systems, conducting regulatory and public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, Nigeria can reduce the risk of disasters and protect its citizens from their aftermath.

Anambra is one of the flood-prone states in the country and Dr Nonye Soludo, the governor’s wife wants residents of previously flood-hit communities to always take proactive measures during rainy season by moving to higher grounds.

Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru are among the high flood risk areas.

She urged community leaders, churches, and well-meaning individuals to assist residents who may be affected by the flood.

In Niger State, the management of North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has sensitised communities around the Shiroro Hydro-Electric Power Plant to desist from water-based activities.

Mr Olubunmi Peters, the Vice Chairman, North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) identified poor maintenance of drainage system as part of the causes of flooding.

He, therefore, emphasised the need for government to start intensive desilting of drains and flood channels as well as intensify climate information services, especially to farmers.

As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of disaster risk management, it is clear that a comprehensive action plan is needed to address the challenge.

By working together, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in the country.

Already, the Federal Government said it is taking the bull by the horn by supporting states in their efforts to manage flood disaster.

According to Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said in Birnin Kebbi that federal government would provide three billion naira to states to mitigate the impact of flood.

While this year’s rainy season is in its twilight it is important that more measures are taken to apply the lessons learnt this year in preparing for flooding and other disasters next season. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Edo, with more than 4 million people, ancient traditions, artifacts and landmarks, remains a vital hub for Nigeria’s cultural heritage, economic growth and political dynamics.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edo, at present, has 2,629,025 million registered voters, out of which 2,249,780 million have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate in the Saturday governorship election.

Nonetheless, stakeholders have continued to express concerns over the refusal by Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) to sign the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

The NPC was set up in 2014 by former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and other prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers, bishops and civil society leaders prior to the 2015 general elections.

The key objectives of NPC are to promote peaceful elections, reduce electoral violence, encourage respect for election results, foster non-violent resolution of disputes and enhance national unity and stability.

Political analysts believe that the peace accord, though moral and not legal, relatively contributed to peaceful conduct of 2015 and 2019 general elections, the Edo 2020 governorship election, among others.

They say it also encouraged peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for election results in the country.

In December 2018, the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was not present at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, to sign the peace accord for 2019 general election.

Abubakar, who said that he did not receive the invitation for the programme, went to the Kukah Centre in Abuja to sign the pact on the following day.

In the case of Edo 2024, 17 out of the 18 political parties, including the APC, Labour Party, Accord, Peoples Redemption Party, signed the peace pact on Sept. 12 in Benin City.

Unlike what was witnessed in Dec., 2018, PDP leaders and its Candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, boycotted the ceremony over the party’s demands on INEC and the Police ahead of the election.

The party had earlier demanded the redeployment of the Edo Commissioner of Police, Nemo Edwin-Iwo, and INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Anugbum Onuoha.

The PDP also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its members in Edo, alleged to have been arbitrarily arrested and detained by police.

The PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said that the party would not sign the Peace Accord until its conditions were met.

Damagum alleged that the duo were partisan and working for the APC; hence credible election could not be guaranteed in the state under their supervision.

“Nobody is running away from his responsibility; rather we are pointing to Nigerians that there is something cooking by the APC-led administration, under the watch of police who are being paid with tax payers money.

Damagum, however, said that the PDP would participate in the election.

“We will come out in mass and we will defend our votes,’’ he said.

Equally, the PDP Chairman in Edo, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, accused the REC and CP of having links with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Aziegbemi said that the REC in Edo was Wike’s cousin, who served as a Special Adviser on Lands to Wike when he was Rivers Governor.

“Everyone in Nigeria knows the antecedents of Wike and his conduct during elections in Rivers.

“So, we will not close our eyes and watch him deploy the same tactic in Edo.

“The current Edo CP is also a close associate of Wike; we believe he would not act in the best interest of Edo people nor even in the spirit and letters of the Electoral Act,” Aziegbemi said.

Meanwhile, both INEC and the Police have rejected PDP’s demands, stating that the claims by the party were baseless.

Nemi-Iwo dismissed allegations linking his deployment to the state to the influence of Wike, nothing that his deployment to Edo was a routine administrative procedure within the Police Force.

“It is laughable to suggest that the deployment was influenced by the FCT Minister; I don’t have any personal or professional ties with Wike.”

Nemi-Iwo added that as a CP,  he was not an electoral umpire.

“As such, I cannot determine the outcome of an election as more senior officers, including two DIGs, AIGs, CPs and other senior officers have been deployed to supervise the conduct of Edo election,’’ he said.

Equally, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egnetokun, reacting to the alleged arbitrary arrest of PDP members in Edo, described it as baseless, saying the police were only determined to unravel the killers of a police officer in the state.

“If you hold the opinion that the I-G is partisan for going after the killer of the policeman, I think you will remain with that opinion forever,” Egbetokun said.

Also rejecting the PDP demand, INEC advised the party to focus on the election process and not on the REC or other officials of the commission.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said that the conduct of the election and result collation activity would take place in the open and accredited party agents would witness every step.

“In the same manner, polling unit results will be declared by the respective Presiding Officers (POs) after the voting, ballot sorting and counting processes, in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.

“The PO will also take a picture of the PU result in each polling unit with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload same to the INEC Result Viewing portal.

“Thereafter, the various collation stages will be undertaken before the declaration of the final result at the State Collation Centre in Benin-City,’’ he said.

Oyekanmi assured all the political parties, registered voters and other stakeholders that the commission would not give preference to any political party or candidate over the other.

While some stakeholders have touted the development in Edo as a recipe for violence, others have dismissed it, describing it as a non-issue.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) said the development in Edo would likely impact the Saturday governorship election in several ways.

The coalition aligned itself with the demand of immediate removal of the REC and the appointment of neutral officials to oversee the election.

To the political group, the credibility of the election process depends on ensuring a level playing field, impartial state actors, and transparency.

Its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, said that the development in Edo would erode trust in the electoral process, leading to voter apathy and disillusionment.

Ameh said it would create an uneven playing field, where one candidate may receive preferential treatment, thereby compromising the fairness of the election.

“Finally, it will undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome, leading to disputes and potentially destabilising the state,’’ he said.

On its part, the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) rejected the narrative and projected PDP’s action as a recipe for violence.

The Executive Director of PAACA, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, described it as partisan tactic and an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear, discourage voters from exercising their democratic rights and shift attention from the real issues.

Nwagwu advised voters in Edo to remain confident in the electoral system and not be intimidated by those seeking to suppress turnout.

He said that while the peace accord served as a useful tool for promoting peaceful elections, it was not a substitute for legal processes that guide elections, or the responsibility of security agencies to maintain peace during election.

“Regardless of whether a political party signs the peace accord or not, the duty of the police to enforce the law remains paramount,’’ he said.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, called on stakeholders in the off-cycle election to work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

“I urge all stakeholders to adhere to the principles of democracy, respect the rights of others and prioritise the interests of the Edo people and Nigeria in general,” he said.

Observers say it behooves INEC and police to keep to their oaths of neutrality in the Saturday election.

They hold that all stakeholders, especially political actors, must remember that the peace in Edo, a historic state, is critical to national peace and cohesion.(NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Oboh Linus, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Climate change issue is now at the centre of global politics. In the last decades, it has shaped public discourses as global leaders strive to chisel out policies that would birth a sustainable climate.

Nigeria, like many countries, has many policies on climate change, which are geared toward mitigating its impacts on humanity and the ecosystem respectively.

This is in addition to the Climate Change Act which was sponsored by then Rep. Sam Onuigbo and signed into law by former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

The law serves as Nigeria’s legal blueprint for a sustainable climate.
The initiative for the conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas engines is another Federal Government effort to promote a pollution-free environment.

However, in spite of these efforts, Africa’s largest economy is still facing huge climate problems.
This is largely due to inadequate political will to fully implement its policies and climate-friendly initiatives.

Sadly, the failure to effectively implement climate policies has worsened Nigeria’s ranking among countries that are seriously taking climate action.

Nigeria placed Nigeria 158 out of 182 countries on climate vulnerability as of 2023, according to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index.

Analysts say fighting climate change goes beyond talking and formulation of policies. They say it needs shared commitment from the leaders, citizens and right budgetary provisions for sustainable implementation.

They said that Nigeria had a fair share of environmental and ecological challenges like flooding, erratic rainfall patterns, erosion, heat waves, air pollution, poor energy, and deforestation that left visible scars on its citizenry.

They alleged that some political leaders in the past had treated climate change issues with levity as ecological funds set aside by governments toward addressing environmental and climate emergencies are often misappropriated.

Climate Analysts attribute the lack of political will to effectively implement climate policies and action plans to the failure of electorates over the years to use their voting powers to elect climate-friendly politicians.

They further say there is the need for registered voters in Nigeria to realign themselves toward voting for climate if they want to achieve a sustainable environment.

In light of this, they argue that to hold political leaders accountable for their climate inactions, voters should change the narrative by giving their mandates to candidates with climate-friendly dispositions.

Dr David Michael, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, said voting for climate matters, especially in Nigeria where the political will for climate actions is conspicuously lacking.

He described climate change as a global issue impacting the globe, socio-economic, food security and security, noting that it directly links to social issues currently ravaging Nigeria.

He said that climate change was already impacting food security in the country and making the citizenry vulnerable due to delayed rainfall and long dry spells.

“Voting for climate change matters because when you vote for climate and environmental friendly politicians they will come out with the right policies.

“They will come with the right budgetary provisions to ensure that we build climate resilience in Nigeria.

“This will enable us to overcome some of the impacts of climate change and some of the social and economic impacts of climate change we are facing today.

“When you vote a climate denial into office the chances are that he will be silent about climate change. And you can imagine the impacts that we already experienced,” he emphasised.

He stressed the need for states to domesticate climate change policies of the federal government and work toward their implementation.

“Fighting climate change is not by talking, is not just having policies, it requires resources – right budgetary provisions and implementation.

“The hunger protest that ended not long ago, although a lot of people will read political meaning to it, if there was no hunger there would be no basis for people to take political advantage of the situation.

“So, we need those politicians who will help guide the light for the nation to build climate resilience and we can only achieve that when we vote for the right candidates,” he said.

As Edo and Ondo governorship elections approach, he enjoined the registered voters to do themselves good by voting for those candidates who would come out publicly to declare and state their climate action plans.

“Climate change is impacting Edo and Ondo states greatly, both states witness floods annually.

“Climate change will impact democracy that clearly shows when the INEC office in Edo State was flooded earlier this year and a lot of election materials were destroyed.

“In Ondo state, the Aiyetoro community is experiencing sea level rise; the community has lost a large chunk of its lands to water. The people of Ondo must and should demand climate action by voting for the right candidate.

“Voters should demand climate action plans when going around for campaigning because it is an issue that directly impacts their lives and livelihoods, they have the power to speak with their vote and they should vote right,” he advised.

Dr Mohammed Kabiru Dahiru, Senior Lecturer, Federal University, Lafia, posited that climate change was the bane of environmental sustainability, adding that without addressing it no meaningful development could be achieved.

Dahiru, a climate change expert, who is also the acting Head of Geography Department said climate change had far-reaching implications for the survival and well-being of humanity.

He said it was appropriate to vote for politicians who were conscious of climate change challenges.

According to him, this will ensure they provide opportunities to contribute either through legislation or policy implementation towards reducing its impacts on citizens.

He emphasised the need to educate the public and encourage them to vote for the candidates who have interest and good intentions toward climate action.

“Climate change is human-induced to a large extent. Since it is a human-induced problem it needs humans to work towards ensuring that the problem is alleviated,” he said.

Envoh Okolo, Coordinator, Nasarawa State Network on Environment Climate Justice, says voting for climate is long overdue in Nigeria, considering the level of climate change impacts on the environment and its socio-economic effects on livelihoods.

He said Nigerians were facing food shortages due to the impacts of climate change as manifested in long dry spells, flooding and environmental degradation.

“The reason is because of the lack of political will to implement policies and action plans to mitigate the impact of climate change; this is evident in inflation and hunger being experienced in several states,” he said.

Okolo advised the Edo and Ondo electorate to scrutinise candidates’ manifestos before deciding whom to vote for in their upcoming elections.

“Climate change has not affected voting patterns in Nigeria therefore it is high time the citizens began to have the consciousness toward voting for climate,” he said.

Mr Jonathan Joshua, a climate change advocate and National President, Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN) said climate change being a global phenomenon had enormously impacted both agriculture and security.

He said voting for climate-friendly politicians would amount to voting for environmental sustainability, food security and commitment to bringing interventions toward reducing its impacts.

Joshua enjoined the voters in Nigeria, particularly in Edo and Ondo to take decisive actions by voting for candidates that would implement climate change policies.

“If they must be voted for they must have plans for interventions in line with climate policies; that will help the farmers and the vulnerable communities to deal with climate change.

”So the voters must take a decisive decision; any candidate that is not going to implement climate change policies in their administration should not be given a chance to be voted for,” he advised. (NANFeatures)

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long struggled with a critical healthcare challenge—dependence on imported vaccines. Huge population comes with the need to meet huge vaccine needs.

Among the vaccine-preventable diseases are polio, cholera, diphtheria, Human papillomavirus, influenza, yellow fever, tetanus, among others.

“Nigeria’s vaccine imports are expected to surge. By 2028, the nation’s vaccine imports are forecasted to reach about $84 million, a significant rise from $66 million in 2023.

This increase represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7 per cent’’, says ReportLinker which tracks statistics in various sectors.

In recent years there have been efforts to ramp up and reverse the dependence on imported vaccines.

This move is seen not just as an economic necessity, but as a strategic pillar for Nigeria’s healthcare independence. It is also a measure of preparedness for national health security.

Mr Bill Gates, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, expressed skepticism about Nigeria’s capacity for local vaccine production.

Gates highlighted regulatory challenges and economic scale as major obstacles, suggesting that local entrepreneurs might find more immediate benefits in producing other health products.

“Vaccines are probably not the first thing they would choose to do because of the regulatory complexity and the scale economics.

“There are many other things in the health sector that should probably be higher on the list to ensure availability and cost are improved by local entrepreneurs,” he said.

Gates’ comments sparked debate, as they seemed to counter the ongoing efforts by Nigerian and African leaders to establish a strong local vaccine manufacturing base.

However, the road to self-sufficiency is fraught with challenges—historical, infrastructural, and financial—that the nation must overcome to realise this goal.

Nigeria was once a leader in vaccine production in Africa. From the 1940s until the early 1990s, the Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory (FVPL) in Yaba, Lagos State, supplied a range of vaccines, including those for smallpox, yellow fever, and rabies.

However, by the mid-1990s, production ceased due to neglect and underfunding forcing the country to rely on imports to meet its vaccination needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerabilities of this system with vaccine shortages and delays affecting millions.

Vaccine shortages, particularly in rural areas, have resulted in preventable deaths.

Mrs Mairo Saidu, a resident of the Waru community in the FCT, recounted how her daughter died from measles because there were no vaccines available in their local clinic.

“If vaccines were made in the country, maybe my daughter would still be alive,” Saidu said.

Attention has come from the right quarters to encourage local vaccine production though it has come short.

“We realised during COVID-19 how critical it is to produce vaccines locally. Relying on other nations in times of crisis is simply not sustainable,” said Dr Ngozi Jack, a public health expert.

Recognising the urgency, Nigeria’s government, in partnership with the private sector, is working to resurrect local vaccine production.

In 2005, Biovaccines Nigeria Limited (BVNL) was formed as a joint venture between the Nigerian government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc.

It was tasked with reviving vaccine manufacturing in the country. However, in 2007 the incoming government headed by President Umaru Yar’ardua, dissolved the management board of the BVNL, of which it was a minority shareholder.

It was not until 2017 that BVNL was resuscitated with plans to produce key vaccines for routine immunisation of Nigeria’s teeming and increasing cohorts of newborns.

In spite of these efforts, Nigeria continues to import its vaccines, with local production facing numerous hurdles.

Lack of state-of-the-art technology impedes vaccine production. For instance, building a modern vaccine manufacturing facility costs between 100 to 500 million dollars, depending on capacity and technology.

“The regulatory landscape is complex; there’s still a lot of capacity building required,” said Dr Solomon Chollom, a virologist.

Chollom urged Nigeria’s regulatory body, NAFDAC, to harmonise the processes with global standards to streamline vaccine approval and quality control.

While policies exist to support local manufacturing, stakeholders report their inadequate implementation due to a lack of political will, poor government commitment and insufficient resources.

A survey by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) in 2022 indicated that over 70 per cent of local manufacturers struggled with securing funds.

Nigeria has a growing GDP but relies heavily on imports for vaccines and pharmaceuticals, while countries like Senegal and South Africa are producing some vaccines for local consumption.

The National Development Plan (2021-2025), recognises manufacturing, including pharmaceuticals, as key to economic diversification.

Furthermore, the Economic Sustainability Plan created in 2020 aims to promote local manufacturing and reduce foreign dependence.

In partnership with international organisations Nigeria is also making strides to adopt modern vaccine production technologies.

The WHO mRNA Technology Transfer Hub has selected Nigeria as one of six African countries to benefit from cutting-edge mRNA technology, which is expected to boost local vaccine production capabilities.

Moreover, the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) and Nigeria’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) have formed a strategic alliance to strengthen local pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capacity.

The consequences of Nigeria’s dependence on imported vaccines are felt most acutely by ordinary citizens.

Stories like hers underscore the urgency of accelerating local production to avoid such tragic outcomes.

While these efforts have been applauded, some experts remain skeptical. Dr Suleima Mainasara, a Public Health expert argued that the progress has been slow.

“Regulatory hurdles, inadequate funding, and the high cost of setting up manufacturing facilities have been significant barriers, Mainasara said.

Similarly, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist, underscored that investment, though crucial, was only part of the puzzle.

“Local capacity-building, strengthening of regulatory frameworks, and sustained political will are equally important,” he said.

Tomori cautions that while funding is critical, consistency and commitment from all stakeholders are even more crucial to achieving long-term success.

The path ahead is long, but with the right partnerships and political will, Nigeria’s dream of vaccine self-sufficiency could finally become a reality.

“Most crucial for success, is the need for all the implementers and operators of the national plan to produce vaccines locally to work together subsuming self-interest under national interest,” he said.

The journey to vaccine self-sufficiency is not a sprint but a marathon. Experts agree that it would take sustained efforts over the next decade to build the infrastructure and human capacity required.

However, if successful, Nigeria could not only meet its own needs but also become a key supplier of vaccines to the rest of Africa, positioning itself as a regional health leader.

Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC), is aimed at boosting private sector involvement in the vaccine and pharmaceutical industries.

By fostering local and international market demand, the PVAC initiative can help ensure the sustainability of vaccine manufacturing and attract critical investments.

Moreover, the initiative would enable Nigeria to access funds from the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) further enhancing its production capabilities.

Vaccine experts say Nigeria’s government must prioritise investment in vaccine production, distribution, and delivery to ensure pandemic preparedness and universal health coverage.

Strengthening regulatory frameworks, health systems, and supply chain management will be critical in ensuring that the country meets its goal of vaccine self-sufficiency.

The road to self-sufficiency would require addressing key challenges such as financing, infrastructure and policy implementation.

However, with consistent political will and investment in the right areas, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on imported vaccines and become a leader in vaccine production for Africans. (NANFeatures)

**If used please the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.