Initiative - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Tue, 2025

Nigeria contributes 85,325km² global seabed mapping initiative – official

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode, says Nigeria has contributed 85,325 square kilometers to the global seabed mapping initiative.

Olugbode said this on Tuesday, in Abuja at a news conference on World Hydrography Day celebration/West Africa Hydrographic Summit.

He noted that in spite of oceans covering 71 per cent of the earth’s surface, only 26.1 per cent had been mapped, hindering effective ocean governance.

Olugbode said that at the national level, the National Hydrographic Office had effectively mapped the Lagos and Calabar coastal lines under the national charting scheme.

“There are some things that we put into place: the mapping and the water. One is the density of shipping traffic, which Lagos has.

“Second, is the mobility of the seabed. How often does the seabed move, and that will determine, and this determines the rapidity in which we map.”

According to him, the next area for mapping is the Bonny, and the mapping process is being conducted systematically.

Speaking on the West Africa Hydrographic Summit scheduled for June 19 to June 21 in Abuja, Olugbode said it would bring together ECOWAS navies to discuss challenges and opportunities in maritime governance.

According to him, hydrography is the backdrop of maritime safety, economic development, and environmental sustainability, as well as ocean governance.

“The summit will chart the course for the future of hydrography in our region towards a global action.

“In 2025, we aim to firstly strengthen regional collaboration through the main West African Hydrographic Summit, foster joint surveys, and sharing data platforms, both virtual and institutionally.

“Two, we aim to feature keynote lectures and presentations, advocating hydrography and seabed to support the Seabed 2030 Initiative, a global program critical for the safety of navigation, climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and economic growth of the world.

“Thirdly, we hope to showcase innovations in hydrography technology through exhibitions and live demonstrations.

”Last year, we celebrated the role of hydrography in maritime safety.”

He said that the conference took a bold step this year by addressing regional gaps and aligning with global frameworks.

He said that it would also align with regional frameworks, like the African-Continental Free Trade Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Goal 12, titled Life Below Water.

“This emphasizes the critical importance of the ocean and marine resources to human well-being and the planet and the health of the planet, which is a critical factor for the sustenance of mankind,” Olugbode said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Commission calls for inclusion of PwDs in Nigeria’s renewable energy initiative

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Fri, 2025

Metro

Commission calls for inclusion of PwDs in Nigeria’s renewable energy initiative

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By Ahmed Musa

Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has urged stakeholders to include Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Nigeria’s renewable energy initiatives.

Gufwan made the call during a meeting with Anita Adeyemi, Vice President of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEA-A), on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting aims to promote the inclusion of PwDs in the renewable energy sector, with plans to provide training in areas such as solar panel installation.

“This partnership will offer training programmes to equip PwDs with skills in solar energy installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship,” Gufwan stated.

He explained that the growing population of PwDs required concerted efforts to engage them in various sectors of the national economy.

Gufwan further emphasised that the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector necessitated the representation of PwDs, aligning with the inclusion policy drive of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This partnership will open new doors for persons with disabilities in the renewable energy space, from access to solar energy solutions to skills development and entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said.

He also mentioned that upcoming national and international renewable energy conferences, including the Brazil Climate Action Summit, would focus on assessing the clean energy needs of PwDs across different disability clusters.

“The transition to clean energy must be inclusive and sustainable, so we call on all stakeholders to join us in making renewable energy accessible to persons with disabilities,” Gufwan added.

He assured Adeyemi of the commission’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting increased inclusion of PwDs in government-backed renewable energy programmes.

“We are committed to ensuring PwDs are not left behind in Nigeria’s clean energy future,” Gufwan added.

In response, Adeyemi highlighted the lack of representation of PwDs in the clean and renewable energy sector.

She noted that in most climate action and renewable energy discussions, persons with disabilities were either absent or not given defined roles to share their views.

“The situation remains the same in spite of Nigeria’s advocacy for clean energy adoption, and PwDs remain largely excluded from participation and access.

“We must work together to ensure they have access to sustainable energy solutions and economic empowerment within the sector.”(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and Abiemwense Moru

PPDC unveils initiative to reduce prison congestion

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jan, Thu, 2025

Judiciary

PPDC unveils initiative to reduce prison congestion

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has launched an initiative aimed at reducing prison congestion and promoting access to justice for indigent inmates in Nigeria.

The initiative, named, “Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project,” was introduced by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Abagi.

She made the announcement during a visit to law clinics at the University of Abuja and Philomath University, in Abuja.

Abagi explained that the project was designed to addressed the issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in custody.

She said the initiatives supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, involved deploying law clinicians to prisons to provide free legal services such as legal counselling, court representation, and advocacy for inmates.

Abagi highlighted the pressing issue of prison congestion in Nigeria, noting that over 60,000 inmates were currently awaiting trial.

She stressed that the initiative was designed to reduce this backlog by providing legal services to indigent inmates.

“The programme also aims to train law students and young lawyers to offer pro bono services, further increasing access to justice.

“The training of law students and young lawyers is critical to expanding the pool of legal support for inmates.

“The initiative, which will run until 2026 with the possibility of extension, is set to be implemented in 10 locations across five states, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Lagos, Abuja, and Adamawa,” Abagi said.

Abagi called for support from the government and other stakeholders, urging them to contribute to the initiative’s success.

She believed the initiative would make a significant impact on thousands of inmates and contribute to the reform of the Nigerian justice system.

“We urge the government and other stakeholders to support this cause, as it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of inmates across the country.

‘”By working together, we can promote access to justice and reduce prison congestion in Nigeria,” Abagi urged.

The Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, Prof. Gylych Jelilov, speaking during the event, commended the initiative and assured that donated items would be used effectively at the Kuje Custodial Centre and across Nigeria.

Similarly, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, lauded the PPDC and the American Embassy for their donations.

He noted that the equipment would aid in providing justice to inmates who previously lacked access to legal assistance.

“The equipment they donated to us is coming at the nick of time, and as we all know, Nigeria needs access to justice more than any other country in Africa.

“Our law clinics have been working hard, but we faced many constraints. However, with this equipment, it will go a long way in ensuring that those who need intervention receive it. We are going to do more,” he assured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event saw the deployment of various items, including computers, furniture, printers, cameras, files, and solar facilities, which will support the initiative’s legal services.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru