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Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
By: Melvin Uche
The inaugural North-East Climate Change Summit and Retreat, held on September 16-19, 2024, at the International Conference Center in Gombe, sparked a passionate call for climate action. The event, hosted by the North-East Development Commission, centered on the theme “Leveraging Climate Action for the Sustainable Development of North-East Nigeria.” During his address, Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and Member (South East) & Chairman Committee on Security, Climate Change & Special Interventions North East Development Commission ( NEDC ) highlighted the severe climate challenges that threaten agriculture, security, and the overall livelihoods in the region.
Onuigbo stressed the urgent need to address environmental crises such as land degradation, desertification, and recurring droughts that have crippled agricultural productivity in the North-East. These environmental challenges have compounded the region’s long-standing issues of insecurity, inadequate skills development, education, and technological advancement, leaving millions vulnerable.
Drawing from international frameworks, including the United Nations General Assembly’s 2009 Resolution on Climate Change and the 2017 UN Security Council Resolution, Onuigbo pointed out that climate change amplifies security risks in the North-East. “Environmental degradation has fueled resource conflicts, migration, and displacement, which, in turn, worsen the region’s security issues,” Onuigbo stated.
While Africa contributes only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Onuigbo underscored that Nigeria, especially the North-East, is facing devastating effects, from desertification to the drying up of Lake Chad. The impact on agriculture, which sustains the region’s economy, is particularly alarming, with rising food insecurity driving migration and heightening conflicts.
Onuigbo, who is widely called the father of climate change in Nigeria, praised Nigeria’s recent legislative strides, including the Climate Change Act 2021, which he sponsored, and the Electricity Act 2023, which creates pathways for sustainable development and renewable energy adoption. “These laws are essential for integrating climate resilience into agriculture, energy, and education, and for fostering economic growth,” he noted.
Highlighting national initiatives like the Energy Transition Plan (2021) and the Great Green Wall Initiative, Onuigbo emphasized their critical role in mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable land use in the North-East. He urged the region to take advantage of international funding opportunities, such as the World Bank’s $3 billion annual fund for climate-smart agriculture.
Rep. Onuigbo also addressed the direct link between climate change and the region’s security challenges. “Droughts and resource scarcity are pushing communities into conflict over land, water, and grazing rights,” he warned. The resulting tensions have fueled insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes.
While outlining these grim realities, Onuigbo offered a hopeful vision for the future. He advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions to boost productivity, generate revenue, and create sustainable livelihoods. “The North-East’s agricultural potential can be unlocked with the right investments in technology and climate-smart practices,” he said.
The Electricity Act 2023, which decentralizes electricity generation, was lauded by Onuigbo as a game-changer for energy access in the region. He urged state governments to invest in renewable energy projects that co inuld power industries and households, improving living conditions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “The North-East’s topography is perfect for renewable energy projects,” he added, citing the decreasing costs of solar and wind power as a promising development.
Onuigbo also called for the establishment of state-level climate governance frameworks, urging governments to adopt robust climate action plans with clear, measurable goals. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness on climate issues, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly, who are often the most affected.
Onuigbo’s optimistic outlook on leveraging climate action for regional development set the tone for the latter part of the summit, where further discussions explored practical steps for implementation. He pointed out that COP28’s global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 presents unprecedented opportunities for the North-East to become a hub for clean energy and sustainable agriculture. He cited the plummeting costs of renewable energy as an opportunity the region must not miss.
Onuigbo also referenced alarming global health statistics, including those shared by Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesos, Director General of the World Health Organization, on the deadly effects of household pollution from dirty cooking fuels. “Clean energy is not just about economics—it’s about saving lives,” Onuigbo said, highlighting the importance of renewable energy in reducing household air pollution, which claims millions of lives globally each year.
Onuigbo also highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, due to extreme heat and poor working conditions. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is already impacting lives, livelihoods, and security,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Onuigbo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making food security a priority in his administration’s agenda and for spearheading efforts toward energy transition and climate change mitigation. He also acknowledged the North-East governors for establishing the North-East Governors’ Forum, which serves as a vital platform for addressing regional climate challenges.
He praised the leadership of the North-East Development Commission for organizing the summit at such a critical time, stating that “this collective action is what is needed to transform the region’s future.”
In his parting message, Onuigbo left the audience with a bold vision: “The North-East has the resources, human capital, and global momentum to overcome these challenges. By embracing renewable energy, investing in climate-smart agriculture, and building resilient infrastructure, the region can position itself as a key player in the global economy.”
As Nigeria and the world move toward a low-carbon future, the North-East region stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will shape not only the region’s future but also its role in addressing global climate challenges.
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
News
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
By: Michael Mike
Students in Monrovia, Liberia, have been honoured for their contributions to a regional essay competition organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awards ceremony, organised by the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, celebrated outstanding undergraduate essays examining the role of young people in driving development and strengthening regional cooperation across West Africa.
Launched as part of the ECOWAS@50 anniversary activities, the competition invited university and college students to reflect on the theme, “Youth Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for National Development and Regional Integration.” Organisers said the initiative was designed to stimulate intellectual engagement among young people and encourage them to think critically about their role in shaping the future of the region.
In total, 40 essays were submitted by students from tertiary institutions across Liberia, offering diverse perspectives on how youth-led enterprise could contribute to economic growth, job creation and deeper integration among West African nations.
At the ceremony, Samuel R. Watkins of the University of Liberia emerged as the overall winner, receiving a $1,000 prize for his submission. The second-place award went to Daniel Isaac-Sie Jr. of African Methodist Episcopal University, who received $700. Organisers announced that the two winning essays will also be published in national newspapers with online platforms to broaden public engagement with the ideas presented.
The event attracted a distinguished audience that included ambassadors of ECOWAS member states accredited to Liberia, university presidents, and representatives from the Ministry of Education of Liberia, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Liberia, and the National Commission on Higher Education of Liberia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, commended the students for the depth of thought reflected in their essays and encouraged them to continue using writing as a platform for civic engagement and policy influence.
She emphasised that empowering young people to participate actively in national and regional development remains a key priority for ECOWAS, noting that youth voices are essential in shaping policies that drive economic transformation and social progress.
Nkrumah also urged participants who did not win to remain committed to intellectual pursuits, describing the competition as a learning experience that should inspire greater academic and creative efforts in the future.
The competition forms part of broader activities marking 50 years since the establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, as the regional bloc continues to promote economic cooperation, integration and shared prosperity among its member states. Organisers say initiatives that engage young people are critical to sustaining the vision of a more integrated and economically vibrant West Africa.
ECOWAS@50: Liberian Students Honoured for Essays on Youth Entrepreneurship and Regional Integration
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has hosted a special classical music concert in Abuja, describing the event as a significant step toward strengthening cultural dialogue and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Russia.
The event, which drew diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, academics and members of the public, featured performances by three talented young Russian musicians from the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory, one of Russia’s most prestigious music institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev noted that the concert was organized with the support of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
According to him, the concert represents the first cultural event of its kind organized by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria in several years and marks an important effort to revive cultural engagement between the two nations.
“This evening is not simply a concert,” the envoy said. “It is an important step toward strengthening cultural dialogue between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Russian Federation. We hope it will mark the beginning of a new tradition that brings our peoples closer through the universal language of music.”
He expressed appreciation to several Nigerian institutions for supporting the initiative, including the National Universities Commission for providing the venue, as well as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigeria Immigration Service for their cooperation.
Special recognition was also given to Abba Music School for its role in coordinating the event and facilitating the participation of the visiting musicians.
The envoy said Russia also hopes to deepen cultural exchange by creating opportunities for Nigerian artists and creative groups to perform in Russia in the future, allowing Russian audiences to experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“We look forward to the day when Nigerian creative groups will visit Russia, enabling our audiences to appreciate the depth, diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture,” he said.
Guests at the concert were treated to a carefully curated repertoire of classical masterpieces drawn from Russian and global musical traditions, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistry of the visiting performers.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural interaction among diplomats, academics, students and music lovers, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in fostering international understanding.
The Russian envoy concluded his remarks by congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and thanking guests for attending the event.
Observers noted that the concert reflects a renewed effort by Russia to use cultural diplomacy to deepen engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, arts and cultural exchange.
Russia Hosts Classical Music Concert in Abuja to Revive Cultural Ties with Nigeria
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
By: Zagazola Makama
A fire outbreak has destroyed ten shops at a shopping complex in Garejin Mai Lena area of Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, causing extensive property losses valued at millions of naira.
The blaze was brought under control through a joint effort by security operatives and local residents who assisted in putting out the fire.
Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
Fire destroys 10 shops in Gusau shopping complex
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