Shettima Calls for Collaboration of All Stakeholders Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

By: Michael Mike

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has called on African leaders, stakeholders and the private sector to come together and create an inclusive approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver lasting solutions to climate change in the continent.

He made the call at the 2nd Edition of the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by the Special Advisor to the President on National Economic Council on Climate Change, Rukayat El-Rufai, the Vice President noted that African countries have continued to suffer from the effects of climate change and it has become necessary for stakeholders to dialogue towards defining remediation, mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as low-emission pathways.

The Vice President while highlighting Nigeria’s proactive stance, referenced the country’s Climate Change Act of 2021, which aims for low greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable growth.

He noted the targets for net-zero emissions by 2060 and emphasized ongoing efforts to establish a robust sustainable carbon market projected at $2.5 billion.

He however urged stakeholders to recognize climate change not as a distant concern but as an immediate threat requiring urgent and coordinated responses.

The Vice President also lauded the forum’s organizers for their commitment to fostering tangible solutions through initiatives like the Deal Room, which aims to facilitate financing for climate projects.

In a welcome Address, the converner and Director General, Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy, Professor George Nwangwu said Africa Climate financing is necessary not only to combat climate change but also for fostering sustainable development.

Speaking on the theme: “Africa’s Climate Future: Pathways from Dependence to Leadership”, he said it depicted the moment where Africa can transform from being a continent that bears the burden of climate impacts to one that leads in climate solutions and innovation

He added that empowering sub-national entities to lead the way would be crucial in achieving meaningful and lasting progress toward climate goals.

Prof. George Nwangwu, who is also the convener of the forum, decried that only 0.2% of the US$400 billion earmarked for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has been committed, raising concerns about Africa’s climate resilience.

He said: “The fund for responding to loss and damage was operationalized at COP28, and Ibrahim Cheikh Diong has been appointed as its Executive Director, effective November 1, 2024,” noting that despite this development, Africa still faces formidable challenges in securing adequate financing to address the irreversible effects of climate change.

Nwangwu said, with commitments currently exceeding US$ 700 million, the funding gap remains critical.

He said to address the loss and damage caused by severe weather incidents globally, an annual baseline of US$400 billion is necessary.

He however noted that the forum will spur actions, forge partnerships, share knowledge, and commit to concrete steps that will propel Africa forward toward a future where we are not just dependent on external aid or solutions but are leaders, innovators, and drivers of global climate change strategies.

Nwangwu said: “Nevertheless, challenges still persist. At just over 700 million U.S. dollars in foreign direct investments commitments, which is merely 0.2% of the total amount needed to address the irreversible effects of climate change and global warming. Africa still needs a lot of financing to move forward.

“Climate and development experts have recommended a baseline of US$400 billion annually to cater for the loss and damage caused by severe weather incidents globally. Again, the absence of mandatory commitments raises doubts about Africa Climate”.

Shettima Calls for Collaboration of All Stakeholders Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

FG Intensifies Employment Drive, Inaugurates NJFP Steering Committee

*** We must act collectively to tackle unemployment, equip our youths, says VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Jubilee Programme (NJFP), as part of measures by the Federal Government to scale up its employment initiative and enhance the employability of fresh graduates with market-ready skills and competence.

NJFP, a Nigerian government initiative being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a seed investment from the European Union (EU), is coordinated by the office of the Vice President.

It was established to address challenges confronting Nigerian graduates in accessing meaningful jobs, as well as develop, test and deploy a scalable model that would effectively assist in tackling the root causes of growing unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria.

Speaking on Monday while inaugurating the Steering Committee of the NJFP at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima described the programme as a decisive step by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward equipping Nigerian youth with the required tools to become employees, innovators and leaders in their chosen careers.

He stated: “The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is more than just an employment initiative—it is a catalyst for broader engagement in youth-driven innovation, employability, and entrepreneurship. Programmes like this are a decisive step toward equipping our youth with the tools to become not just employees but also innovators and leaders in their respective fields.

“The NJFP has clearly made commendable progress, and it is now time to build on that foundation to provide a wider coverage through innovative adaptations that ensure that this programme does not just provide job placements but also emphasizes the development of key skills through practical, real-world applications.

“This is how we scale impact—by embedding long-lasting, transformative learning experiences into the programme structure”.

Acknowledging that youth unemployment has remained a serious challenge in Nigeria, Senator Shettima implored stakeholders and development partners to act cooperatively to combat the menace before it destabilizes the nation’s future.

“Unemployment remains a critical challenge for Nigeria, and youth unemployment is an even more pressing concern. As a government, we fully recognize the far-reaching consequences that economic downturns have on young people.

His words: “Prolonged periods of unemployment or underemployment can hinder future income potential and significantly diminish career opportunities. This is precisely why today’s gathering is so important.

“We cannot afford to delay; we must act collectively to tackle this issue before it severely undermines our future. It is therefore with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency that I convene this inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).”

VP Shettima explained that his office directly coordinates the NJFP and some other crucial federal government initiatives, including Human Capital Development (HCD) programme, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) and the Expanded MSME Clinics programmes, because they are priorities for the Tinubu administration.

The NJFP, he said, is more vital because Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of the youth, adding that everything must be done within to secure their success.

He continued: “It is imperative that we focus on the long-term sustainability and scalability of the NJFP while further aligning the objectives of the programme with the overarching priorities of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“To guarantee this, we must offer all support to ensure that NJFP is not only sustained but also expanded. We will prioritise the counterpart financing to fulfill the government’s obligation and unlock more funding for the programme.”

Earlier in her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the federal government for its “unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing Nigerian human capital development, particularly youth development as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Admitting that “the Vice President’s leadership role on this has been very exemplary,” she recalled that since VP Shettima inaugurated the steering committee of the Human Capital Development programme a few weeks ago, many young Nigerians have been seen breaking barriers, opening up new frontiers based on their talent – not just locally but also on the global stage.

“Young Nigerians are demonstrating to the world that they have the capacity and ingenuity to transform not just their own lives but also those of their communities and Africa at large. Nigeria does not carry last,” she stated.

While thanking the European Union for supporting the programme to the tune of 44 million Euros, Ms. Elsie said the NJFP seeks to champion home-grown talent, connecting young Nigerians with local opportunities through twelve months of placement where they apply their expertise to gain market-ready skills.

On his part, the European Union Head of Cooperation, Mr. Massino de Luca, said the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a flagship that generates pride and excitement, not only here in their Abuja office but also in the EU Headquarters.

He maintained that youth involvement and focus remain the ace of the EU’s action in Nigeria, even as he said NJFP typifies the EU’s commitment to the youth agenda in Nigeria and the world.

He said the fundamental aspect of the programme is finance sustainability which the EU has funded with 44 million Euros, adding Nigerians and European businesses have both benefited by the programme and since its inception, it has built strong relationships and partnerships as well as empower thousands of fellows.

Shedding light on the impact of the programme on the Ministry of Youth Development, the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, said the NJFP is an initiative which aligns with the ministry’s initiative called the work-experience-programme where graduates are fixed into jobs and there is an opportunity to upscale and improve it with the NJFP programme.

She said her Ministry has the agenda to create 10 million jobs by 2027, adding that as a ministry they cannot achieve that alone.

Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said a total of 3,100 youths have been trained, far below the estimated target, attributing it to a number of reasons, including COVID-19 and the transition process of the immediate past administration.

“But seeing what the head of UNDP has brought in and the commitment of the EU, I am quite optimistic that we’ll do much more,” she added.

FG Intensifies Employment Drive, Inaugurates NJFP Steering Committee

CAS APPOINTS AIR COMMODORE OLUSOLA AKINBOYEWA AS DOPRI, REDEPLOYS AIR VICE MARSHAL EDWARD GABKWET TO CMR BRANCH

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has approved the appointment of Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa as the new Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The CAS also approved the redeployment of the erstwhile DOPRI, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, to the newly established NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch as Director of Coordination and Cooperation.

This strategic realignment is part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its public and community engagement functions, while also ensuring a more robust and effective interface with the general public and stakeholders. As the new Spokesperson, Air Commodore Akinboyewa is expected to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by overseeing NAF’s media engagements, strategic communications, and information dissemination, while building perception, maintaining transparency and further enhancing public trust and confidence.

Air Commodore Akinboyewa hails from Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State. A member of the 43rd Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the NDA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and a Masters Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the NDA. Throughout his career, he has held numerous key command and staff appointments and attended various courses both locally and internationally. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

CAS APPOINTS AIR COMMODORE OLUSOLA AKINBOYEWA AS DOPRI, REDEPLOYS AIR VICE MARSHAL EDWARD GABKWET TO CMR BRANCH