National News
COP26: UK commits to supporting Lagos and other developing cities, regions transit to Net Zero by 2050
COP26: UK commits to supporting Lagos and other developing cities, regions transit to Net Zero by 2050
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
The United Kingdom government has committed to support Lagos and other developing cities and regions most impacted by climate change to accelerate their transition to net zero
This commitment was made on Thursday at the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day at the ongoing COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Urban Climate Action Programme will work with cities including: Africa: Addis Ababa, Accra, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Dar es Salaam; Asia: Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Quezon City; and Latin America: Bogotá, Medellín, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Lima
The commitment was made at a new multi-million UK Urban Climate Action Programme launched on Thursday to help developing cities reduce their emissions and grow sustainably.
UK as COP26 Presidency calls on cities and regions across the world to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and the decarbonizing of the world’s urban buildings, which are responsible for around 40% of global emissions, crucial in combating climate change
A statement issued by the UK High Commission in Nigeria on Thursday said the UK government has launched the new Urban Climate Action programme (UCAP) to support the cities and regions in developing countries most impacted by climate change to accelerate their transition to net zero.
The statement said backed with £27.5 million of new UK government funding as part of the UK’s International Climate Finance commitment, the programme will support cities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to take action to tackle climate change and create a sustainable future, by helping them to become carbon neutral by 2050 and prepare low-carbon infrastructure projects.
The statement said the programme will help cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpar, and Bogotá develop low-emission public transport systems, renewable energy generation, sustainable waste management, new climate-smart buildings codes and climate risk planning.
The statement noted that to date over 1,000 cities and regions across the world-over a fifth of the global urban population – have committed to slashing their emissions to net zero by 2050 and Lagos is one of them.
It said with a growing population and as one of the most vulnerable coastal cities, Lagos will receive support to implement its low-carbon, inclusive and climate resilient urban development plans through UCAP.
The statement read: “Today, as part of the UN COP26 climate summit’s Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day in Glasgow, the UK has called on cities yet to make commitments to step up and set a net zero target that will help protect the places where people live and work, future proofing the world for future generations.
The UK Business and Energy Minister Lord Callanan, was quoted to have said: “From our homes and workplaces to our towns and cities, the buildings we live in are a fundamental part of our daily lives, but also a significant source of global emissions.
“That’s why at COP26 today we are calling on cities, regions, governments and businesses to seize the moment and set bold net-zero targets as we work together as a global community to end our contribution to climate change.”
The statement recalled that the world’s urban buildings, including homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals, are responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions, raising the alarm that by 2050, 1.6 billion people living in cities will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures and over 800 million people living in cities across the world will be vulnerable to sea level rises and coastal flooding, while emphasizing that accelerating the transition to net zero emissions for the world’s cities will therefore be vital to achieving the goal of keeping global warming to close to 1.5º.
The UK’s Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones on his part, said: “The population of Lagos is projected to double by 2050, and the speed and scale of urbanisation may lock in high-carbon infrastructure and inequality if we do not act now.
“Lagos has continued to drive action at scale to tackle climate change and protect people’s livelihoods. And, I am glad that the UK’s new programme will provide invaluable support to the state for sustainable growth, enhance resilience to climate risks, and secure a greener future for generations to come.”
The UCAP is expected to follow on from the flagship Climate Leadership in Cities programme, which was funded by the UK and has successfully supported megacities in Latin America and Asia to develop ambitious climate action plans consistent with the Paris Agreement – including developing pathways to net zero by 2050 and committing to ambitious interim targets by 2030 to keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
The statement added that as the first major economy to legislate to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the UK is already taking action to tackle emissions from the built environment sector, as heating for homes and workspaces makes up almost a third of all UK carbon emissions, reducing these emissions is key to achieving the goal of net zero by 2050.
It noted that through the recent Heat and Buildings and Net Zero Strategies, the UK government has set out how the UK will deploy the low-carbon technology needed to decarbonise homes, workplaces and public spaces.
To address emissions from the wider built environment, the UK government is investing £3.9 billion through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Heat Network Transformation Programme.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Minister Eddie Hughes said: “Net zero provides a real opportunity as we level up across the UK – delivering new green jobs and skills and boosting local economic growth.
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“Many local areas are already taking action and we continue to work very closely with them to meet our climate change commitments.
“We are also taking action to cut the CO2 emissions of all new build homes by at least 75% from 2025 under the Future Homes Standard, and by 31% through an improvement in building standards later this year.”
The transition to net zero will drive levelling up across the country while supporting communities towards a greener future – providing opportunities for economic growth and delivering new green jobs for local people.
Recognising the urgency to tackle climate change by quickly reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on behalf of Lagos State had signed up to the Zero Emission Vehicles Joint Statement.
He said: “Lagos State considers Net Zero an imperative and commits to converting public transport vehicles to electric as well as embracing solar and other clean energy sources. We must go faster.”
The UK Government, through its Financial Sector Deepening Africa development Programme and FMDQ, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Government in September, 2021, to mobilise green financing via the capital markets to support the State Government’s initiative to build a sustainable and resilient megacity. The UK is also currently working with the State Government to build a pipeline of green infrastructure projects through our portfolio of programmes. The announcement complements existing technical assistance to promote safe, affordable and sustainable mass transport in Lagos, notably our Future Cities Nigeria programme.
COP26: UK commits to supporting Lagos and other developing cities, regions transit to Net Zero by 2050
National News
VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery
VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, especially in rural areas.
He specifically recognised the critical role of medical professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, assuring of the government’s commitment to supporting and retaining healthcare talent in the country.
Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the West African College of Physicians (WACP), VP Shettima commended healthcare professionals for their dedication to serving the nation, despite challenges.
“Yours is a very noble profession and many of the young ones are opting to leave the country but you did not. It’s not because you have not had options, but you felt a moral obligation to stay at home and serve,” he said.
The Vice President assured the delegation that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to addressing healthcare challenges.
He highlighted the appointment of Professor Muhammadu Ali Pate as the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, noting the Minister’s deep understanding of the health sector.
“We will treat members of our professional bodies with dignity and respect. We will provide the enabling ground for you to work in Nigeria,” VP Shettima promised.
Recalling his efforts to support healthcare education in Borno State, the Vice President said, “In 2014, as governor of Borno State, I took it upon myself to sponsor female citizens of the state to study Medicine and Surgery in Sudan.
“The students have all graduated and licensed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to practice medicine in Nigeria and are under the employment of the state government.”
He emphasised the government’s moral obligation to assist the people, saying, “We have a moral obligation to assist our people. In the fullness of time, we will have a course to rejoice. We will support you.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Jeremiah Aboi Madaki, thanked the Vice President for his support of the 48th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians.
Madaki expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to improving healthcare systems, even as he shared the communique of the conference with the Vice President.
“We are here to thank you for your encouragement and for advancing discussions on health system revitalization under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Dr. Madaki also assured of the College’s commitment to policy advocacy and its plans to work closely with the government to implement evidence-based policies that improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Habibu Galadanci, Dr. Ogugua Osi-Ogbu and Dr. Tahir Umar.
VP Shettima Restates FG’s Commitment To Improved Healthcare Delivery
National News
A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend
A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend
By Zagazola Makama
The recent appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff following the passing of Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for enhanced national security. With rich resume of command and staff appointments, General Oluyede is well-equipped to tackle the multiple internal/external security to defend the territorial integrity challenges assailing Nigeria.
A consummate infantry officer who has held several respective challenging positions to mention a few, Gen Oluyede’s was the Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School and many more.
General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation Lafiya Dole and HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade and Commander Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2020. His resume speaks for itself, a resolute leadership in a time of need.
As General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, he explicitly distinguished himself as a gallant commander who gave oil thieves in the Niger Delta region a bloody nose. He was also the Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Kaduna where stripped an indelible mark with pragmatic transparency. With great leadership skills, he served until this current appointment as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. The mantle is passed to a General of soldiers but a father to all, passionate and dedicated leader.
As he takes charge, General Oluyede has his work cut out for him at a time the country is buffeted by the multiplicity of internal and external challenges ranging from terrorism, insurgency, cross-border banditry, kidnapping, secession agitation, attacks on maritime assets, other forms of violent criminalities and transnational crimes. Being the linchpin in the country’s internal security operations, the Nigerian Army, which he now leads, is currently deploying its troops in 36 out of 36 states of the federation for one significant operation or the other. This sphere could only be a position suited for a decorated General like the new Chief of Army Staff, who no doubt will deliver.
Expectedly, Nigerians are holding their breath in anticipation as they eagerly await the new Army Chief’s plan of action and how he intends to tackle the country’s numerous security challenges. But feelers from close quarters indicate that the gallant infantry General would prefer to maintain the momentum he met ” another wise turn of leadership as others could have made changes too sudden and too gullible to begin. He is said to have decided to continue from where his late predecessor and former course mate stopped as the wise saying goes ‘building a house or bridge has its foundation:. In fact, he has adopted both the administrative and command structure put in place by Gen Lagbaja, including so worthy of emulation to include his mission, vision and command philosophy, at least for now.
This spectacular commitment to continuity and building on existing foundations is lauded by close watchers considering the current momentum steering in the entire battle against terrorism, insurgency and banditry in the country. What this translate to is that Gen Oluyede appreciates the quality of work done by his predecessor and understands the imperative of maintaining the momentum leveraging on team work, shared purpose and collective action which the Nigerian Army is well known for.
Even though his coming into the saddle was never foretold given the unexpected demise of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Gen Oluyede, true to type as a gallant General of the Nigerian Army, has since appointment hit the ground running. Just couple days in office, he took a trip to Sokoto State where the terrorist group aka Lakaruwas were reported to have commenced attacks on some communities. To see things himself and assesses the readiness of his troops to confront the new challenge, this spark is the beacon light of motivation, morale and high spirits needed for operatives on internal security operations in the field. During that visit, he charged up the troops to deal decisively with situation and ensure that the terrorist group are totally obliterated. Few days ago in Kaduna where he went to hand over formaly to his successor at the Infantry Corps, the Army Chief disclosed that what is uppermost in his mind were the welfare of personnel and the protection of Nigeria’s national security. Another posture of wisdom and the administration of office.
As General Oluyede begins his tenure, several key areas, in our reckoning, demand attention in order to effectively to tackle Nigeria’s internal security challenges, and this include prioritizing decisive action against the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency in the north east and surrenders from the group and the War against Banditry in the North West. Even though the efforts in those theatre’s of operation is up and running effectively so, it is expected that he will add more fillip to the operational effectiveness of the troops.
One key area that the new Chief was already paying close attention is interagency collaboration, synergy and liaison: Fostering seamless collaboration with sister services and other security agencies is crucial to tackling Nigeria’s complex security landscape. During his recent visit at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration(NASFA), Apapa, Lagos, he charged Regimental Seargent Majors (RSM)of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigeria Police to curb inter agency rivalry and be exemplary in carrying out their statutory duties as custodians of discipline,regimentation, as well as customs and traditions of their various services.
It is good that the General has already identified welfare of his troops as one of his top priorities, we expect him to also up-build the capacity of the troops through adequate training and provision of needed equipment and combat enablers that will make the job easy for the gallant soldiers. There is no doubt that enhanced personnel welfare and capacity building will enhance morale and operational effectiveness of the troops.
Gen Oluyede should also embrace innovative strategies to address emerging security threats. This is important because there is the need for him to think outside the box and come up with ingenious ideas considering that the traditional methods may not have been effective enough to address the complex emerging security challenges that Nigeria is confronted with. He will need to adopt multi-dimensional approach community engagement – building trust with local communities to gather intelligence and prevent violent groups from taking foothold. Again, he is in a challenging spot with the activities of extremist and junta authorities in the SAHEL where the right approach or measures to intensely secure and defend Nigeria’s integrity is paramount.
By focusing on these key areas and embracing the principles of continuity, innovation, and accountability, General Oluyede will no doubt primed to lead the Nigerian Army to greater heights and ensure a safer, more secure Nigeria for all. We at Zagazola Media Network wish him a successful tour of duty.
Zagazola Makama is a counter insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
A New Era for the Nigerian Army: Setting Agenda/Defining the Priorities for General Oluyede – The Gift, the General, the Legend
National News
VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions
VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions
*** Says Grand Challenges Nigeria an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, local expertise
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions.
The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.
Speaking on Monday when he launched the GCNg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.”
He stressed the importance of contextualizing solutions to national challenges, citing this as “a cardinal message” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, just as he said the initiative will promote groundbreaking research and build local expertise, among others.
“This initiative is more than a response to problems; it is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions,” VP Shettima said.
He explained that the programme will integrate with existing government healthcare initiatives, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme.
“What Grand Challenges Nigeria promises is transformative: a Nigeria where every child has access to proper nutrition, where every family can rely on the quality of our healthcare system, and where our public health metrics continue to improve year after year,” the VP noted.
The Vice President also announced an immediate call for proposals on “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, while explaining that the initiative will address various challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.
“Our gateway to innovation is rooted in recognising our place within the global community,” he stated, adding that “we must believe that our progress is intertwined with the progress of the rest of the world.”
VP Shettima emphasised that the Tinubu administration is “steadfast in its resolve to provide the support needed to turn our aspirations into lifelines for our people.”
The Vice President expressed anticipation for witnessing the ingenuity of Nigeria’s best minds, “whose innovations will receive the funding and support they deserve through this initiative.”
In his keynote remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the Grand Challenges Nigeria is aimed at developing local solutions to critical issues confronting Nigerians.
The Minister noted that the model aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda using innovation to drive prosperity and growth, and in the process, empowering researchers and innovators.
Chief Nnaji said the ministry remains committed to fostering growth, using innovation, even as he assured that the Grand Challenges Nigeria will prioritise key goals investment in education and environmentally sustainable projects, among others.
On his part, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, commended the commitment of the Vice President and the dedication of the Federal Government to the launch of the initiative, noting that the programme would go a long way in complementing existing efforts in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.
He pledged the support of the House of Representatives for the Grand Challenges Nigeria framework, especially as it impacts food security and nutrition across the country, noting that he was looking forward to a rewarding collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on its vision.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, said the responsibility of addressing the issues of malnutrition and food insecurity requires focused efforts and collective actions, which, according to him, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative is designed to contain.
He expressed hope that by adopting the framework of the Grand Challenges Nigeria, Nigerians would be at the forefront of finding solutions to problems in the country, thanking the Federal Government for believing in the efficacy of the initiative.
The chairman commended the leadership of the Vice President as chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria and a key promoter of advancing nutrition and related agenda across the country.
In the same vein, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Salisu Abubakar, commended the leadership demonstrated by the Vice President in the launch of the initiative, noting that it would help address health challenges by leveraging locally resourced and researched solutions/approaches.
He pledged the support of the society in ensuring that solutions adopted through the programme are inclusive and adaptable to Nigerians, especially in improving their health and wellbeing.
On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Rochas-Anwulah, said the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reforming the economy and ensuring food security by leveraging solutions that are homegrown and rooted in the values of communities across the country.
She noted that resources and the framework for solving local problems would be harnessed from the grassroots, adopting an inclusive approach where the expertise and experience of stakeholders at all levels would be taken into cognizance.
VP Shettima Launches Innovation Drive For Indigenous Healthcare Solutions
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