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AICIS 2025: Nigeria Says Africa Must Be Active Architect of Its Own Sustainable Development

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AICIS 2025: Nigeria Says Africa Must Be Active Architect of Its Own Sustainable Development

By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has expressed its commitment to hosting the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) between August 11 to 14, 2025.

The Nigerian government also said as the world intensifies action to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure gaps Africa, Nigeria inclusive, must be positioned not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development.

The commitment of the government was revealed on Monday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Akume, who was represented at the press briefing the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mr. Nadungu Gagare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting the summit, scheduled for Aug. 11 to 14, 2025 at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

He commended Africa Business Venture and Investment Group (ABVIG) for partnering the ministries and other stakeholders to take the bold and visionary initiative in driving Nigeria’s lead in tackling climate change issues across Africa.

According to him, government supports the initiative for the summit and encourage all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the shared mission to build a prosperous, climate-resilient Africa anchored on inclusive infrastructure.

He said: “As the world intensifies action to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure gaps Africa must be positioned not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development.

“The forthcoming summit is, therefore, not only timely but provides a continental platform to articulate, align and activate collaborative strategies for resilient infrastructure and climate action across Africa.

“President Tinubu’s administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has prioritised strategic infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

“These priorities align with the goals of this summit and underscore Nigeria’s readiness to lead and collaborate on multi-stakeholder approaches toward climate resilience, and development financing.

“Today’s engagement is a clarion call to governments, private sector, development partners and diplomatic community to align efforts, pool resources, and harmonize policies,” he said.

He reiterated that such would reassert Africa’s voice and agency in the global climate discourse, ensuring our peculiar challenges and comparative advantages are well represented in shaping global solutions.

In his part, Chairman of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) Planning Committee, Mr Moses Owharo extolled the Nigeria’s lead towards tackling issues that border on climate change across the African continent.

Owharo explained that the event centered on the readiness to host the AICIS-2025 was put together by ABVIG in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Environment.

Owharo said: “AICIS-2025 is a landmark gathering that affirms Africa’s unified determination to address climate change through resilient infrastructure and strategic investment.

“The summit represents a continental platform for driving Africa’s sustainable development vision through climate smart solutions.

“It will unite governments, development finance institutions, private investors, technical experts, civil society, the UN system and the diplomatic community to forge actionable partnerships around Africa’s infrastructure transformation, and climate adaptation imperatives.

“This gathering is also an opportunity to echo the vision articulated by President Bola Tinubu, at COP28that Africa must not only participate in global climate discourse, but also lead with urgency, innovation, and collaboration.”

“Strategic investment in green infrastructure is the catalyst for inclusive growth and long-term climate security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under leadership of Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, continues to champion Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to attract climate finance and foster multilateral alignment with our development goals.”

He described AICIS 2025 the culmination of sustained engagements including the 2024 International Symposium on Leveraging Green Financing in Abuja, strategic dialogues in Washington D.C. and across West Africa.

AICIS 2025: Nigeria Says Africa Must Be Active Architect of Its Own Sustainable Development

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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