National News

Climate Change: UN Advocates for Solution-based Reporting

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Climate Change: UN Advocates for Solution-based Reporting

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations has advocated for solution based approach to reporting on climate change, insisting that this is more productive than the glum approach mostly used by journalists to paint the negative impact of the global threat.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Matthias Schmale,who gave the advised at the media sensitization for journalists on Climate Change and COP28, in Abuja, reaffirmed the global body commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate change efforts.

He said: “We at the UN including other partners are firmly committed to supporting Nigeria in particular the government in its climate change efforts .we will continue as UN, our close partnership with the federal government as we will work together to implement our agreed sustainable development cooperation frame work which covers the period from 2023 to 2027. Nigeria is implementing improved management of climate change risks and building resilience to adopt to its long term impact through the nationally determine contribution , sustainable energy production and consumption and climate finance.this is a shared goal between the government and the UN.”

Schmale explained that media has critical role to play in mitigating climate change, urging them to report accurately amid widespread misinformation and disinformation, by emphasising on the positive strides made in green energy use and innovations.

He added that: “In the face of misinformation and disinformation, the media must provide accurate information about climate change, the causes and it’s impact. Mis and disinformation are delaying urgently needed actions to ensure a livable future for our planet. This is no doubt a complex issue, that’s why you in the media have the particular responsibility to report the facts explain the science , outline the consequences of climate change for Nigerians. Stories of intent to focus almost entirely on the problem but climate change is solvable . What is vital is balance, the media can help readers and views understand the problem but also to take actions on their carbon foot print and help readers and viewers make informed decisions in their daily lives.”

The Head of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Professor Petteri Taalas, who was represented by the WMO Representative for North, Central, and West Africa, Bernard Edward Gomez, noted that the occurrence of unprecedented heavy rainfall events leading to devastating floods and rising sea levels, affects not only the environment but also social, economic, and political aspects.

He noted that: “The high-impact weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts are causing natural disasters with far-reaching consequences. These events, with cascading effects, result in significant economic losses, displacement of people, and the destruction of livelihoods and communities.”

Taalas while calling journalists to action, stressed the indispensable role of journalism in addressing climate change.

He said: “To effectively address climate change, we must foster information sharing, accountability at all levels, from governance to communities and households. At the governance level, journalists can hold governments institution accountable on climate commitments and actions. They can scrutinize climate policies and investigate implementation levels. At the community level they can empower local communities to understand climate change impacts, develop resilience strategies, and advocates for their needs.”

The role of journalism in addressing climate change cannot be over emphasized. As the fourth estate of the real, journalists have a critical responsibility to inform the public about the realities of climate change role in information sharing and accountability, bridging the gap between governance and communities.”

In a related development, the Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Mansur Bako Matazu said a social justice perspective, highlighting the vulnerability of third-world countries contributing minimally to global emissions.

“There is need for localized solutions based on local evidence of climate change. As the world grapples with the unfolding climate crisis, the role of the media, global cooperation, and local solutions are paramount.The urgency to act is underscored by the alarming warnings from experts, time is running out for humanity to succeed in averting the impending environmental catastrophe.”

Highlighting the upcoming UN climate change conference, COP28, in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, stakeholders emphasized its pivotal role in securing increased commitments from nations to address the climate crisis.

While underscoring the urgency of global cooperation, referring to the Early Warning for All Initiative declared during COP27 by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Climate Change: UN Advocates for Solution-based Reporting

National News

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

By: Michael Mike

The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.

The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.

He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).

He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).

Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).

The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.

Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.

NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members

National News

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.

He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.

Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.

“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.

This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.

He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.

The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”

VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67

National News

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Published

3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

By: Michael Mike

The Europe Union (EU) is investing an additional €45 million in Nigeria’s digital economy.

The package was signed by the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela in Brussels.

A statement on Thursday by EU read: “At the EU-Nigeria Digital Open Day, which just took place in Brussels, a €45 million programme completing the EU Digital Economy Package for Nigeria was signed between Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.

“This investment will further support the cooperation in digital sector between Nigeria and the European Union.”

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said: “Global Gateway is about delivering new opportunities, and the EU-Nigerian cooperation in the digital area has a very strong potential to do exactly that. Our approach to digitalisation is based on skills-transfer, open standards, data protection, privacy and security. This way, we make sure that technologies truly enrich human lives. The new package will take our efforts even further by supporting modern e-public services and investing in the skills that will prepare Nigeria’s youth for the digital future.”

The Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani added: The EU–Nigeria digital economy cooperation reflects our shared belief that digital transformation must provide a platform for growth in productivity driven by technology. As part of this, Project Bridge provides a commercially sustainable entry point for European investors and suppliers to participate in deploying an open-access fibre network at scale. Combined with our leadership in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure and programmes such as 3 million Technical Talents, Nigeria offers European businesses a market where talent, demand and policy alignment converge to support long-term investment and expansion.”

The programme signed on Thursday includes a flagship Global Gateway support to the Project Bridge that aims to deploy 90 000 km of fibre-optic backbone across Nigeria. This project is the country’s most ambitious digital investment supported by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank and African Development Bank.
The €45 million grant supports the preparation of this strategic project with technical assistance and equipment in three complementary ways: for the detailed fiber optic network design, for local skills development and for the supply chain deployment with the mobilisation of the EU private sector.

The EU programme will also contribute to modernise Nigeria’s public administration through secure, user-friendly digital services. it also involves targeted support for Nigeria’s nationwide digital-skills programme, helping train a new generation of technicians, engineers and IT specialists.

According to the statement, this is essential to create new jobs, because large-scale digital projects can only work if the local workforce can maintain, operate and innovate on these networks.

The objective of the EU-Nigeria Open Digital Day was to facilitate access to information for European investors and suppliers interested in participating in the Nigerian digital ecosystem. The focus was on the Project Bridge, presented as an opportunity for collaborations between the EU tech sector and Nigeria.

With this €1.7 billion flagship project is projected to extend Nigeria’s total fibre to 125 000 km (+70%), making it the third-longest terrestrial fibre-optic infrastructure in Africa, following Egypt and South Africa.

Digitalisation is a priority area for the EU-Nigeria partnership as reflected in the €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022 under the EU Global Gateway strategy. The EU-Nigeria collaboration in this sector spans from connectivity to digital skills, entrepreneurship, service and governance with multiple projects.

Nigeria’s digital economy has potential to create jobs, foster economic growth and open greater democratic space in Africa. Nigeria hosts big companies, and Lagos offers digital and business ecosystem with incubators, access to finance and digital service platforms. It has the biggest e-commerce market in Africa with 87 platforms, employing some 2.9 million people.

It is also leading on the continent on digital and start-ups – of the 8 existing African unicorns, 6 are Nigerian, with impressively dynamic States (Lagos) eager to create an ecosystem that promotes innovation, youth and growth largely led by the digital sector.

Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions.

Together, they aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

EU Invests Additional €45 million in Nigeria’s Digital Economy