Connect with us

News

FG Begins Plan on COP29, Reviews Outcomes of Last Session

Published

on

FG Begins Plan on COP29, Reviews Outcomes of Last Session

By: Michael Mike

As the nation begins to plan for the the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) holding in Azerbaijan, the Federal Government has emphasised the need to review the outcomes of the 28th session (COP28) held in Dubai.

The government said the outcomes of the negotiations at COP28 have implications for Nigeria’s development aspirations and climate action across all sectors and as such should be reviewed and the outcomes achieved appraised.

COP of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the supreme governing body that convenes annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change and make plans for climate action within the UNFCCC guidelines.

COP28 held in Dubai last year sets out the actions needed to keep 1.5°C within reach in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement.

At COP28, Nigeria stressed the request for its inclusion in the G7’s climate partnership list for the Just Energy Transition Partnership towards an effective and sustainable framework in addressing the socio-economic effects of energy transition.

Nigeria also called for urgent scaling up of adaptation finance, expansion of adaptation acceleration programmes, and a substantive global goal on adaptation.

On Tuesday in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to review the outcomes of COP28. The meeting was organised by the National Council on Climate Change and the Delegation of the European Union in Nigeria.

Speaking at the one-day workshop, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said the 28th session of the Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.

He said: “With negotiations focused on crucial issues such as mitigation, adaptation, finance, and transparency, the outcomes of COP28 have far-reaching implications for the future of our planet.”

The Minister added that: “As we gear up for COP29, it is imperative that we foster a spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals.

“Nigeria, like many other countries, is already feeling the impacts of climate change. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the effects of climate change are evident in our daily lives.”

He noted that stakeholders need to take action and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the people and the environment.

On his part, the Director General of the NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru noted that as an oil-producing and developing nation, the agreements forged during COP28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

“Hence, this workshop presents a pivotal opportunity for us to reflect on these outcomes and chart a path forward towards sustainable solutions as we speed our transition to a climate-resilient future.

“We seek to facilitate the inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy and to create a forum for government, businesses, states, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,” Dr Dahiru stated.

The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca urged stakeholders to walk the talk on climate actions.

FG Begins Plan on COP29, Reviews Outcomes of Last Session

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Ogwashi-Uku Palace Attack Trial: Gunshot Victim Identifies Mike Nwaukoni As Ringleader As Multiple Witnesses Place Defendants At Scene With Weapons

Published

on

Ogwashi-Uku Palace Attack Trial: Gunshot Victim Identifies Mike Nwaukoni As Ringleader As Multiple Witnesses Place Defendants At Scene With Weapons

Ogwashi-Uku Palace Attack Trial: Gunshot Victim Identifies Mike Nwaukoni As Ringleader As Multiple Witnesses Place Defendants At Scene With Weapons

Ogwashi-Uku Palace Attack Trial: Gunshot Victim Identifies Nwaukoni As Ringleader As Multiple Witnesses Place Defendants At Scene With Weapons

Fresh revelations emerged at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as the trial over the October 12, 2023 terrorist-style attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku resumed, with witnesses giving direct, consistent, and corroborated testimony identifying Mr Mike Nwaukoni as the principal actor who led an armed mob to the palace, resulting in gunfire, injuries, and destruction of property.

On Tuesday, January 13, the court heard the gripping testimony of PW2, Mr Lawrence Obasi, an Otulu vigilante who sustained gunshot injuries that left his right arm paralysed for months.

PW2 told the court that he was officially deployed alongside the police to protect the palace on the day of the attack, having undergone formal vigilante training by the police two years earlier. According to him, Mike Nwaukoni personally led a large mob armed with dangerous weapons to the palace gate at Ogbe-Nti.

He testified that despite clear warnings and instructions from the Divisional Police Officer and the police commander at the scene, the mob—acting on Nwaukoni’s direct encouragement—attempted to forcibly break into the palace.

“He told them to break the gate and said he had money to take care of anything that happened,” the witness told the court.

Moments later, gunshots rang out.
PW2 narrated how armed supporters opened fire, damaging police and vigilante vehicles and hitting him with live ammunition as he sought cover inside one of the vehicles. He positively identified Elue Adigwe and Francis Okolie as being present at the scene and fully armed.

His account directly corroborated the earlier testimony of PW1, the police commander who had testified last year that Mike Nwaukoni personally led the armed crowd, stressing that no police officer accompanied the mob and that it was not a lawful procession but an armed attack.

The police commander had also told the court that Nwaukoni had invited him and the DPO to his residence days before his testimony in what observers concluded was an attempt to obstruct justice by getting him to stop his testimony scheduled for the next week.

THIRD WITNESS CONFIRMS IDENTITIES, WEAPONS, AND HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
On Wednesday, PW3, Mr Emeka Nwaolisa, a palace vigilante, took the stand and reinforced the prosecution’s case, confirming the identity of the same defendants, their presence at the palace gate, and the use of offensive weapons during the attack.

PW3 testified that he was stationed at the locked palace gate when over 200 persons marched toward the palace, among them Mike Nwaukoni, Elue Adigwe, Francis Okolie, and others. He stated that on Nwaukoni’s orders, gunfire erupted as the mob attempted to force entry, leading to chaos and injuries.

During cross-examination, PW3 also revealed that Eugene Ojo Izediunor had previously boasted at a public drinking spot that he used money to “settle” his way out of an earlier case, a conversation witnessed by multiple persons.

He further told the court that the defendants had a long-standing history of orchestrated violence and unrest aimed at destabilising the community and undermining the traditional institution.

SPIN FAILS TO DENT CORE FACTS
While defence counsels consisting of four senior advocates attempted to divert attention to procedural arguments and minor inconsistencies, the central facts remained unshaken:
• Multiple eyewitnesses independently identified the same defendants
• Weapons were present and used
• Gunshots were fired
• A vigilante suffered gunshot injuries
• Vehicles were damaged
• The palace came under armed siege

The court admitted two statements made by PW3 as exhibits and adjourned the matter to April 21 and 22, 2026, with the trial set to continue.
The five defendants—Mike Nwaukoni, Elue Adigwe, Francis Okolie, Eugene Ojo Izediunor, and John Nwona—were all present in court.

As proceedings continue, the testimony so far paints a clear, consistent, and deeply troubling picture of a coordinated armed assault on a traditional institution, now firmly laid before the court under oath.

Continue Reading

News

Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state

Published

on

Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state

By: Zagazola Makama

Nine people were abducted and one man killed when armed bandits attacked Macitta village in Mariga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State late Wednesday night, sources confirmed.

Sources said that around 11:30 p.m., a large group of armed bandits entered the community via Kotonkoro District, shooting sporadically. One of the residents, Aliyu Dan Tsohon Soja, 35, was shot dead during the attack. The identities of the nine abducted victims are yet to be confirmed.

Security forces , local vigilantes, and hunters were mobilized to the area, and the body of the deceased was evacuated to the General Hospital, Bangi, for autopsy. Efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers and ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped individuals.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any information that may assist in the rescue operations and apprehension of the bandits.

Armed bandits kill man, abduct nine in macitta village, niger state

Continue Reading

News

Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state

Published

on

Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state

By: Zagazola Makama

Three children lost their lives after being engulfed by fire while grazing cattle in Tungan-Noma village, Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State on Wednesday, sources confirmed.

According to sources, the children Huzairu (12), Aliru (11), and Kabiru Surajo (12) went out for cattle grazing around 12:30 p.m. and entered a deep gully in the bush.

They reportedly set dried grasses on fire in an attempt to trap small bush animals. Unfortunately, the flames spread rapidly, trapping the children and preventing their escape.

The lifeless bodies were recovered and evacuated to the General Hospital, Mokwa, for autopsy. Authorities visited the scene to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The incident draw attention to the dangers children face in rural areas, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities without supervision.

Parents have been urged to exercise caution and ensure children’s safety during such activities.

Three children die in bush fire while grazing cattle in Mokwa, Niger state

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights