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Nigeria, Denmark to Partner on Green Energy

Nigeria, Denmark to Partner on Green Energy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Denmark are pushing for partnership in the area of green energy and fight against depleting effect of climate change.
Minister of State for Environment Iziaq Salako, while making the revelation on Monday when he hosted Danish Minister of Development Cooperation and Global Climate Change Policy, Dan Jorgensen at the ministry headquarters in Abuja, said Nigeria and Denmark’s green transition partnership will boost employment and mutual economic growth.
Salako said the ministry was working towards avoiding disasters like floods that could drive people into poverty.
He said: “There is a need for food security; if the land is degraded, there cannot be food security; environmental actions to stop land degradation and poverty eradication disasters are taken seriously by the ministry.”
The minister added that climate change was a global issue that needed collaboration to resolve.
He said that the ministry also identifed five priority areas of President Bola Tinubu eight point agenda which requires climate action as the country transitions to green economy.
He noted that the meeting with the Danish team would help Nigeria navigate its economy to be less dependent on oil to a cleaner energy without increasing energy poverty, or increasing hardship for the citizens.
He said: “President Bola Tinubu has identify eight key priority areas that the administration is going to be focusing on, some of these priority areas are cross cutting priority areas in terms of anti corruption stance, priority areas in terms of inclusivity and so on, the Federal Ministry of Environment as identified that at least five of those priority areas requires climate action for it to be achieved, talking about food security, there’s a climate action to it, if the land is depleted, there cannot be food security, and is an environmental action to ensure that we stop depleted land.”.
He however, noted that the Ministry of Environment is also working to ensure that as the country transits to green economy, data would be leveraged to create jobs for people while also mobilising green financing.
“Our ministry has been piloting the sovereign green bond, which we’re about to do the third tranche so those are features that requires climate action to achieve, we also have 18 deliverables for the Federal Ministry of Environment, which are also very important to ensure that we need to achieve to achieve the agenda of the President and the current administration.”
“We are happy to receive the delegation from Denmark to share our experiences with them, to learn from them and they can also learn from us, so that there can be a cross fertilization of idea, because at the end of it all, effects of climate issue is a global issue.” The Minister stressed.
He noted that the aim of the visit was to discuss Nigeria Demark Green partnership and explore possible areas of cooperation in the light of Nigeria’s priorities for the green transition of the economy, and Climate Change adaptation ahead of COP28.
On his part, the Danish Minister of Development Cooperation and Global Climate Change Policy, promised to partner with Nigeria and Africa on the green economy.
He said: “We are aware of the plight of Nigeria and Africa on climate change and the need to partner in the areas of climate mitigation, financing, and adaptation.
“We want to set an example that can inspire others; we will learn from each other to partner for a positive result at the upcoming COP 28.”
Nigeria, Denmark to Partner on Green Energy
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
News
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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