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UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

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UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

The United Kingdom and Italian Governments have promised to support the ecological transition of developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Ambassadors of the two countries who are co-hosting the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) holding in Glasgow between 31 October-12 November 2021, said both their countries are committed to support the funding of efforts at combating the threats of climate change in developing countries.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Stefano Pontesilli said: “The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR in Italian) launched by the Italian government to boost the economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has at its heart the goal of allowing the green development of our Country. Therefore a large part of the funds allocated through the ‘Next Generation EU Program’ will be invested in redeveloping our economy and our industrial system in a way that will help us, among other things, to achieve all targets set within the COP26 agenda.

“Indeed, what used to be our Ministry of Environment has been reinforced and renamed the Ministry for Ecological Transition, to highlight its accrued role in supporting the transition of our entire economy towards sustainable growth that can reduce the impact on climate.

“It is with this ambitious internal climate change agenda that Italy goes to Glasgow next week, ready to share its experience and learn from others. It brings to the table also a strong commitment to support the ecological transition of developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

He added that: “Nigeria, with its experience in the field of hydrocarbons and with a population that is due to be the fourth largest on the planet in 2050, has a significant role to play in COP26. Challenges and opportunities lay ahead, but what is clear is that the transition to green and circular economies will be at the heart of both national agendas and multilateral collaboration in the coming years and that it presents the classic ‘win-win’ scenario where Countries with mature and developing economies can collaborate successfully. Italy and its green industries are ready to collaborate with Nigerian partners, starting with the private sector, to identify and develop the opportunities that arise from the economic transition towards sustainable development.”

On her part United Kingdom’s High Commissioner Catriona Laing who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones at the briefing, said her government has four clear goals at COP26 which they would like all world leaders and their delegations to support.

Also Read: MNJTF decorates 24 MSOs in camp Farcha, N’Djamena

According to her, the goals are to secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach; to adapt behaviour to protect communities and natural habitats; to mobilise finance – developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100 billion in climate finance per year; and to work together to deliver – finalise the Paris Rulebook (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational), and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.

She noted that the UK would want the  outcomes of the negotiations at COP26 to protect and restore nature, follow the best available science, and empower inclusive action.

She said: “We look forward to seeing Nigeria engaging actively at the World Leaders Summit and the theme days and playing a constructive role in the COP26 negotiations. We also look forward to seeing Nigeria showcasing progressive climate-related policies and actions. We hope Nigeria can help other countries to raise their levels of ambition, and commit to action.

She noted that: “The UK has committed – through its UKAID programmes considerable support to assist Nigeria as it transitions to a low carbon energy economy, and to help raise the finance needed to make this transition.”

She said: “We (UK) have secured £6 billion in green investment since the launch of the UK Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan last November, securing 56,000 high quality green jobs.

“We have committed £11.6 billion in international climate finance over the next five years.

“We were the first major economy in the world to set Net Zero in law – and we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

“We have grown our economy by over 75% in 30 years while cutting emissions by 44%

“We have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 nation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions faster than any other G7 nation since 2010.

• Increasing the amount of renewables connected to the grid by 500% since 2009.

“We are committed to hosting COP26 as a physical in person event, and have put robust covid-19 compliance measures in place which all delegates are being asked to adhere to. We have supported a significant number of delegates to be vaccinated ahead of travelling to Glasgow. We are confident that COP26 is best run as a physical in person event.”

UK, Italy promise support for ecological transition of developing countries

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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