Category: General News

REA advocates unified strategies to achieve Nigeria’s net zero goals

Goal

By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Abba Aliyu, has emphasised the need for aligning sector strategies to meet the country’s net-zero commitments.

Net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it.

Aliyu made the call at a workshop organised by the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) with the theme “Aligning Sector Strategies with Net Zero Commitments” in Abuja on Thursday.

Aliyu, who was represented by Ms Ngozi Chimdi-Ejiogu, an acting director in REA, stressed the critical importance of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) in the country’s journey towards a sustainable future.

He noted that Nigeria was committed to significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Paris Agreement.

“In July 2021, the nation reaffirmed its pledge to reduce emissions by 20 per cent below business-as-usual levels by 2030, with plans to increase this reduction to 47 per cent contingent on international support.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment’s 2021 NDC update highlighted the energy sector as the largest emitter, responsible for 60 per cent of emissions, primarily from oil and gas activities, transport, electricity generation and residential and industrial energy consumption.

“Agriculture, forestry, waste, and industrial processes also contribute to the country’s overall emissions,” he said.

Aliyu outlined a multi-faceted strategy to bridge the gap between sectors and align with Nigeria’s NDCs and ETP.

This strategy, according to him, includes strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks by developing sector-specific roadmaps and incentivizing sustainable practices.

Reflecting on the REA’s achievements, Aliyu highlighted the success of programmes like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), which had demonstrated significant strides in providing energy access.

“The REA is now focused on scaling these solutions by developing large-scale clean energy projects, driving economic impact beyond energy access, creating innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships, stimulating demand for reliable power, and providing avenues for local and blended financing.

“The REA has already made substantial progress, with over 160 MW of clean energy deployed, 1.8 million connections made, impacting over 7 million Nigerians, and reducing carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes.

“The upcoming Distributed Access to Renewable Energy Scale up (DARES) Project aligns with the Paris Agreement, ensuring that all financed activities are consistent with Nigeria’s climate commitments, he explained.

He further explained the importance of a collective effort to meet Nigeria’s conditional and unconditional contributions, recognising the vital role each sector played in maintaining the global 1.5°C pathway.

He, therefore, called for continuous collaborative efforts to align strategies with Nigeria’s net-zero commitments, urging active participation from all stakeholders.

Aliyu expressed confidence that the deliberations and collaborations from the dialogue would significantly contribute to the global effort to align sector strategies and build a more sustainable, equitable, and energy-secure future for Nigeria.

On his part, Mr Somkele Awa-Kalu from Sustainable Energy for All/Energy Transition Office, in an interview with newsmen on Nigeria’s energy transition, explained the nation’s progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

He added that the workshop aimed to assess Nigeria’s journey towards this goal and to delve into the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan by the Energy Transition Office.

Awa-Kalu underscored the importance of understanding recent developments in the energy transition and highlighted the long-standing collaboration with key stakeholders in the renewable energy landscape, including the Energy Transition Office.

He added that the workshop would address the need for enhanced partnerships within the renewable energy sector, which he described as both nascent and essential.

He called for stakeholders to support one another, align their objectives, and collaborate to facilitate and accelerate the energy transition.

In his presentation, Awa-Kalu stressed the necessity of improving access to low-cost financing for renewable energy projects.

He highlighted the importance of the Energy Transition Plan within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, a key focus of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Awa-Kalu urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the availability of appropriate financing and an enabling environment, including supportive policies, to advance renewable energy objectives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the workshop aims at significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a low-carbon economy, reinforcing the collaborative efforts required to meet the nation’s renewable energy goals. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

APA/BEKl/IAA

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Collaboration

By Oladele Eniola

Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) A business mogul and songwriter, Mr Kennedy Finta- Nnaji, has called on African countries to focus on innovative collaboration for development of the continent.

Finta-Nnaji said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

“African countries should endeavour to focus more on innovative collaboration with countries who truly have their best interest at heart and they must desist from receiving aid from the western world.

“Western world uses aid as an old fashion tactic of extorting from African countries as they always find a way to get it back and when this happens, the ripple effects of this is always negative.

“We must focus on developing ourselves by looking inward so as to find solutions because the truth of the matter is that no one would solve our problems except we do that by ourselves,” he said.

Finta-Nnaji, who is also the President of Nigeria Union in Japan, said his new song titled “Japan x Africa – A brighter future”, is aimed at promoting collaboration between Africa and Japan.

“The song passes the message to everyone from our leaders to the youth in the country and most importantly, we must utilise the message the song passes.” he said.

He urged African countries to strengthen their bilateral relationship with Japan, noting that the country has good intentions in developing African countries.

He noted that Japan had a good history with African countries over the years, urging African leaders to leverage it.

“African countries and Japan can collaborate through innovation as this would help both nations to invest together for mutual benefits.

“Japan has little or no bad history with Africa and this goes to show their true intent in developing countries through proper channels as this would benefit both sides equally.

“There are a whole lot of things that Japan has to offer through innovation collaboration and we must ensure that we benefit from this.” he said.

Fintan-Nnaji, who is also a patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter, noted that the song-Japan x Africa – A brighter future- is available for streaming and listening on all musical platforms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ENI/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Eid-el Kabir: 17 die in 16 road crashes in Ogun

Crashes

By Ige Adekunle

Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of  the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said that 17 persons died in 16 road crashes during Eid-el Kabir celebration in the state.

Mr Anthony Uga, Sector Commander of FRSC, gave the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ota, Ogun.

Uga said that 45 persons also sustained various degrees of injuries from the crashes.

The sector commander said that most of the accidents were caused by excessive speed, dangerous driving, night travel and tyre burst, among others.

“We are appealing to motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of life, especially during this rainy season.

“In addition, they should exercise patience and reduce their speed to reduce disaster on our highway,”he said.

The sector commander said that the special patrol just concluded also helped to minimise road crashes, because the corps was able to check excesses of motorists.

He said that FRSC would continue to sustain the special patrol, especially on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and others part of the state to ensure that lives are safe on the road.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)

IGE/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Narratives

By Emmanuel Afonne

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), says it has designed a new narrative for the country to address the threat to national cohesion.

President of the Institute, Dr Ike Neliaku, communicated this at a dinner on Thursday in Abuja to mark the 60th anniversary of NIPR.

Neliaku said the narrative would be anchored on eight cardinal points to ensure the country recover its lost glory.

He said the process of designing the new narrative started in 2021, when the Institute was mandated to intervene in addressing the threat to national cohesion which necessitated the convoking of Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security.

“It has been said that our colonial masters came, armed with a programme and deployed the vision, its templates, icons, monuments and story lines with deadly efficiency.

“This sad narrative still holds sway till date.

“Our response is, if Nigeria was designed and programmed to fail, it is now time for Nigerians to wisely reprogramme Nigeria for genuine transformation and development.

“Napoleon Bonaparte said that a leader is a dealer in hope and I tell you here that we cannot achieve anything with violent communication,” Neliaku said.

He highlighted some of the core essentials of Nigeria’s new narrative to include trust and truth, hope, effective and responsible communication, as well as rebuilding relationship and restoring respect for one another.

The president said that citizen reorientation and re-engagement, leadership accountability, deliberate promotion of made in Nigeria products, reputation building and perception management were all parts of essential narrative for a new Nigeria.

Neliaku said that being honest with the citizens and earning their trust was the only way to make progress in any nation.

Prof. Justin Green, President, Global Alliance, said that his organisation would work with NIPR to establish a Public Relations and Leadership Academy in the country in September to support the new narrative for Nigeria.

“Public Relations is the best job in the world; we have the power to influence the world; you have the power to influence the world.

“We are at the right hands of presidents, kings, queens and governments everywhere in the world, no other profession has that access,” he said.

Mr Arik Karani, President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), said the association’s main purpose was to promote excellence in public relations across Africa.

Karani, a seasoned communications expert, said APRA would work with NIPR to achieve its new narrative for the country having recorded many achievements in the course of existence.

“Most of us in Africa have been trying to get to where NIPR is and my visit to Nigeria all the way from Kenya is to learn how NIPR achieved success over the years.

“As your ambassador for Africa, every country I go to now in Africa, I share the success story of what Nigeria has done and what every country in Africa should be able to copy to have an institute of excellence wherever they are.

“As we celebrate today with Nigeria, it is important to remember one thing, we in Nigeria are leading the world; we are leading the world in culture, music, doctors here and abroad and many sectors of the economy, and do not stop now.

“The world is watching what you are doing and we are proud that you are leading the way and as you are leading the way, I implore you to empower other African countries to follow suit,” Karani said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute used the occasion to confer honorary fellowship on some prominent Nigerians.

Among the conferees were former Ministers of Information, Frank Nweke and Labaran Maku. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMAF/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Lottery

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says gaming has enormous potential to drive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and tourism industry.

The governor disclosed this during the Enugu State Gaming Conference held at Amaedo Event Centre, Enugu on Thursday with the theme: “Exploring The Future of Gaming: Innovation and Collaborations”

Mbah, represented by his deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, said that Enugu was eager to drive the innovation and regulatory process.

The governor said the government keyed into the industry to boost its revenues and local economy.

He, however, urged the operators and investors in Gaming and Lottery Industry to imbibe the spirit of innovation and creativity to providing consumers with excellent services.

Mbah advised that the gaming and lottery operations should be done with highest standard of integrity, transparency and responsibility.

He assured the investors that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the businesses to thrive, adding that it was the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.

While describing the conference as apt and timing, Mbah urged the participants to come up with exciting discussions that would shape the future of the gaming industry in the country.

“We must separate gaming driven by addiction where you now have to wreck yourself financially by selling your properties, selling your jewellery or that of the members of your family because you want to play a game,.

“These are two different things and that is where the regulators have a duty to checkmate this,” he said.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Gaming and Lottery Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, said the conference stood as a testament to their collective commitment to the future of the gambling industry in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria in general.

According to Arum, Enugu State holds a unique position within Nigeria – a vibrant cultural and e economic centre with a rich history and dynamic population.

“We are not only to discuss current challenges and opportunities but to chart a course towards sustainable growth and development that benefits all stakeholders, operators, consumers, and the industry at large.

“With the theme, this event has been carefully designed to help in the overall growth of the industry especially in Enugu State.

“It encapsulates our vision for a forward-thinking approach to industry growth through innovation spurred by strategic partnership.

He explained that there were tremendous potentials for the gaming sector to contribute significantly to the state’s economic prosperity.

Arun called for its prudent and transparent management as well as social impact and consumer protection.

While commending the state government for its support and unwavering commitment to building a unique and safe gaming destination in Nigeria, Arum expressed gratitude to all their sponsors, partners and organisers who made the conference a reality.

A Resource Person, Mr Basher Are while speaking in a topic titled: “Gaming Tourism Development: Prospects For Nigeria Market” x-rayed the challenges facing the gaming industry in the country.

He said that there was a bright future for the sector in the land.

The high point of the event was a panel discussion with questions and answers session from participants. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/OIF/MNA
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/ Maureen Atuonwu

Anniversary

By Sunday John

Karu (Nasarawa State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, has celebrated his 40th anniversary as a catholic priest in grand style.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Audu was ordained a priest on June 23, 1984.

He was apponited and consecrated the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia in December 2000, having spent 16 years as a priest.

NAN also reports that the event held on Thursday at Tudun Uku, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the village of the archbishop.

Speaking at the event, Audu thanked God for the journey thus far, particularly for finding him worthy to serve in His vineyard over the years.

The archbishop promised to rededicate the rest of his life in keeping to the tenets of his priestly calling at all times.

He called for prayers, support and cooperation of the Catholic faithful in Jos archdiocese and Nigeria in general toward keeping to his priestly vows.

In sermon, Monsignor Cletus Gotan, the Vicar General of the archdiocese of Jos, said that the celebrant had impacted many lives in the last 40 years.

He explained that the archbishop, who won many souls for God over the years, also impacted on the spiritual lifestyle of many others since his days as a young priest, a bishop and now archbishop.

“He joined many couples in marriage, prayed for the sick, blessed families, prayed for individuals and groups, established schools and parishes and ordained so many priests among others in the last 40 years,” he said.

Gotan,  however, attributed  the current  hardship confronting Nigerians to the selfishness of those in position of authorities in the country.

“Some persons in position of governance have converted the resources made for the improvement of the welfare of all Nigerians into their personal comfort at the detriment of the people.

“Some of these leaders claimed that they are born-again, but robbing the country of every resources and hurting the poor and the weak.

“Some of them have billions in foreign and domestic accounts, built houses everywhere and bought expensive cars that they cannot use throughout their lives.

”Our leaders must rethink our collective values, repent and truly work toward making life better for the people they promised to serve,”he advised.

Earlier, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, commended Audu for winning  many souls for Christ and serving humanity in the last 40 years.

Kaigama seized the opportunity and called on government to return all Catholic schools to their original owners.

Kaigama, who extolled the contribution of the Catholic Church to the nation’s education and health sectors, called for government support in its bid toward building a better society.

On his part, Bishop David Ajang of Lafia, congratulated Audu, his predecessor, for the feat achieved.

Ajang thanked all the bishops, priests, government officials and other dignitaries from Plateau and Nasarawa State, for gracing the event.

NAN reports that Pope Francis had in 2020 elevated Audu and appointed him as archbishop of Jos, having served as bishop of Lafia for 19 years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

SDJ/AZA
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Edited by Polycarp Auta