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Gov Adeleke Launches Climate Council, Takes Bold Action Against Plastic Pollution
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has announced the establishment of the Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, demonstrating the state’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy initiatives.
The governor made the announcement during his speech at the World Environment Day program organized by the Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation in Osogbo, the state capital.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of sub-national entities taking an active role in tackling plastic pollution and climate change issues, rather than relying solely on national governments.
He highlighted the need for comprehensive plans of action at the state level and directed the Ministry of Environment to prepare an Osun State Action Plan Against Plastic Pollution within the next three months.
He said “As a state, we support the March 2022 resolution endorsed by 175 countries at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) to start negotiations on an international legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic waste and pollution in the environment.
“The resolution highlights the importance of sustainable production and consumption of plastics, including resource efficient and circular economy approaches.
“We are therefore challenged to devise holistic programme to counter this threat. We recommend a combination of waste prevention, alternative materials, waste management, and improved transparency of plastic supply chains.
“I am further directing the Ministry of Environment to prepare an Osun State Action Plan Against Plastic Pollution. The plan must embrace local and international best practices alongside an implementation plan with deliverables.
“The plan must be ready within the next three months so that implementation must commence in the last quarter of this year. By the 2024 celebration of World Environment Day, Osun must have achieved milestones in concerted efforts to control plastic pollution.
“Our ambition is to be a leading sub-national entity within Nigeria in the fight against plastic pollution as much as in the general climate action arena.
“It is that ambition that drives my approval of Osun Climate Change Agenda, the first comprehensive state climate plan in Nigeria. I therefore direct the Head of Service and the Ministry of Environment to put into effect the approvals on the Governor’s Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, the development of the State Climate Action Policy, the engagement of Climate Action consultant, the establishment of a Carbon Tracking Research unit at the Osun State University among others.
“To address the plastic pollution and the climate change question, sub-national entities cannot leave the issue to the national governments alone. State governments worldwide must rise up and create plans of action.”
Chairman of the Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, commended the state government for its proactive stance in addressing climate change.
The council’s agenda focuses on various sectors, including disaster risk management, food and nutrition security, water and the blue economy, forestry, wildlife and tourism, health, sanitation and human settlements, business sector, energy, and transport.
Its objectives are to reduce risk and vulnerability to climate change, strengthen resilience, enhance well-being, and build the capacity to anticipate and respond successfully to climate-related changes.
The agenda highlights key action areas such as clean and renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency measures, transitioning the transportation sector, greenhouse emission management, and offsetting carbon emissions through the preservation of forests, croplands, wetlands, and urban greenspaces.
The state policy actions outlined in the agenda include updating or creating state regulations for the protection and conservation of vulnerable resources, providing support to communities and stakeholders through training and resources, creating management plans for natural resources and emergency response, promoting research and monitoring of climate change impacts, and engaging in outreach and education on climate change adaptation.
To facilitate effective implementation of the climate agenda, Governor Adeleke has approved the creation of a Governor’s Climate Advisory Council, engagement of a Lead Technical Consultant, development of a State Climate Action Plan, and the establishment of a Climate Carbon Data Research unit at the Osun State University.
Additionally, the state will partner with the business community to create a Business Carbon Project, rename the Ministry to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and pursue the enactment of the Osun Climate Action Act.
The Governor’s Climate Advisory Council is set to begin its coordination efforts, and the engagement of the Lead Technical Consultant is nearing completion.
The creation of the Department of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment is underway, and discussions with the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Business Carbon Project are ongoing.
Furthermore, Osun State will participate in the 28th Conference of the Parties (CoP28) in Dubai later this year, where it will present its state climate plan and advocate for increased roles for sub-national entities in global climate action plans.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State.
The funeral, held at his residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, was attended by a multitude of mourners, including political figures, business associates, and community members, all paying their final respects to the esteemed businessman and politician.
The burial proceedings commenced with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by condolence visits and other funeral activities. The ceremonies are scheduled to continue through the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service on Sunday, November 24, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Otolo Nnewi.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Anambra Senator, Ubah, Dies In London
In light of security concerns, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This decision followed threats from separatist elements who vowed to attack those attending the burial. A circular from the state Ministry of Education directed school principals to inform parents and ensure students remained at home during this period.
The Anambra State Police Command addressed an incident that occurred on Wednesday night, clarifying that it was not related to the burial. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involved security operatives mistakenly engaging police personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The situation has since been brought under control.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July 2024 at the age of 52. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
As the community of Nnewi and the nation at large bid farewell to Senator Ubah, his legacy as a philanthropist, businessman, and public servant continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on those he served and inspired.
The Enugu State Government has commended the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the proscribed separatist group, Autopilots.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence and chaos in Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government described Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” who has exploited the Igbo people while claiming to represent their interests.
RELATED NEWS: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”
The state government accused Ekpa of sponsoring violent activities that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of the region’s economic activities.
It stated that Ekpa’s actions were driven by personal greed and not genuine concern for the Igbo people.
Onyia said, “Ekpa is a murderer and fraudster who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”
The government emphasized its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes to support his prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region,” the statement added.
The government further criticized Ekpa for fostering a climate of fear and insecurity that has harmed the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth of the Igbo people.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work,” Onyia said.
The Enugu State Government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would mark a turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the South East, urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region.
The COP29 presidency has unveiled an ambitious climate finance plan, calling on developed nations to provide $250 billion annually to developing countries by 2035.
The proposal, part of a broader initiative to mobilize $1.3 trillion from public and private sources each year, seeks to address the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
The five-page draft text, released on Friday, emphasizes the need for developed nations to lead the charge in financing climate action.
RELATED NEWS: COP29: Climate Summit Faces Deadlock Over Vague Funding Proposals For Vulnerable Nations
According to the document, this financial commitment is seen as a critical step toward combating the climate crisis and fostering sustainable development globally.
“In this context, it is decided to set a goal in extension of the goal referred to in paragraph 53 of decision 1/CP.21, with developed country Parties taking the lead, to USD 250 billion per year by 2035 for developing country Parties for climate action,” the draft states.
The announcement follows the release of an earlier 10-page draft on Thursday, which drew significant criticism from Global South delegations.
Many expressed frustration that the document lacked clear financial commitments from wealthier nations, falling short of expectations to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“There is a clear need to address the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, especially given the diverse circumstances shaping national priorities,” a negotiator from a developing country delegation remarked.
The updated proposal aims to address some of these concerns by outlining more specific targets. However, skepticism remains among some negotiators, who feel the revisions still fail to adequately address their demands.
Meanwhile, developed countries have raised their own reservations about the proposed plan.
A European negotiator, speaking to Reuters, described the $250 billion annual target as unrealistic and criticized the lack of measures to expand the pool of contributing countries.
“No one is comfortable with the number because it’s high, and there’s almost nothing on broadening the contributor base,” the negotiator said.
The mixed reactions underscore the persistent divide between developed and developing nations in climate negotiations.
While the draft text aims to reconcile these differences, the gap between expectations and commitments remains a significant hurdle.
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