NEWS
COP29: Adeleke Tasks World Leaders On Climate Action
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called on world leaders to recommit to immediate action to stem the mounting negative consequences of climate change.
He also listed several steps the subnational state of Osun has taken on the subject.
Gov Adeleke was addressing COP29 side event in Baku, Azerbaijan, represented by the state’s consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku and recalled the various technical reports from several credible agencies which pointed to a heightening negative impact of climate change, noting that the time is now for remediation, adaptation and resilience actions to save the planet.
Gov Adeleke extended hands of collaboration to world leaders as he noted that “the challenges of climate change are global while our solutions can be local, scalable, and impactful.
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“Let us continue to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and invest in sustainable futures for all. Together, we can create a world where art, innovation, and environmental stewardship thrive side by side—a world where waste becomes wealth and resilience becomes a shared legacy”, the Governor canvassed.
The Governor spoke further at the event: “In Osun State, we are on a transformative journey toward climate resilience, sustainability, and economic empowerment. Aligned with the thematic areas of COP29, our efforts focus on adaptation, mitigation, circular economy, and inclusive development:
“Adaptation: Through our Climate Action Plan (CAP), we are equipping all sectors with the tools to assess emissions and vulnerabilities. Focal desk officers are tracking greenhouse gas data across agriculture, water, infrastructure, and health, ensuring targeted and actionable strategies;
“Circular Economy: Our state is pioneering waste-to-wealth initiatives by engaging both formal and informal players. Through waste characterization studies and upcoming recycling hubs, we are creating economic opportunities while protecting the environment;
“Nature-Based Solutions: We are reclaiming degraded lands, such as the Onibueja dump site, where reforestation and creative reuse of waste are transforming challenges into opportunities. Our Ago-Owu Forest project further demonstrates our commitment to ecosystem restoration;
“Renewable Energy Transition: Solar mini-grids, solar farms, solar powered boreholes, solar street lights, clean cooking stoves, and partnerships with international stakeholders are ensuring a just and inclusive clean energy future;
“Inclusive Development: By mobilizing women, youths, and local communities, we are creating a robust grassroots movement for climate action”, the Governor noted.
He commended Dotun Popoola’s remarkable exhibition, Reclaimed Beauty, exemplified the spirit of innovation and resilience that drives Osun State.
“His sculptures—crafted from recycled metal and discarded materials from our dumpsites—tell the story of turning waste into wonder, and challenges into opportunities. His work aligns seamlessly with our circular economy goals, emphasizing sustainability and cultural heritage.
“I commend the Heydar Aliyev Center for hosting this extraordinary event. It showcases the intersection of art, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment—a vision we deeply embrace in Osun State”, the Governor concluded.
NEWS
President Tinubu Arrives In Brazil For High-Stakes G20 Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit of the Group of 20 (G20).
The President landed on Sunday at 11:03 p.m. local time (3:03 a.m. Nigerian time on Monday) and was received by Ambassador Breno Costa from Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations.
READ MORE: I’ll Build A Stronger Ondo – Gov Aiyedatiwa Assures Residents
The summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is themed “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet” and will focus on key global issues such as sustainable development, climate change, digital economy reforms, and geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and U.S.-China relations.
President Tinubu is joined by high-ranking Nigerian officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture, and Creativity Hannatu Musawa, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and National Intelligence Agency Director General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
President Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit to further Nigeria’s socio-economic reform agenda.
These discussions will emphasize food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable development—issues that align with the summit’s objectives.
Brazil’s G20 presidency, which began in December 2023, is centered on tackling global challenges, including hunger, poverty, and inequality.
President Lula has proposed measures to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030, with a particular focus on food security.
The G20 summit, scheduled from November 18 to 19, brings together leaders from 19 member nations, including the United States, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, alongside representatives from the African Union and the European Union.
The event will culminate in the adoption of agreements and strategies to address pressing global issues and drive sustainable development.
President Tinubu’s attendance follows an official invitation extended by Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Areias, in August.
Ambassador Areias emphasized Brazil’s commitment to fostering international collaboration on food security and other critical global issues.
The summit marks the conclusion of a year-long series of ministerial and working group meetings under Brazil’s presidency.
Leaders are expected to approve agreements that address global challenges, with a focus on creating a fairer, more sustainable world.
NEWS
I’ll Build A Stronger Ondo – Gov Aiyedatiwa Assures Residents
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to serve the people of Ondo State diligently following his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Aiyedatiwa the winner after he secured 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes.
Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party (LP) and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) received 1,162 and 874 votes, respectively.
READ ALSO: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Set For Second Term As WTO Chief
Speaking to journalists in Akure, the state capital, shortly after his victory was announced, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the electorate. “I thank Ondo for the renewed mandate given to me to be their governor beyond 2025, and I promise to serve them,” he said.
The election saw Aiyedatiwa overcoming a fierce contest against high-profile opponents, including Agboola, a former deputy governor, and Mimiko, the son of a former governor.
INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, declared the results, confirming that Aiyedatiwa fulfilled all requirements to be declared the winner.
The governor, who campaigned on a platform of continuity and development, reassured the people of his commitment to progress.
“This victory is a testament to the resilience and trust of our people. Together, we will chart a new course for prosperity and unity in Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The victory marks the beginning of another term for the APC in Ondo State, with Aiyedatiwa set to build on his administration’s achievements.
NEWS
JUST IN: Tinubu Departs Nigeria For G20 Summit In Brazil
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, November 17, for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he is set to participate in the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The Nigerian president will attend the high-profile meeting at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who also serves as the current chair of the G20.
The Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19, will gather leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union, the African Union, and major global financial institutions.
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Discussions at this year’s Summit will focus on the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.”
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, outlined key issues on the agenda, including global efforts to fight hunger and poverty, reforms of international governance institutions, sustainable development, and energy transition.
According to the statement: “This year’s meeting, under the theme, ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ will see the participants discuss the fight against hunger and poverty; reform of the Institution of global governance; and sustainable development and Energy Transition.”
Onanuga emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing call for the reform of global governing institutions, noting the country’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“Nigeria has always strongly advocated for a reform of the global governing institutions and often presented its impressive credentials as a strong contender for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” the statement read.
President Tinubu is also expected to engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit to bolster Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms and international partnerships.
Accompanying the president on the trip will be top government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Art, Tourism, Culture and Creativity Hannatu Musawa, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
The president is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the Summit.