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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.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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