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RSG, Firm Sign MOU To, Protect, Preserve Forests’ Ecosystems …To Establish Blue Carbon Credits Scheme
Rivers State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Senendib Capital Limited for the protection and preservation of mangrove forest ecosystems within the State and the establishment of a Blue Carbon Credits Partnership.
The MoU signing, which was supervised by the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, was signed by the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Engr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, and the Director of Petroleum, Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Temple Amachree, on behalf of the Rivers State Government at the office of the Attorney-General in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Rafat Rizvi, and the Chief Operating Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Christian Elemele, signed on behalf of Serendib Capital Limited.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Engr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, who noted the high level of degradation of the mangrove forests in the State and the Niger Delta as a result of illegal oil bunkering activities, said the project will integrate mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation and sustainable agriculture.
He also observed that the project will aid in tree planting, biochar production with a view to bringing about a transformative shift in environmental and socio-economic gains in the State.
He said, “The project will benefit the State in no small measure, and in particular, increase our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“The Rivers State Government, will therefore, provide the needed logistics in line with the terms of the MoU as well as security to ensure the success of the project”, he asserted.
In his remarks, the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Serendib Capital Limited, Rafat Rizvi, said the project would be part of a larger mangrove marine ecosystems restoration programme known as Delta AZURE, which will be the world’s largest blue carbon credit project.
Rizvi noted that the mangrove restoration project will prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through afforestation, reforestation, revegetation and replantation.
He noted, “The carbon credits generated from the project would be used to bring tangible benefits to the State we operate in and would be used as an economic vehicle to support the communities involved.
“The conservation project would generate carbon credits that would be used as an alternative income source for those local people who may otherwise make an income from illegal logging and deforestation”, he observed.
Rizvi added that the project will create a significant number of jobs within the local communities and help the State in terms of diversifying it’s revenue streams not just in the short term, but for a very much a longer term.
He expressed the company’s commitment to work in synergy with the local communities while also seeking their cooperation, and commended the Rivers State Government for the trust, just as he assured that they will not betray the confidence reposed in them.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.