News
Adesina advocates Africa-led ‘Marshall Plan’ on conflict-hit regions
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has called for the creation of an Africa-led “Marshall Plan” to rebuild regions devastated by insecurity and conflict across the continent.
Adesina, in a statement made available to The Tide source in Abuja, yesterday, said, this was part of ongoing efforts to address insecurity, climate change, and economic recovery in Africa.
According to him, while Africa has made some progress in reducing inter-state wars through initiatives like the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns,” widespread insecurity persists in several regions.
“Conflicts in Sudan, Eastern Congo, terrorism in the Sahel, and insurgencies in northern Nigeria continue to pose significant challenges to peace and stability,” he said.
He identified poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation in what he termed the “Disaster Triangle” as the key drivers of insecurity on the continent.
“These factors are creating fertile ground for conflict, especially in rural areas.
“Nigeria, like other parts of Africa, has been hit hard with devastating consequences on lives and infrastructure,” Adesina said.
According to him, the growing cost of security in many African countries is now displacing spending on essential services like education and healthcare.
“In contrast to post-WWII Europe, which had the Marshall Plan, Africa has no external blueprint for reconstruction. We must develop our own solutions.
“The AfDB, in collaboration with the African Union, is introducing Security-Indexed Investment Bonds to raise long-term, low-interest financing from global capital markets.
“The proceeds will be directed towards rebuilding physical and social infrastructure destroyed by conflicts,” he said.
On climate finance, Adesina expressed concern over the limited global support for Africa, in spite of the continent contributing only three per cent of cumulative global emissions.
“Africa is the most vulnerable to climate change, with nine of the ten most affected countries located on the continent.
” Yet, Africa receives just three per cent of global climate finance,” he said
He announced the AfDB’s African Adaptation Acceleration Programme, a 25 billion dollars initiative launched in partnership with the Global Centre on Adaptation.
The AfDB president described the programme as the largest climate adaptation programme in the world.
He said the bank was scaling up its Africa Disaster Risk Insurance Facility to one billion dollars , aimed at helping countries insure against climate shocks and extreme weather events.
“Climate change is not ideological for Africa. it is a daily reality.
“That is why we are also mobilising 10 billion dollars through the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa.
“To build resilient and green infrastructure, including green hydrogen, sustainable transport, and water systems,” he said.
Adesina reiterated that the continent must remain focused on building resilience, securing its populations, and climate-proofing its economies.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated all the winners of Saturday, August 16, by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.
Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
President Tinubu congratulated the new APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.
He also congratulated the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.
“Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders,” the President remarks.
“To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God,” he said.
President Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoined them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.
The Rivers State Government has disclosed its plan to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, which will take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management and Control.
The State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), revealed this during a sensitisation campaign of the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He explained that the government is engaging the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management systems, covering pre-flood measures, interventions during flooding, and post-flood recovery projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
Ibas, in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, last Friday, said the initiative forms part of the state’s proactive strategy to mitigate flooding through awareness, prevention, preparedness, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to go beyond responding to disasters and instead anticipate vulnerable areas, reduce the impact of flooding, and equip residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
He added that the State is enforcing environmental laws to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal, illegal dumping, and construction on flood plains, which worsen flooding incidents.
According to him, effective flood management requires collaboration between the public sector, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, as government alone cannot tackle the challenge.
-
Business4 days ago
Investment Flow To Nigeria Drops By 70%
-
Business4 days agoAfDB Secures N3.4trn For Agro-industrial Processing In Nigeria
-
Featured4 days agoNigeria Accounts For 70% Of 11m Illegal Arms In W/Africa
-
Business4 days ago
CBN Plans Legal Action Against FX Contract Violators
-
News1 day agoNigeria’s Debt To W’Bank IDA Hits $19.2bn -Report
-
Politics4 days ago
APC Doesn’t Have Money, Relies On Elected Members For Funds – NWC Member
-
Politics4 days ago
Rivers LG Polls: IPAC Asks Political Parties Not To Participate
-
News4 days agoNCos Frees 28,149 Inmates After Payment Of Fines, Compensation In 2024