News
Climate Change: A Wake Up Call
The current change in weather condition in various parts of Nigerian, once more, reminds us of Nigerian leaders non-chalance and lackaidaisical disposition towards climate change.
Infact, the different positions and views by relevant authorities on the sudden return of harmattan haze quickly points to the fact that the authorities are indifferent to realities of global climate changes.
The sudden return of harmattan weather condition is a clear pointer that our leaders are just groping in the dark, not knowing precisely what to do in such natural occurrences.
In advanced societies, the citizens should have been alerted long ago on the impending change and how it will affect their lives, rightly or wrongly. But here in Nigeria, different bodies and people, hold varied opinions, just because of the indifference by relevant government bodies.
The departure from the usual climatic and weather conditions as evidently manifested in the last one week or more should have been predicted long ago and the citizens sensitised on the implications, rather than the panic and confusion currently exhibited by all.
The curiosity occasioned by the massive dust haze over the country’s skyline, no doubt, has its implications on the social and economic activities of the citizens. Perhaps, we need to quantify the loss to really appreciate and place its impact on Nigerian economy.
The losses can be seen in the aviation sector which recorded several cancellation of flights and virtually paralysed other activities at the nation’s airports due to poor visibility. Similarly, petty traders and businessmen and women who scampered for safety abandoned their businesses, just to avoid the ‘acid rain’ resulting from the weather change.
Nigeria, to say the least, recorded huge financial losses as a result of the prevailing development. Simply, the explanation is that our leaders and authorities did not anticipate the change on time and therefore never prepared for it.
And this brings us to the question: what should be done in the circumstance?.
Other developed countries such as United States of America, Britain, France and other European countries had experienced extreme weather conditions and other natural phenomena like heavy snowfall during winter seasons. Such countries usually devise ways and means of reducing, to the barest minimum, the impact and losses on their citizenry. But in Nigeria, the story is different.
Nigerians are left at the mercy of nature and to their fate whenever we have extreme cases of rainfall or dryness. It should not be ! Our problem, indeed, is that of dearth of information and reliable records on weather conditions.
In civilised societies, there is no basis for the different views on the “purported acid rain”, now making the rounds, if we have our acts right. This is largely because there is no scientific proof to that effect..
In other societies, information on weather is tracked and passed on promptly to enable people prepare ahead. Obviously, the authorities response to natural phenomena is not encouraging at all.
Our leaders must therefore take the issue of climate change more seriously if our environment must be protected from the vagaries of the climate.
Nigeria must squarely address the challenge posed by climate change. Our leaders must provide the framework and enabling environment for pro-active action in this direction.
Resolutions from the UN’s climate change conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark must be taken seriously if we must move to the next level. Humanity’s survival will largely depend on our ability to collectively protect our environment from change phenomena.
Climate change poses clear and present danger to mankind and a road map towards addressing the challenge becomes inevitable.
Goodluck Ukwe
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
The new Commissioner of Police Eastern, Ports Command, Mr Tijani Fatai has promised to ensure a crime- free ports operations in the zone.
He said effective policing will be mounted across the ports in the zone in tackling the high rate of community unrest, activities of port rats and other social vices.
Fatai while speaking to newsmen shortly after taking over as the 17th commissioner said he wants to be remembered as a peace maker during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Ports Command.
According to him,’’the community policing is the sure way of addressing most conflicts and other social vices bedeviling our society today and I will explore it to its fullest” .
The Commissioner also assured officers of the rank and file of improved welfare whoch he described as a cardinal objective of the present efforts of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
He said,” the Inspector General of Police has sent me to assure you all of welfare, promotions as and when due,no officers particular rank and file will be left behind in the coming months.
Fatai before his recent posting was an operational officer,who spent most of his years with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) where he served as Unit Commander (UC) and Commander, PMF.
Before his redeployment as a Commissioner of Police,(CP), he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP, Operations, Lagos State Command.
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