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Africa Climate Summit Built On False Solutions, Friends Of Earth Africa Alleges

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By Joseph Ebi Kanjo 

Environmental activists mostly drawn from Africa have raised the alarm that the the forthcoming Africa Climate Submit/Week is nothing but an event built on false solutions rather than a real solution.

They further argued that the event, disguised to offer solutions to the many climate issues in Africa, is a false, and never a solution to climate issues such as mining, etc, which, according to them, are caused by “the greed of filthy lucre by both African governments and their former colonial masters.”

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The environmental activists and civil society members who took this position via a Webinar on Tuesday, were drawn from South Africa, DRC Congo Zimbabwe, Nigeria etc.

Speaking, Ubrei-Joe Maimoni, Coordinator, Climate Justice and Energy Program Coordinator for Friends of the Earth Africa, described as sad that state of climate justice in Africa.

READ ALSO: Establish Tribunal For Environmental Terrorism, Economic Crime In N’Delta — ERA

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Maimoni, who doubles as Program Manager, Environmental Rights Action Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), lamented that even after 67 years of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, people in the region are still living in a polluted environment and complete darkness.

“Friends of the Earth Africa believes that a Just Recovery Renewable Energy Plan for Africa built on environmental, social, gender and economic justice is urgently needed to address all the impacts of the multiple interrelated crises across the continent, which are being compounded by the neo-liberal doctrine,” he added.

He noted that while the crisis created by the climate and COVID-19 still lingers, Africans have seen how the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is mounting pressure on the African continent to help bridge the gap of the energy cut from Russia to other parts of Africa.

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While calling on the global North not to let Africa burn, Maimoni said it’s obvious that Africa has witnessed the worst cases of climate disasters – such as cyclone, flooding, drought and sesertification among others.

He emphasized the need for Africa to move away from harmful fossil fuels towards a transformed energy system that is clean, renewable, democratic and actually serves its people.

READ ALSO: HOMEF @10: Environmental Activist Advocates Safer, Satisfactory Nigeria, Africa

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He further emphasised the need for African leaders to recognise socially owned and controlled renewable energy as a right, and also to ensure that it is prioritised in policy agenda and fiscal budgets, warning that energy should not be developed solely for profit but to ensure dignity.

He also called on African governments to work with all people and remove all obstacles that may retard progress and/or detract from attaining this goal.

In her remarks, Energy Program Coordinator/Friends of the Earth International Climate Justice, Tyler Booth, identified some of the false solutions as the calls for a carbon market; driving Renewable Energy growth for global needs rather than for African needs, and the commodification of nature through the planned Blue economy ideas.

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She argued that Africa doesn’t need carbon markets but rather needs real climate finance.

She added that carbon markets are dangerous distractions and do not offer a financial solution capable of reaching the grassroots communities that are already feeling the impacts.

READ ALSO: CSOs Visit Delta Ministry Of Environment, Wants End To Plastic Pollution, Open Waste Dumping

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According to her, the most anticipated Blue Economy is a commodification of nature while the promotion of liveable cities is focused on African cities to the detriment of Africa’s rural areas.

…data from the World Bank estimates 58% of the total population lives in rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa; In Africa, over 400 million people live in rural areas ” she quoted, adding that transforming Africa’s food systems needs is to ensure it is towards food sovereignty and agroecology,” she added.

In her presentation, titled “How Just is the Transition in Africa?”, a supporter of the Don’t Gas Africa, and Africa Movement of Movements, Lorraine Chiponda from Zimbabwe, stated that Africa with over a billion people and 55 countries is home to diverse economies, resources, ecosystems and cultures.

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Chiponda lamented that decades after independence, African countries continue to face famine, energy poverty, regional conflict, patriarchal oppression, economic insecurity, & debt crises that are increasingly compounded by climate change, systemic and structural as well as financial and trade systems development, climate and energy justice.

She said what an African transition can look like is to have decolonized systems; decentralised systems;
Champion people’s alternative circular economies and ensure food and water sovereignty; monetary and energy sovereignty as well as breaking free from development traps and false solutions.

Others who spoke at the Webinar lamented the dire effect of mining on Africa which included human rights abuses, land grabbing, environmental degradation, gender oppression as well as the inherent health challenges which continue on a daily basis.

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Edo Dep. Gov. Idahosa Inducted, Bestowed With Rotary Premium Award

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The Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been bestowed with the Rotary Premium Award by the Benin Metropolitan Rotary Club, District 9141 in recognition of his humanitarian disposition.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor was accorded this recognition when the humanitarian organization visited his office to induct him into the club

Idahosa expressed appreciation for the recognition and promised to continue to contribute his best for the betterment of the society and humanity.

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“When I was growing up, my prayer to God, was Bless me so that I will be a blessing to the world,” he stated.

REAS ALSO:Okpebholo, Idahosa Bag UNIBEN Distinguished Service, Leadership Awards

He noted that the recognition was in no doubt, a call for higher responsibilities.

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Rotary President, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie who gave reasons for the award and investiture, maintained that the induction was based on Idahosa’s humanitarian disposition which is in line with Rotary Club’s doctrine of service above self, humanitarian and community.

“This is a reflection of where your heart is,” she told Idahosa.

The Assistant District Governor of the Club, (AG) Samson Olayiwola of Zone 20, D 9141, later decorated Idahosa with the “Rotarian pin,” the recognized logo of the Rotary Club worldwide.

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This was in addition to the presentation of a certificate of membership and embroidered with a sash that uniquely identifies Idahosa as a member of the “RC Benin Metropolitan District.”

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Doctors’ Strike Continues As NARD Demands Fair Deal, Better Pay

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as their indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

It also demanded a review of the outdated Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the union said: “Dear Nigerians, Doctors Deserve a Fair Deal! For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale.

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“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”

READ ALSO:Why Pregnant Women Must Shun Multiple Skin Products – Doctors

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals nationwide, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres, disrupting medical services across the country.

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NARD said the union’s 19-point demand list is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of doctors and patients.

The list includes the payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure, disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and improved working conditions.

The union stressed that these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

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READ ALSO:Two Brothers Miraculously Escape From Kidnappers’ Den In Edo

President Bola Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Health to immediately resolve the strike, noting that the government is addressing the doctors’ demands.

Despite the directive, NARD said delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries have continued to demoralise doctors, many of whom face rising living costs while providing critical medical services.

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VIDEO: Fayose Speaks About Own Death, Burial

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said his body should be buried within four weeks of his death. Fayose also laid out detailed instructions for his burial, including that nobody should visit after he is buried.

He said his body and the burial arrangement should be handled by the Ekiti State Government.

In a six-minute video shared on YouTube by City Edge TV on Saturday, Fayose, who turns 65 today, said: “Remember me for anything. And when I die, let me say this. Death is inevitable. My body belongs to the Ekiti state government… I’m delivering a letter to the governor.”

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Fayose added that regardless of when his death occurs, the state government should take charge of his remains.

REAS ALSO:JUST IN: PDP Axes Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others For Anti-party Activities

Let us say in another 20, 30 years, 15 years, whatever time, for the glory of God. The Ekiti state government takes over my body, and I must be buried within four weeks. Because the state might not be ready within two, three days, we allow them four weeks.”

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Fayose added that his children should wear their own clothes and follow the directives of the government at the time of his death.

About his final resting place, he said: “My grandmother’s home, the mother of my father, I’ve made the garden there. I should be laid to rest there. After my departure, nobody must come there again. Allow me to go. If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now.”

The channel also shared a 20-minute video showing popular juju musician King Sunny Ade serenading the former governor on stage while he danced at his birthday thanksgiving reception.

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READ ALSO:PDP Will Come Fourth In 2027 General Election – Fayose

Celebrated by several political figures. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike described Fayose as “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues,” adding: “Ayodele, my younger brother, may you reach the age of your elder brother in good health, and may God continue to make your days on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings.”

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also congratulated Fayose in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, praising his “remarkable contributions” to the state and describing him as: “A leader who loves and connects well with the people, a respected grassroots politician and mobiliser, and a statesman who will never shy away from bearing his mind in his determination to see a more prosperous state and country.”

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Watch the video here

 

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