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Climate Change: Reject All Forms Of Geoengineering Technology, Environmental Activists Urge African Leaders

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2023

Friends of the Earth Africa and Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) have called on African governments to reject all forms of Geoengineering Technology aimed at protecting local communities against the adverse effects at COP 28.

INFO DAILY reports that Geoengineering refers to large-scale schemes for intervention in the earth’s oceans, soils and atmosphere, with the aim of providing a temporary reduction of the effects of climate change.

The Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, while highlighting some of the human rights impact of Geoenginnering, explaines that Solar Radiation management techniques such as spraying sulphates into the stratosphere or modifying clouds, may have unintended infringement on the right to health and the right to water.

He added that Carbon Dioxide Removal methods involving large-scale carbon capture in the atmosphere, also raises human rights concerns in relation to food, livelihood, land and indigenous rights.

He further stated that the earth radiation management technique is an infringement on the right to self-determination and the right to adequate standard of living.

Williams who called for the reduction of the emissions of greenhouse gases, pointed out that it’s the safest way to rescue the world from the negative impacts of climate change which is the goal that every sector must pursue without compromise.

“A search on efforts being made to address the climate crisis will produce shocking results that shows that all sectors including the most polluting sectors also claim to be involved in fighting climate change.

“This deception is the targeted atdodging the real solutions which essentially is about cutting emissions to zero by leaving fossil fuel in the soil, coal in the ground and tar sand in the hole and adopting renewable energy sources.”

On his part, climate justice campaigner with ERA/FoEN and Friends of the Earth Africa, Maimoni MariereUbrei-Joe, stated that Climate Geoengineering is one of the many false solutions that have been proposed to counter the path to a just energy transition.

According to Ubrei-Joe, some of geoengineering techniques such as Solar Radiation Management (SRM) seeks to alter the amount of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface and could lead to regional climate changes.

“Solar Radiation Management is the altering of the amount of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface, which could lead to regional climate changes. This could result in shifts in precipitation patterns, temperature extremes, and changes in agricultural productivity, which could negatively impact local communities that rely on stable and predictable climate conditions for farming, water availability, and livelihoods.

“Modifying cloud patterns or introducing reflective particles into the atmosphere may have unintended consequences for local ecosystems. Changes in sunlight and temperature regimes could disrupt ecosystems, leading to shifts in species composition, altered migration patterns, and potential biodiversity loss” he added.

Ubrei-Joe further revealed that Carbon Dioxide Removal whichrefers to a Large-scale implementation of techniques such as afforestation or creating artificial forests, which may require a large expanse of land areas, could create the struggle for land resources by local communities.

“This has the potential of displacing local communities and forcing them to encroach on indigenous territories, or disrupting traditional land uses and livelihoods. Some CDR methods, like ocean fertilization, may carry environmental risks.

“For instance, seeding the ocean with iron pellets to stimulate plankton blooms can alter marine ecosystems, affecting fish populations and potentially disrupting local fishing industries or coastal communities dependent on marine resources.

“Earth Radiation Management is the thinning of cirrus clouds to allow more heat to escape into space. Creating changes to cloud cover and atmospheric dynamics could lead to volatile shifts in local weather patterns, making it challenging for communities especially farmers to adjust and plan for changes effectively.

“Geoengineering projects are often global or national in scale, and decision-making processes may not adequately involve or consider the perspectives and concerns of local communities, which is a process that undermines social equity and justice, potentially exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.”

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

News

MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Published

13 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

16 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.