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Environmental Activist, Nnimmo Bassey, Harps On Benefits Of Renewable Energy

Published

4 years ago

July 14, 2022

Editor

An environmental activist and Director, Health of the Mother Earth (HOMEF) Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, says transition from fossil to renewable energy will not only democratize power, but empower Nigerians, and contribute more to the economy.

Dr. Bassey who posited this in Benin on Wednesday at HOMEF’s School of Ecology session with the theme: Propelling the Energy Transition, said Nigeria cannot afford to depend on a system (fossil) that has failed over the years hence the need to transit to renewable energy.

He said the School of Ecology session was aimed broadening the base of understanding of the politics behind energy.

While challenging the continent of Africa especially Nigeria to think beyond a system that does not work, Bassey, said it is tantamount to retardation depending on a system that has failed over the years.

“We can’t continue to depend on a system that has failed us. We produce oil and gas for more than six decades, earn billions of US dollars from it production yet Nigerians do not have access to electricity. It is time to think and act beyond a system that does not help us, and alternative energy is the solution.

“It will not only give access to electricity, it will also democratize power generally. A whole lot of people are no more depending on the former economic system.

“Transiting to clean energy will empower Nigerians, and contribute more to the economy. Already, Nigerians are doing so well without much support from the system.”

According to the Director, Nigeria, as giant of Africa, has an important role to play on the continent bid to transit from fossil to renewable energy.

He lamented that though Nigeria has a critical leadership position to take in the Africa continent’s transition from fossil to renewable energy, such leadership position has not been seen in Nigeria.

While noting that there is no much time in the transition from fossil to renewable energy, he said: “The main reason why we are having this session is that the world tends to think that we have time before we can transit from using dirty energy to clean renewable energy. (Sic)

“And it is important that we are doing this in Nigeria, because Nigeria has an important position in Africa to show leadership in the transition from fossil to clean energy.

“But we are not seeing that leadership role, because we are still insisting Theon gas flaring; we are still insisting oil production; pollution is still going on everywhere; people still don’t have access to electricity; and we believe that it is by moving to renewable energy that we can democratize energy access to Nigerians and to Africa.”

Making presentation on the topic: Nigeria’s Climate Law – A Tool for Energy Transition?, Chima Williams, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, said Nigeria’s Climate Act does not favour energy transition at all.

In his presentation via zoom, Hamza Hamouchene from East Africa said what policy makers put in place and refer to as energy transition is more of energy expansion rather than energy transition.

Another contributor from East Asia challenged Africans to rise up and fight collectively the continent’s right, saying it is a sacrilege not to fight.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.