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NEITI advocates economic, social justice for oil producing communities

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has renewed the call for economic, environmental and social justice for oil, gas and mining host communities in Nigeria.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, made the call in Owerri, Imo State at the opening of the National Extractives Dialogue, organised by a Civil Society Organisation- Spaces for Change in collaboration with NEITI and the Ford Foundation.

The dialogue focused on Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT) to serve as the catalyst for equitable benefit-sharing and sustainable prosperity for all in host communities.

Orji, in a statement on Friday by Mrs Obiageli Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head Communications and Stakeholders’ Management, said a special multi-stakeholder’s approach was required for the development of host communities.

The NEITI Executive Secretary said such approach would draw national and international attention to the specific responsibilities of extractive companies, government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), development partners and the host communities.

This, he said, would address development issues of access to education, health care, job opportunities, environmental challenges and social infrastructure deficit in oil, gas and mining host communities.

He advised leaders of host communities drawn from the South-South and South East geo-political zones to change their advocacy approach and work with NEITI to push their complaints through peaceful consultations driven by knowledge, information, data sharing, constructive engagements and dialogue.

He explained that the 2023 annual dialogue series was to serve as a new platform for discussions and constructive debates on how citizens-centered-policy engagements would drive the implementation of HCDT established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).

“There is the need to examine how the HCDT as enshrined in the PIA is being implemented. What is the governance structure?

“How inclusive, participatory and transparent is the process of nominating members of the Board of Trustees, Management Committees and Advisory Committees,” he said.

Orji explained that NEITI’s legitimate interest in working with Spaces for Change, a civil society organisation was in furtherance of the agency’s partnership with CSOs to deepen the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative at the sub national levels.

He appealed to host communities in Nigeria to build trust and confidence in managing the relationship between host communities, government and the companies operating in the sector.

The Deputy Chairman, Committee on Host Communities in the House of Representatives, Abdulkarim Ahmed, called for inclusion of public education, conflict prevention, management and resolution mechanism in the implementation of HCDT Fund and pledged the support of the National Assembly.

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Prof. Eugene Opara, expressed satisfaction with the tone and direction of the dialogue and pledged the support of the state government.

Uzodimma welcomed the clarification given on the three per cent operating cost of the oil and gas companies.

He called on relevant government agencies in the sector saddled with implementation to invest in public education and enlightenment of host communities.

The host and Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Mrs Vicotria Ohaeri, called on the host communities to organise themselves and take full ownership of the process.

Ohaeri added that the provisions of the new legislation had moved host communities away from the era of charitable developmental assistance to a new era of entitlements and human rights.

“Host communities under the PIA provisions now have the right to benefit from natural resources.

“And these benefits are no longer acts of corporate benevolence, but entitlement to partake in the design, structure of their own development and participate in the governance and administration of the extractive resources,” she said.

The Dialogue was attended by government agencies in the oil and gas industry, civil society organisations, representatives of state governments, the media and development partners.

The Dialogue examined the structure of the fund, the need for inclusiveness in designing the governance structure, definition of roles of state governments, companies, traditional rulers, host communities and the civil society.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Executive Secretary Will Call for Support to Regional Peace Initiatives at Upcoming UN General Assembly, Says IGAD

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu will participate in high-level bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships and fostering sustainable development in the IGAD region during his stay in New York to attend the upcoming 78th Session of the UN General Assembly.

His engagements will focus on opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of best practices in the face of global challenges in line with IGAD’s mission to promote regional cooperation and sustainable growth, according to a press release of the authority.

The executive secretary “will also call for support for regional initiatives for peace and security and mediation efforts in the IGAD region,” the release added.

During his visit, Gebeyehu will also participate in high-level bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships and fostering sustainable development in the IGAD region.

Besides, he will address side events on climate change and peace and security in which the executive secretary is expected to underscore the urgent need for international cooperation to address the escalating climate crisis and its implications for food security and livelihoods.

The 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Kudus, Nuamah can lead Ghana to break AFCON drought – Mohammed Polo

Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo believes Mohammed Kudus and Ernest Nuamah can propel Ghana to break the 40-year African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy drought.

The two sensational footballing gems have been very key in Black Stars recent matches and have scored twice in the last two games against the Central African Republic and Liberia.

Speaking in an interview with the GNA Sports, Mohammed Polo described the two footballers as generational talents, adding that he believes Ghana would benefit immensely from their contributions to the senior national team.

‘The telepathy between these two players could propel Ghana to AFCON success in Cote D Ivoire and would have a massive impact in our bid to qualify for the next World Cup.

‘It is very rare for Ghana to have these kinds of players on one team at a time, but we are blessed to have this duo who are not just creators but scorers,’ he said.

Mohammed Polo also asserted that the recent moves by these players in the respective European clubs would aid in their development and would become massive for Ghana football progress, especially at the senior level.

‘I am happy with their progress, and I urge you to annul all the negativity that they might face while playing football, especially on social media,’ he added.

Mohammed Polo stated that there are more of these talents in Ghana and that more has to be done to unearth them, especially by supporting experienced footballers to build more academies.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Ghana Navy graduates nine Special Boat Squadron operatives at Nutekpor

Nine officers from the Ghana Navy have graduated from the Basic Operative Capability Course -Two in the Special Boat Squadron (SBS), an elite special forces unit, at the Nutekpor Naval Base in the Volta Region.

The trainees, having gone through 26 weeks of preparation, graduated with the status of Special Forces Operatives.

They would be ready to join the fold of rugged and combat ready operatives under the SBS such as combating counter piracy and trafficking.

Commander Seth Dzakpasu of the SBS Unit, during the graduation ceremony, said the six-month period of basic training saw only nine out of the 29 trainees, who had gone through the various phases of the ‘difficult course’, graduating.

He said 21 potential trainees passed the pre-course, which included a medical examination and later started the course on March 20, 2023, where they underwent stress test through physical drills with little sleep for the first four weeks.

‘The focus of these was to test their determination, grit and will to persevere. In all, the first four weeks was where the course recorded the highest attrition rate with a total of nine trainees leaving the course by the tradition of ringing the bell,’ Commander Dzakpasu said.

Two trainees also passed on after dropping from the course and another one, Able Seaman Class One, Ayamba died while practicing water confidence training, he said.

Commodore Bright E.K. Atiayao, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Naval Base at Nutekpor, in a welcome address, said the event was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s

commitment to training and building the capacity of the Ghana Navy to a global standard.

Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Special Guest of Honour, reminded the new operatives of the formidable challenges they had surmounted during the course, which should deepen their determination and hon their combat skills.

‘You now shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding our nation and its maritime interests, following the footsteps of those who have blazed this trail before you,’ he added.

The newly graduated trainees were presented with cash prizes and pinning of badge as a sign of special recognition, among other awards for their hard work, skills, and intelligence during the various training phases.

Mr Tom Norring, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Officers of the United States Navy based at the Command for Special Purposes graced the event, marked with skillful displays by the trainees.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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NGO sensitises public on environment, waste management

A Youth-led Environmental Organisation, Green Globe Initiative on Friday embarked on a climate awareness march to sensitise the public on climate and environmental sustainability.

The Founder, Green Globe Initiative, Mr Akintola Akinyemi, led the Nigeria Climate Awareness March in Ilorin.

Akinyemi called on the public to be conscious of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, so as to avoid blocking the waterways.

He described the march as a global event, saying that the event was taking place in fifteen states of the country simultaneously.

“This is the time to be aware of our environment and be passionate about sanitation and hygiene.

“We need to be sensitive about our environment and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“We should also be informed on how we manage our waste. Let us work together as agents of safe environment.

“Enough of our nonchalant approach to our environment. Stop putting your solid wastes in the drain. Prioritise safety first before your business and other things,” he counselled.

Akinyemi explained that in year 2022, 32 out of 36 states experienced massive flood in Nigeria, noting that this called for urgent preventive measures.

The founder warned that erosion and flood are harmful to lives, infrastructure and businesses.

He called on government at all levels to put in place a strong policy to enforce cooperation from the public, and advocated for a harsh punishment and fines for violators who endangered lives.

“Government should prioritise public safety and safe environment. Be harsh on violators and ensure workable policies are in place,” Akinyemi stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness march began at Post office’s ‘Soludero Park’, and covered some busy areas of Ilorin such as CBN, Muritala, Yoruba Road, Challenge, Unity Road and Maraba.

Participants at the awareness march included representatives from the Kwara Ministry of Environment, University of Ilorin, Kwara Polytechnic, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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President Hassan Sheikh receives his National ID

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who is in Dhusamareb, the capital of Galmudug State received his National Identification card which has been inaugurated by the Prime Minister today in Mogadishu.

The ID card issuance which was started by the President and the PM is part of a rollout in the country which every Somali citizen is eligible to acquire.

It is a significant milestone in Somalia’s state-building journey. The National ID Rollout is set to enhance security and address crucial national issues.

Source: Somali National News Agency

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Flood: State govts becoming more proactive – NEMA D-G

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has said that state governments are becoming more proactive in their response to disaster issues in the country.

Ahmed said this at the end of a four-day workshop organised for staff of the agency and staff of various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop with the theme: “Disaster Management and Preparedness Institutional Capacity Strengthening” was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA).

The workshop had the support of UNICEF, International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent (IFRC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Nigerian Red Cross Society.

The D-G said that the decision by the state governments to send their representatives for the workshop showed that they were more resolved in tackling disasters at the grassroots and sub-national levels.

He said that the decision to bring together staff of NEMA and SEMAs for the workshop was deliberate as the agency was committed to fostering cooperation, collaboration, experience sharing and enhanced collaboration between the federal and state agencies.

According to him, building capacities of the disaster management staff is a critical component for effective and efficient disaster management.

“In NEMA, we are looking beyond the present and working towards building a more robust system of disaster management where all relevant stakeholders are not only aware but also prepared to carry out their roles.

“This informs the wide range of collaboration and partnership engaged by the agency in the delivery of its mandates,” he said.

The director-general, who appreciated UN-OCHA and other stakeholders for collaborating with the agency for the training, urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained towards improving services in their various states.

Mr Trond Jensen, Head of UN-OCHA office, represented by Mr Ibrahima Barry, Head of Government Liaison Unit, assured of its readiness to continue collaborating with NEMA to effectively discharge its mandates.

“Our role in the humanitarian sector is to support government efforts and we in UN-OCHA will continue to reinforce our collaboration with NEMA.

“One thing we will also do is to create a communication network so that we can keep in touch and get updated when there is an emergency situation,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Hopewell Munyari, Operations Manager, IFRC, said it was important to have continuous collaborations with relevant stakeholders in disaster response in the country.

“It should not stop here after the workshop, I hope you all will go back to your states and implement what you have learnt,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria