News
Africa will drive global agenda on renewable energy- AfDB president
Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the President, African Development Bank(AfDB) Group, says Africa will drive global agenda on renewable energy and green transitions.
Adesina said this at a media conference in Nairobi, on the sidelines of the ongoing AfDB Annual Meetings 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event marks the 59th Annual Assembly of the AfDB, the 50th meeting of the African Development Fund (ADF) and 60 years of AfDB’s existence
While articulating Africa’s inherent advantage in renewable energy, Adesina said the continent had abundant solar potential, and a catalyst for driving green energy initiatives on a global scale.
“Globally, we have been talking about global energy transitions. Everybody worries about continued CO2 emissions and the need to contain that through energy transitions and moving into more renewable energy.
“Africa will drive the global agenda on renewable and green energy transitions for two reasons. We have great sunshine, which has about 11 terawatts of solar potential.
“That is the highest solar potential you have anywhere in the world. And the level of solar radiation in Africa is the highest anywhere you will find in the world.
“So, therefore, as the world now transitions into renewable energy, Africa will be front and centre in terms of harnessing the power of renewable energy to drive our world,” he said.
According to Adesina, there is a lot of interest in green hydrogen, green ammonia, fertilisers, jet fuels, and other things that require renewable energy, such as solar energy.
He said that Africa’s rich reservoir of natural resources, including platinum, copper, and lithium, positioned the continent as a key player in the burgeoning Electric Vehicle (EV) market.
He emphasised the importance for Africa to harness these resources strategically for its transformation and to assert its prominence in global value chains.
“And so Africa today has 90 per cent of all the platinum in the world. It has well over 60- 70 per cent of all the copper you have worldwide.
“Fifty per cent of all the other metals, whether nickel or lithium. Africa has a massive amount of these natural metals that will determine the future of electric vehicles in the world.
“And so how Africa harnesses that for its transformation will be critical, but also critical for how Africa positions itself globally in those value chains.
“So there are potential, opportunities, and positioning issues for Africa within the context of your global electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems.
On Agriculture, Adesina said it emerged as a linchpin in Africa’s transformation narrative.
According to him, with most of the world’s uncultivated arable land lying within its borders, Africa holds the key to global food security.
He, however, underscored the imperative for Africa to leverage its agricultural potential to meet the needs of a burgeoning global population.
Adesina said that the continent was poised to chart its course on the global stage and should ensure to shape the future of generations to come.
“So, what Africa does with agriculture will determine the future of food in the world. Africa’s transformation will have to happen not with what Africa does not have.
“It has to happen with what Africa has and how it harnesses those things, which will drive this fast-paced transformation. (NAN)
Describes Movement as People Against Nigeria
The National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM) has strongly condemned the recent formation of a coalition by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures, describing the movement as “people against Nigeria.”
At a press conference on Thursday, the NCAM national president, Hon. Isaac Ikpa criticised the coalition as a gathering of “expired political relics” and “political has-beens” driven by selfish ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve the nation.
The group specifically accused Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai among others of having a history of failed leadership, corruption, and divisive politics.
According to Ikpa, the coalition’s true intention is to hijack power for personal enrichment rather than national progress.
The group urged Nigerians to reject the coalition’s “desperate attempt” to cling to power and instead support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NCAM emphasised that President Tinubu has a proven track record of excellence, visionary leadership, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress, unlike the members of Atiku’s coalition.
“We want Nigerians to understand that this so-called coalition unveiled by Atiku Abubakar is nothing more than a gathering of politicans seeking relevance,” the statement added.
“Suppose one can even dignify it with such a term. In that case, it is nothing more than a laughable attempt by individuals who have repeatedly failed the Nigerian people to rehabilitate their tarnished reputations.
“These are individuals with no vision, credibility, and have no business dictating the future of Nigeria. Their records have proven their inability to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria. This coalition is doomed to fail because it is built on hypocrisy, deceit, and personal ambition, rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.
“We, the National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM), stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda. We call on all Nigerians to reject this desperate attempt by expired politicians to cling to power.
“We must not allow these individuals to derail the progress that Nigeria has made under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We must not give room for failed politicians to drag Nigeria backward into the abyss of corruption and bad governance. The future of our nation is at stake, and we must stand firm in our commitment to protect good governance, transformative leadership, and the progress of Nigeria.”
… Raises concern over polygamy negative impact
… Says some men has over 50 children, can’t take care of them
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised men facing financial difficulties to limit themselves to one wife in order to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfil their obligations.
During his address at the conclusion of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir emphasised that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families.
He shared an example from his palace, where 192 families reside, with some men having more than 50 children. “How can someone adequately care for such a large number of dependents?” he questioned.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls. He believes this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
Furthermore, he criticised the judiciary for exacerbating societal issues, pointing to the case of a young woman sentenced to two years in prison over a small debt of N6,000. “When I visited the prison, I had only N200,000, yet I was able to secure the release of eight people,” he recounted.
The Emir noted that the palace frequently relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to address challenges in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and land disputes, which he described as major sources of family strife.
In her remarks, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama to encourage men to take greater responsibility in their homes.
She emphasised that many responsibilities have shifted to women, and it’s time for men to step up.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced that the organisation is working on establishing a fully operational skills acquisition centre to empower both women and youth.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.
Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.
Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.
The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.
Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.
“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.
Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.
“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.
As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.
Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.
He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.
As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
End..