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Ekoclimathon 1.0 will bring solutions on climate change

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Ekoclimathon 1.0 will bring solutions on climate change

Ekoclimathon 1.0 will bring solutions on climate change

By Ifeoma Ikem

Ekoclimathon 1.0 will bring solutions on climate change

 

 

Mr Victor Afolabi, founder of the Eko Innovation Center and curator of the Artwork of Technology Lagos, says Ekoclimathon 1.0 will provide sustainable solutions to address problems of climate change.

Afolabi said this during the launch of EkoClimathon 1.0, the first hackathon technological solutions for resolving problems related to climate change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said the EkoClimathon 1.0 is with a focus on issues of agriculture, waste, the circular economy, transportation, nature-based solutions, power and energy.

“Ekoclimathon 1.0 has received 1034 entries from contributors in 11 different countries. The contributors were divided into different groups and required to work together for three weeks to come up with fresh ideas depending on their main areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Each group will get a chance to present their ideas to the top 10 teams with the workable ideas which will compete for a chance at the $7,500 prize pool and an acceleration program to get their products ready for the market in the finals on August 5. A jury of material experts will judge the finals.

“It will bring together business organizations, government agencies, policymakers, associations, agricultural sectors, and innovation centres to build a different fast track that may get the globe closer to the net-zero goal”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said that in order to address the issues of climate change, it is critical to start utilizing the creativity and skills of young people in Africa who are preoccupied with technology.

” Because climate change is reliant on clean energy sources and greenhouse gas emissions, Nigeria is one of the top 50 countries on earth that contributes to the problem of climate change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“However, agriculture is Nigeria’s largest employer of workers and best contributor to the financial system.

“We rely so much on forests and agriculture, and everything we do has an impact on the effects of local weather change that we are currently seeing”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said that climate change can have an impact on immigration, noting that the high amount of immigration from other regions has left North Central in a state of turmoil.

“People can no longer go fishing since Lake Chad is drying up. Some of them have relocated. The headers lack a place to call home. It affects the level of wellbeing over time, ”he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afolabi, said in terms of technology that addresses the issue of climate change, there are five areas of digital options that are susceptible to hacking: foundational applied sciences, cloud applied sciences, decision-making applied sciences, sense and management applied sciences (Web of Issues), and blockchain applied sciences.

“The more hackathons and other activities that promote this, the better for everyone, the expanding range of digital solutions can help us decrease the impact of our decisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Funding for weather technology surged by a factor of two during the last years of 2022 and 2021, going from $28.4 billion to $87 billion.

“There may be significant money for weather expertise, and the investing communities are able to connect with organizations, policymakers, and engineers who are ready to participate in the effort to mitigate local climate change”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman/Founder Lekki Urban, Forest and Animal Shelter, Mr Desmond Majekodunmi explained that in the beginning it was quite embarrassing to be an environmentalist, now it’s really changing with the support from the younger people and some elders who are now getting it because it is our lives support system and not ours only but our children’s.

Majekodunmi, said that if our environment is not healthy then we can not be healthy, also Nigerians need to work very fast to prevent catastrophe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He noted that the job description of a leader especially in government is a civil servants which means you are a servant to civilian society you are suppose to be serving the people and one of the effective ways of serving people is to safeguard lives, health and vitality.

“Meanwhile all these can be negatively impacted by a degraded support system and environment so if you are really a leader this should be your top priority,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He frowned against sand filling because the sand are being taken from places that could impact the environment very negatively.

“If you are sand filling mangrove, it’s one of the important ecosystem that protect us from waves and erosion, it is also a massive elements of carbon dioxide so we need to be very careful in Nigeria,he added

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, and Generation Unlimited Lead, Celine Lafoucriere ,described the launch of Ekoclimathon 1.0 as a good idea saying no one should not be left out especially the younger ones.

“Eko Innovation Centre’s ideas appear to be very promising and I will be keeping an eye on the hackathon’s growth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

” It’s important we keep an eye on this influencing Nigerian children between the ages of 10 – 30 to become active and productive citizens by ensuring that they are all enrolled in some kinds of school, training, or employment by 2030.

“It is our responsibility to make sure that no one is left behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“By 2030, Technology Limitless 9Ja hopes to have an impact on 20 million young people with its digital ability platform, which can help Nigerians on skill learning.

“It’s simple math; 2.5 million people live in Nigeria annually; we’re on the right track. We provide a free digital platform that allows you to access digital learning. It is a really exciting to have digital platform where all friends can debut for free and offer any kind of skill,” she added.

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Pastor Evangelista Atie set to ignite Lagos with ISHAGA REVIVAL FIRE CRUSADE

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One of God’s own prayer and evangelist ministry,Plug Ministry is set to ignite Lagos as she quests to win souls for the kingdom of God, the ministry Which has a pure and genuine mandate to reach out to the people, propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ and win souls for the kingdom is holding a 3 days Arise Africa crusade,theme: ISHAGA REVIVAL FIRE CRUSADE

The programme which is scheduled to run from Thursday 30th of January to Saturday,1st of February 2025 is targeted towards liberating mankind from the shackles and bondages of the devil and winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

It will be held at Barachel Nursery and primary school,102 Agbado Road,Ishaga , Lagos,time is 5:30pm daily.

Don’t miss this programme because God anointed pastor Evangelista to break demonic embargoes, impediments and barriers of your life,yokes and bondages will be broken,the captives shall be set free ,deep prophetic insight that would ultimately result to giving you solutions to the problems of your life, come because the days of miracles are not over year, Jesus Christ will surely fix that problem

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CGC Adeniyi Advocates Synergy Among Security Agencies to Optimise Anti-smuggling Operations

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CGC Adeniyi Advocates Synergy Among Security Agencies to Optimise Anti-smuggling Operations 

CGC Adeniyi Advocates Synergy Among Security Agencies to Optimise Anti-smuggling Operations

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for increased collaboration among security agencies to effectively address smuggling and its detrimental effects on Nigeria’s economy.

 

CGC Adeniyi Advocates Synergy Among Security Agencies to Optimise Anti-smuggling Operations 

 

 

Delivering a lecture to participants of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Thursday, 23 January 2025, the Customs boss stressed the importance of synergy and mutual understanding among security agencies in tackling illicit trade and ensuring economic security.

 

 

 

“No single agency can effectively combat the complexities of smuggling without the support and cooperation of others,” Adeniyi said. “Collaborating with other security agencies is essential for effective anti-smuggling operations. It is only through synergy that we can reduce these illegal activities to the barest minimum and foster economic growth in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

The lecture, held at the NDC Auditorium, provided a platform for the Comptroller-General to discuss strategies for addressing smuggling and its economic implications. The National Defence College, Nigeria’s premier institution for military and strategic studies, brings together participants from various sectors, including the armed forces, paramilitary organizations, and the civil service.

 

 

 

Adeniyi’s presentation highlighted the need for a collective approach to safeguard the nation’s economic interests and underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

 

 

 

The event was attended by senior officers, faculty members, and participants from across the country, who described the lecture as an insightful contribution to understanding the dynamics of security and economic protection.

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NIGERIA TRUMP 2.0 RELATIONSHIP OUTLOOK

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By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

 

Under a potential second Trump presidency, the relationship between the United States and Nigeria is likely to be shaped by Trump’s key policy priorities, which focus on trade, immigration, security, and reduced foreign aid. The relationship could experience both opportunities and challenges, depending on how policies align with Nigeria’s interests.

Predicted Positive Aspects

1. Economic and Trade Opportunities

Stronger Bilateral Trade Deals:
Trump’s preference for bilateral agreements over multilateral ones could lead to Nigeria negotiating better trade deals directly with the U.S., potentially boosting exports like oil, agricultural products,Security and textiles.

Oil and Gas Sector Collaboration:
Given Trump’s support for fossil fuels and Nigeria’s status as a major oil producer, there could be increased investment and technical collaboration in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Encouragement of Private Sector Investments:
Trump’s pro-business stance could encourage American companies to expand operations in Nigeria, particularly in tech, agriculture, and infrastructure.

African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA):
The U.S. may seek opportunities to benefit from Nigeria’s position within the AfCFTA, potentially leading to increased American business interests in the region.

2. Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

Enhanced Military Support:
Trump prioritizes counterterrorism efforts, which could lead to increased military aid and intelligence-sharing to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies in Nigeria.

Sale of Military Equipment:
Nigeria may benefit from relaxed restrictions on the purchase of advanced U.S. military hardware, continuing previous deals on fighter jets and military training programs.

Stronger Diplomatic Engagement on Security:
Trump’s administration may prioritize security collaboration over human rights concerns, focusing more on combating terrorism rather than pressuring Nigeria on governance issues.

3. Reduced Pressure on Human Rights and Governance Issues

Unlike previous administrations, Trump’s foreign policy tends to focus more on national interests than human rights and democratic reforms. Nigeria might face less pressure on issues like corruption, press freedom, and governance reforms. This could allow Nigerian leaders greater flexibility in managing domestic affairs.

Predicted Challenges and Concerns

1. Stricter Immigration Policies

Visa Restrictions and Travel Bans:
Nigeria was previously included in the 2020 Trump-era travel ban, and a second Trump term may see stricter immigration policies affecting Nigerian students, tourists, and business travelers to the U.S.

Harsher Visa Conditions for Nigerians:
Work visas and student visas may become more difficult to obtain, impacting the large Nigerian diaspora and professionals seeking opportunities in the U.S.

Crackdown on Illegal Immigration:
The Trump administration could increase deportations of undocumented Nigerians living in the U.S., which could create diplomatic tensions.

2. Reduced Foreign Aid and Development Assistance

Trump’s “America First” policy often results in cuts to foreign aid. Nigeria could see reductions in funding for programs related to:

Healthcare (HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal health)

Education and youth empowerment programs

Climate change and environmental initiatives

Programs supported by USAID and international development bodies could face budget cuts, impacting Nigeria’s social development efforts.

3. Trade Protectionism and Economic Competition

Tariffs on Nigerian Exports:
Trump’s protectionist trade policies could impose tariffs or stricter conditions on Nigerian goods, making it harder for Nigerian businesses to compete in the U.S. market.

Energy Market Competition:
With Trump’s focus on boosting U.S. energy production, Nigeria’s oil exports to the U.S. may face stiffer competition from domestic shale production.

Loss of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) Benefits:
If Trump pushes to renegotiate trade agreements, Nigeria’s eligibility for tariff-free access to U.S. markets under AGOA could be affected.

4. Diplomatic Tensions Over LGBTQ+ and Religious Freedom Policies

Nigeria’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights might align with Trump’s domestic policies, reducing pressure on the Nigerian government to adopt progressive policies. However, this could further isolate Nigeria from other Western nations advocating for human rights.

Religious freedom policies promoted by the U.S. might put Nigeria under scrutiny regarding conflicts between Christian and Muslim communities, potentially leading to diplomatic challenges.

5. Potential Strategic Neglect of Africa

Trump’s foreign policy has historically placed little emphasis on Africa, focusing instead on China, Russia, and the Middle East.

Nigeria may struggle to gain significant diplomatic attention under a second Trump administration, leading to limited U.S. involvement in regional development and geopolitical challenges.

China could take advantage of reduced U.S. engagement by strengthening its influence in Nigeria through loans and infrastructure projects.

Summary: What Nigeria Should Expect Under Trump

Nigeria’s Possible Strategies Moving Forward

To navigate a Trump presidency effectively, Nigeria could:

1. Diversify Diplomatic Alliances: Strengthen ties with other global powers like the EU, China, and Russia to offset any potential neglect from the U.S.

2. Negotiate Bilateral Trade Deals: Seek favorable trade terms with the U.S. on specific industries such as agriculture, oil, and technology.

3. Strengthen Domestic Policies: Reduce reliance on U.S. aid by boosting internal economic development and governance reforms.

4. Enhance Diplomatic Engagement: Proactively engage with U.S. policymakers and lobby groups to advocate for favorable policies toward Nigeria.

Overall, the U.S.-Nigeria relationship under Trump 2.0 would likely be characterized by pragmatic engagement, focusing on security and economic cooperation, but with potential friction in areas such as immigration and development aid.

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