Adeola Michael Dahunsi, an ocean scientist, says Nigeria is yet to fully harness the benefits that come with its water bodies.
Speaking on Wednesday during a webinar themed ‘Understanding the Blue Economy in the Nigerian Context’, Dahunsi said through a wave energy converter system, ocean waves can be intercepted and converted into power.
He added that with wave strength now waned, the erosion of coastal areas will also reduce.
“The good thing about the ocean is that it’s always there. The strength is seasonal but one big problem we see in the Gulf of Guinea is the problem of coastal erosion,” Dahunsi said.
“Take advantage of wave energy. The wave is coming into an open coastline, nothing to protect it. When we want to protect it, we destroy our beautiful beaches. They put up rocks. That’s cheaper for the government because they’re just interested in protecting the land and preventing the sea from taking over the roads.
“The ocean does not flow like rivers; it transfers energy. The wave is generated by wind and because of climate change, the waves are stronger nowadays.
“Put up wave energy converters. For a country like Nigeria, it’s a double win. Energy that would have gotten to the coast and caused coastal erosion is now converted to power. It will help reduce the erosion of coastal erosion and help with power generation.”
Dahunsi, who has an interest in ocean observation and modelling, also advised the government to ensure sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
He said the ocean resources should be exploited in ways that ensure self generation without significant depletion.
“…taking value from the ocean and coastal areas in a way that the future generations benefit from it, not pay for the consequences,” he said.
“You have to invest in the blue economy before you make money out of it.”
He listed coastal and marine tourism, maritime transport, marine biotechnology, and seabed mining (for gold and diamonds) as other areas of the blue economy that the government can tap into to generate revenue.
Dahunsi also said with the stretch of coastline in Lagos, water transportation should be a big thing in the state.
“It’s a way to reduce our carbon footprint as a city,” he said.
“The blue economy holds immense potential for Nigeria’s growth and sustainability. Addressing challenges through coordinated governance and policy frameworks is crucial.
“The ministry of marine and blue economy plays a pivotal role in unlocking this potential. Collective efforts are needed to foster a sustainable and prosperous Blue Economy”.
The webinar was organised by Nudge Initiative as part of its capacity building for Nigerian youths through the Blue Economy Youth Advocacy (BEYA) project.
[TheCable]
France have advanced to the semi-final of the 2024 European Championship.
The French team defeated Portugal 5-3 in penalties in the quarter-final encounter at the Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, on Friday.
The match ended goalless after 120 minutes of football that failed to meet expectations.
Both nations failed to play to live up to their full potential, with shots from Theo Hernadez and Kylian Mbappe the only real chances of a turgid first half.
The teams improved their performances after the interval, particularly the Selecao, with chances for Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo, and Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese had more opportunities in extra time but could not score, and the tie went to the lottery of penalties to decide the winner.
Ronaldo, goalless in his final Euro tournament, converted his kick in the shootout, but Joao Felix missed before Hernandez sent Costa the wrong way to send Didier Deschamps’ goal-shy side into the last four of the tournament.
France will face Spain, who dumped hosts Germany out with a 2-1 win in extra-time earlier in the day, in the semi-final.
Mikel Merino scored the all-important winner in the 119th minute after Florian Wirtz’s 89th-minute goal had cancelled Dani Olmo’s strike after the interval to force the additional period. Dani Carvajal was shown a red card for two bookings and will miss the semi-final match against France
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) say they will be protesting their four-month salaries withheld by the government.
The unions asked their branches in universities to go on an individual protest on July 9 ahead of a joint protest to follow on July 18.
In a resolution seen by TheCable on Friday, the joint action committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU said a strike would come thereafter.
Both unions are demanding the release of the four-month salaries of their members withheld during an eight-month strike in 2022.
The salaries of university staff who embarked on the strike were withheld by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved the release of four months of the withheld salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Left out in the payments, SSANU and NASU alleged unfair treatment and discrimination against non-academic staff by the government.
The unions have since been at loggerheads with the federal government, initiating talks with the education and labour ministries.
The JAC, after a meeting, said its engagement with the education and labour ministers “has not shown any convincing commitment to the payment of the withheld salaries”.
SSANU and NASU ordered a series of industrial actions including a general meeting on July 8 to inform its members of the government’s “insensitivity”, the two protests, and another meeting to determine if an indefinite strike is to follow based on the response.
• Says musician once threw her out with daughter during holiday in US
Sophia Momodu, the estranged lover of popular Afrobeat musician, David Adeleke a.k.a. Davido, has told the Lagos State High Court sitting in Yaba that the musician should not be granted custody of their daughter.
This, she said is because Davido is more interested in exploiting her sexually than catering for their daughter’s welfare.
“The applicant is not fit to be granted custody of our daughter because he is not available and does not possess the ability to dutifully care for her,” she stated in a counter-affidavit she filed in opposition to Davido’s suit seeking custody.
Contrary to Davido’s claim that he had consistently fulfilled his financial obligations towards his daughter, Ms. Momodu said the child was almost ejected from school because the artiste refused to pay tuition fees.
She stated that while their relationship lasted, Davido never showed true commitment or love for their daughter.
“He always used the condition of my making myself available for his sexual pleasures as a pre-condition to visit our daughter or show some fatherly love to her.
“The applicant, apart from his cravings for sex, only comes around to spend time with our daughter when he wants to use our daughter for his media stunts or promotions.
“The applicant has always been known to go away and stop communicating with our daughter, to stop making payment for school fees and/or payment of maintenance for our daughter whenever I refuse his sexual advances,” Ms Momodu stated.
The respondent stated that Davido once threw her and their daughter out of his home in Atlanta (USA) during a summer holiday in 2017, and they ended up squatting with a friend.
Ms. Momodu stated that she never denied Davido access to his daughter and that it was he who chose to be “an absentee father”.
She said she has been responsible for her accommodation, and that David always had access until he chose to abuse it by visiting at odd hours to demand sex.
“When I noticed that the intention of the applicant for coming late at night to my house was not to visit our daughter but to seek sexual favours even after our relationship had ended, I told him to desist from such late-night visits as our daughter who needed to be in school in the morning would have slept at the time of his late-night visits.
“It was when I refused the applicant ingress into my house at ungodly hours of the night on the pretext of visiting our daughter that he decided to stop visiting or calling our daughter, and this has been the pattern with the applicant all through his relationship with our daughter.
“Whenever I refused to be his sex slave, he would stop caring for his daughter and abandon her and use the fact of our daughter’s sadness due to his absence to force me to accede to his unwholesome demands.
“I have never stopped the applicant or his family members from coming to visit his daughter, calling or reconnecting with our daughter,” Ms. Momodu stated.
The respondent stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, he has not been faithful in paying their daughter’s school fees, having defaulted in 2021 and 2022, with the school writing to her in January 2023 over unpaid tuition.
“The school wrote via email notifying me that our daughter would not be allowed entry into the school except all outstanding fees from 2021 to 2023 were paid off,” she stated.
Ms. Momodu told the court that it was Davido’s father who intervened and paid the school fees.
She stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, she has been the one paying the rent of the apartment where she lives with her daughter, adding that Davido did not buy any house for them.
Ms. Momodu said she has been providing the best care for her daughter despite her father’s negligence and would continue to do so as a loving mother.
The respondent was represented at Friday’s proceedings before Justice A. J. Bashua by a legal team led by Chief (Dr) Anthony Idigbe (SAN) of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors.
Chief Idigbe drew attention to the publication of a hearing notice in a national newspaper by Davido’s legal team, in which the name of his daughter was mentioned four times.
The judge agreed with Chief Idigbe that while the press was free to report, the child’s name ought not to be mentioned at all.
The judge then asked members of the press, litigants and all other counsel not involved in the case to leave the courtroom during the hearing.
Before they left, Chief Idigbe, with the court’s permission, drew the pressmen’s attention to Section 143 of the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State 2015, which provides in a case involving a minor: “No person must be allowed to attend court other than the members and officers of the court, the parties to the case, their solicitors and counsel, parents and guardians of the child and other persons directly concerned in the case.”
Chief Idigbe also referred to Section 144 of the Law, which prohibits the publication of a child’s name.
The section reads: “No person must publish the name, address, school, photograph, or anything likely to lead to the identification of a child in a matter before the court, except as required by the provisions of this law.”
The SAN further referred to Section 145 of the Child Rights Law, which provides: “The proceedings in the court must be conducive to the best interest of the child and must be conducted in an atmosphere of understanding, allowing the child to express himself and participate in the proceedings.”
Ms. Momodu, in the counter-affidavit, also faulted the publication of the suit in a national newspaper.
“The applicant (Davido) in publishing this suit in a national newspaper has exposed our daughter to great danger.
“I would have to implement extra security measures to ensure the continued safety of our daughter in school,” she stated.
At the end of the proceedings, it was learnt that the court referred the case for possible settlement by the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) section of the court during Settlement Week.
A record eight United Kingdom (UK) politicians of Nigerian origin have been elected into the House of Commons following the announcement of results from the July 4 general election.
Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, has become the Prime Minister of the UK following his party’s remarkable victory, ending the 14-year rule of the Conservative Party.
Notably, Thursday’s election delivered the most diverse parliament in the country’s history, with a notable increase in the number of members of parliament of ethnic minorities.
About 30 Nigerians participated as candidates in the poll, representing their various constituencies. Out of the eight elected, six are returning members of parliament, having served in the last session of the House.
Those who won re-election are the Conservative duo of Kemi Badenoch (North West Essex), Helen Grant (Maidstone).
Despite her victory at the poll, Badenoch, who is a frontline contender in the Tories leadership contest after the resignation of former PM Rishi Sunak, said her party must regroup and win the confidence of the people back.
“As a party, the Conservatives must come back together, look deep in our political souls, and ask some uncomfortable questions,” she said.
Four of those re-elected are from the Labour Party, namely Florence Dauta Eshalomi, Kate Osamor (Edmonton and Winchmore Hill), Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) and Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West).
However, Bim Afolabi, the Conservative candidate for Hitchin and Harpenden and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, lost his re-election bid after seven years in the Parliament to Labour’s Alistair Strathern.
Two Nigerians making their first entry to Westminster are businessman-turned-politician, Bayo Alaba, who won Southend East and Rochford for Labour by a comfortable margin.
The former Parachute Regiment member got 15,395 votes against Conservative candidate Gavin Haran’s 11,368 votes.
Alaba, who is currently a councillor for the London Borough of Redbridge, said after the poll: “My biggest thanks tonight is for every person across Southend East and Rochford who put their trust in me.
“This will be the greatest thing of my life. I will work every day to repay the trust you put in me.”
Similarly, Josh Babarinde of Liberal Democrats was declared the new member of parliament for Eastbourne after receiving 23,742 votes, a majority of 12,204.
Speaking after his election, Babarinde said: “Eastbourne has voted for a fresh start and it says a lot about our town that a lad from Hampden Park who looks and loves like me can stand to be Eastbourne’s member of parliament and win, win with the biggest majority here in a generation.”
Badenoch, others jostle for Rishi Sunak’s seat
With Rishi Sunak stepping down as Conservative Party leader following his party’s drubbing in the General Election, talk has already turned to who could replace him.
The former Prime Minister today announced he will stay in his place until his successor is appointed later this year.
But following huge losses for the Tories, a dozen top Cabinet ministers have lost their seats – meaning Penny Mordaunt and other possible runners have been knocked out of the race before it even started.
The surviving favourites include darlings of the right such as Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel, while more centrist voices like Jeremy Hunt and Tom Tugendhat would be considered realistic contenders if they threw their hats in the ring.
Ms Braverman, his former home secretary, has not wasted any time to show she is ready to launch a leadership bid during her speech after winning the Fareham and Waterlooville seat.
Suella Braverman used her victory speech to launch her bid for the Tory leadership
Senior Tory figures – including a record number of Cabinet ministers – lost their seats in an election bloodbath
She vowed to ‘rebuild trust’ and apologised for her party’s failings, declaring: “I’m sorry that my party didn’t listen to you. The Conservative Party has let you down.
“You, the great British people, voted for us over 14 years and we did not keep our promises. I will do everything in my power to rebuild trust. We need to listen to you, you have spoken to us very clearly”.
Ms Braverman is fourth favourite to be the next Tory leader, according to bookmakers.
Ms Badenoch is favourite, followed by Ms Patel and Mr Tugendhat. James Cleverly, who held his Essex seat.
The bruising election result risks making the contest especially acrimonious, as rival ideological factions thrash it out to define the future of their party.
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Nigeria election, Peter Obi, has congratulated the United Kingdom Labour Party and their leader, Keir Starmer, for recording a historic victory in Thursday's election in that country.
Reacting to the victory on his X handle on Friday, the LP standard bearer expressed hope that the incoming Prime Minister will follow through on the campaign promises that made UK voters support him.
"I sincerely congratulate Mr. Keir Starmer and the Labour Party UK on the landslide victory they recorded in Thursday's election.
"May the victory translate to a better and new chapter for all UK residents as you remain committed to your electoral promises.
"I also hope that your government will promote stronger ties between the UK and Nigeria, and help in deepening our democracy, especially during these challenging times. Nigeria is grappling with issues such as insecurity, education, healthcare, and poverty, and could greatly benefit from the support of the UK.
"Let us work together to build a brighter future for all."
Nigerian music star, Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has enrolled for master’s degree in policy at Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
Banky W disclosed this in a post via Instagram on Friday.
The singer turned politician admitted that he “gave up” being a chief executive at a company to become a student again.
He wrote: “Gave up being a CEO to become a student… because sometimes, you have to let go of what’s Impressive to gain what’s important.
“Currently pursing a Master’s in Policy at Georgetown University in Washington DC. The Journey of faith continues. Please wish me well,” he wrote.
His wife, Adesua Etomi, commented on the post informing the public that he had been getting straight A’s
“I just want everyone to know that my husband is a true efiko and has gotten A’s so far. I’m soooo proud.”
“I am DEEPLY INSPIRED by you and I’m not saying this cause I’m your wife. If I wasn’t your wife, I’d be Jealous of your wife. You are the exact kind of man that impresses me. My honourable,” she said.
A follower, @uniquecheezy, wrote, “It’s never too late to make your goals happen. Here is a reminder to anyone seeking to pick up on an endeavour ?. Congratulations.”
Another follower, @bello2886 said, “I no even hear anything but just watching you gesticulate, I don learn a lot. A true inspiration fr.”
[DailyTrust]
![Father Arrested After Police Rescue Chained, Starved 5-Year-Old Son [PHOTOS]](/media/k2/items/cache/4f79e2e2a9693c4765200d03c2d6be24_S.jpg)
Operatives from the Bauchi Police Command have rescued a 5-year-old boy who had been chained and starved for three days by his father.
Naija News learnt that the rescue followed a tip-off from concerned neighbors in the Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi metropolis.
The incident came to light on July 3, 2024, when the ward head of Gwallagan Mayaka received information from a resident who had been alerted by his wife, Amina (not her real name), that a 5-year-old neighbor was found tied with a chain inside a room at their address.
Rescued boy
Amina confirmed the boy’s condition, finding him lying unconscious and restrained.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, stated that upon receiving the information, a team led by CSP Mubarak S. Baba, DPO D’ Division, Dutsen Tanshi, promptly moved to the scene and rescued the boy.
During an interview, the victim, identified as Hussaini Abubakar, revealed that his biological father, Abubakar Nuhu, a 50-year-old known as Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka, had mistreated him. Hussaini disclosed that he had been confined without food for three days.
Following this revelation, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, directed the DPO to arrest the offender for investigation and prosecution.
During interrogation, the suspect, Abubakar Nuhu, claimed he had confined his son on the advice of a friend to prevent the boy from stealing neighbours’ valuables.
The CP has ordered the DPO to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the CID to thoroughly investigate the matter and uncover any other motives behind this heinous act.
Lizzy said Izuegbu was also shot in the leg and released on Thursday, stressing that Asaba is no longer safe.
The movie star added that the kidnappers took the phones and car of the movie producer.
She wrote, “Asaba is no longer safe my friend @unasmovies a nollywood producer was kidnapped in asaba around DLA road two days ago and shot on the leg ….he was released yersterday and currently receiving treatment …Delta state govt @sheriffoborevwori needs to beef up security in asaba …The rate of kidnappers in the state is becoming alarming …his car and phones were taken from him pls swipe to see the car ..if you find it anywhere pls send me a dm..”
More...
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Association, for ethics violations.
In a statement on Thursday, CAF announced Eto’o was facing “charges of alleged manipulation of football matches and violating the principles of ethics and integrity.”
The continental football governing body added that “there is insufficient proof” to corroborate Eto’o’s involvement in match-fixing alongside Valentin Nkwain.
However, CAF ruled that the four-time African Footballer of the Year “seriously violated the principles of ethics, integrity and sportsmanship” by “signing a brand ambassador contract with the company 1XBET in exchange for remuneration”.
The statement said Eto’o breached “Article 2 paragraph 3 of the CAF Statutes,” which reads: “any person or organisation involved in football in Africa has to respect at all times and unreservedly the principles of ethics and fair play enacted by CAF, the principles of integrity and sportsmanship as well as the Statutes, regulations, decisions, and directives of CAF and FIFA.”
Eto’o was penalised with $200,000 fine for the violation.
The former Barcelona striker has been embroiled in controversy since he was elected president of Cameroon FA in 2021.
In 2022, he was caught on tape attacking a cameraman outside a stadium at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
A year later, CAF investigated him for alleged improper misconduct following complaints from several stakeholders of Cameroonian football.
The World Bank may approve four loan projects totalling $2 billion for Nigeria this year.
According to findings by Nairametrics, these four projects are currently undergoing concept review, an appraisal stage that will lead to further negotiation and approval between Nigeria, which is the borrower and often represented by the Minister of Finance and the World Bank.
If approved, Nigeria will have secured a total of $4.25 billion in loans from the bank this year alone and a cumulative $6.95 billion under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed loan projects, targeting crucial sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, are pivotal for the country’s sustainable development and economic stability.
According to information obtained from the World Bank’s website, each loan project is estimated to receive a net commitment of $500 million from the Washington-based lender.
Loan Summary
- The next project to likely get approved is Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE), which is set to receive $500 million with an approval date of September 17, 2024. The HOPE project will focus on enhancing human capital by improving education, health, and social protection services.
- Another $500 million is earmarked for the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program, which has an approval date of September 23, 2024. This program aims to fortify Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving service delivery.
- The third project, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, will also receive $500 million and is scheduled for approval on September 26, 2024. This project focuses on sustainable power generation and irrigation, both of which are essential for agricultural and industrial development.
- The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up is set to receive $500 million and is scheduled for approval on November 28, 2024. This initiative seeks to improve rural infrastructure and market access for agricultural products.
In addition to these four projects, the World Bank has scheduled another loan project for next year. The Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project is set to receive $300 million and is scheduled for approval on April 8, 2025.
What you should know
The World Bank recently announced the approval of two loan projects aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and supporting its vulnerable populations.
According to a statement from the bank, the combined package, totalling $2.25 billion, comprises the $1.5 billion Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Program (DPF) and the $750 million Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) Program-for-Results (PforR).
So far, Nigeria has secured a total of $4.95 billion in loans from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu amid concerns over the country’s rising external debt servicing costs.
Not less than six loan projects have been approved and they include loans for power ($750 million), women empowerment ($500 million), girl’s education ($700 million), renewable energy ($750 million), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5 billion) and resource mobilization reforms ($750 million), according to findings by Nairametrics.
Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024.
[Nairametrics]
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of 10 private jet operators over illegal operation.
The affected operators which had their Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) suspended had failed to undergo a recertification process as directed by the regulatory authority.
This was after revelations that most of the operators were abusing the PNCF and using their jets for commercial flights or what is simply called in aviation parlance as hire and reward.
Daily Trust reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services).
Following the flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.
To this end, the NCAA has suspended the permit of 10 operators.
Those affected include:
- Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
- Bli-Aviation Safety Services
- Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
- Matrix Energy Ltd
- Marrietta Management Services Ltd
- Worldwide Skypaths Services
- Mattini Airline Services Ltd
- Aero Lead Ltd
- Sky Bird Air Ltd
- Ezuma Jets Ltd.
In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA told the public “that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.”
“The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.
“Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders,” the statement added.
[DailyTrust]
Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom are very much alike.
According to her, Nigerian and British cultures are “very similar.”
She stated this in a recent interview with Capital Xtral, London.
“I feel like the UK is very similar to Nigeria. The culture is not much different,” she said.
Starr also spoke about her just-concluded tour with Chris Brown.
“Going on tour with Chris Brown was eye-opening,” she said.
The singer said she wished she wrote ‘B**ch Better Have My Money’ by Rihanna and ‘Snooze’ SZA.
She also said she would like to relocate to New York.
[DailyPost]