Netzence Sustainability Limited (Netzence) has reiterated commitment to ensuring sustainable practices across the world, saying its CloseCarbon technology will serve as a solution to the global climate crisis.
The firm, in a statement, lamented that the global efforts to mitigate climate change were facing significant challenges in accurately monitoring, reporting and verifying carbon emissions.
The statement, however, said Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology would address it by providing a comprehensive technological platform for organisations.
The statement reads: “Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology addresses this issue head-on by providing a comprehensive and robust platform for organisations to manage their carbon footprint. At the heart of CloseCarbon lies a sophisticated data-driven approach that enables organizations to seamlessly monitor, analyse, and report their emissions. This innovative solution leverages advanced algorithms and machine learning to gather and process vast amounts of data, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and transparency in carbon accounting.
“The compliance carbon market is a constantly evolving landscape, and CloseCarbon is designed to adapt to these changes seamlessly. The solution stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory requirements, ensuring that organizations remain compliant as the rules and regulations in the carbon market evolve. Additionally, the technology is built on a flexible and scalable architecture, allowing it to incorporate new technologies and data sources as they emerge, ensuring continuous improvement and optimization.
“CloseCarbon’s data-driven analytics also provide organizations with valuable insights into market trends and emerging risks, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. As sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors become increasingly important, CloseCarbon’s comprehensive carbon management capabilities align with these growing priorities, helping organizations enhance their sustainability credentials. By offering a holistic approach to carbon management, CloseCarbon addresses the market’s need for integrated compliance solutions that streamline reporting, reduce complexity, and drive meaningful sustainability initiatives.
“One of the key benefits of CloseCarbon is its ability to streamline the complex process of compliance and reporting within the carbon market. By automating data collection, monitoring, reporting, and verification, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape with ease.
Organizations using CloseCarbon can effortlessly generate detailed reports that meet the stringent requirements of various carbon trading schemes and regulatory bodies, saving valuable time and resources while enhancing the reliability and credibility of their carbon data.
“Beyond the compliance aspect, CloseCarbon offers organizations a powerful tool to optimize their carbon reduction strategies. By providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations, CloseCarbon helps businesses identify the most impactful areas for emissions reduction, enabling them to prioritize and implement effective sustainability initiatives. This holistic approach to carbon management allows organizations to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship – a crucial factor in the increasingly eco-conscious business landscape.
“Transparency and trust are essential pillars of the compliance carbon market, and CloseCarbon’s robust data management capabilities and rigorous reporting standards help build confidence among regulators, investors, and stakeholders. By offering verifiable and auditable carbon data, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to showcase their environmental credentials, strengthening their position in the compliance carbon market and enhancing their overall sustainability reputation.
“The success of the compliance carbon market lies in its ability to inspire collective action towards a sustainable future. Netzence Sustainability Limited’s CloseCarbon aligns seamlessly with this objective, providing a scalable solution that can be adopted by organizations of all sizes and across various industries. As more businesses embrace CloseCarbon, the cumulative impact on carbon reduction efforts will be profound, marking a crucial step in the global transition towards a net-zero emissions economy.
“Netzence’s CloseCarbon stands as a game-changer in the carbon compliance market, offering a comprehensive and innovative solution to the longstanding challenges of carbon accounting and reporting. By empowering organizations to streamline their compliance, optimize their carbon reduction strategies, and foster transparency and trust, CloseCarbon paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
“As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the adoption of solutions like CloseCarbon will be instrumental in driving collective action and progress towards a net-zero emissions future. Netzence’s vision and commitment to sustainability have positioned CloseCarbon as a crucial tool in the fight against the climate crisis.”
[Vanguard]
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season begins with 36 teams in a new-look single-table group stage.
In recent years, every edition of the UCL has featured Nigerian footballers. Prominent stars like Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and John Obi Mikel have won the competition, and a host of others have made some mark on Europe’s biggest stage.
Regardless of its twisted format, when the new UCL season kicks off on Tuesday, more Nigerians will be representing their various club across Europe.
TheCable presents all the Nigerian stars set to carry on the torch and possibly set records this season.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (ATALANTA)
Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta, and his hattrick won the Europa League final for the Bergamo side’s first-ever European title. Lookman has continued from where he left off last season and would be needed to maintain top form if Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will shock the elites.
VICTOR BONIFACE (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Like Lookman, Boniface was integral to Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run last season and has already scored thrice this term. The 23-year-old, who won the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season winner, would look to make big statements this season at UCL.
NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Tella, a former Arsenal academy player, continues to claim his place in the Leverkusen team despite fierce competition, and the England-born winger’s versatility continues to be his greatest asset. He has featured in all four of Leverkusen’s five matches this season and will be expected to feature heavily on their UCL sojourn.
RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)
The 23-year-old FC Ebedei product won the Belgian Super League with Brugge last season and is still regarded as an important player for the Bruges-based club despite unsuccessfully pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray. It will be interesting to watch if Onyedika can get his head back in the team and turn the club’s European fortunes around.
PETER OLAYINKA (RED STAR BELGRADE)
The 28-year-old, who was born in Ibadan, is a veteran of the Europa League but stepped up to UCL with Red Star last season. He was sparingly used as the Serbian champions finished bottom of Group G and would look to feature more prominently this term.
VICTOR ELETU (AC MILAN)
The 19-year-old has been with AC Milan since 2018 and plays for its youth team in the third-tier Italian football. The midfielder is one to look out for in the future, and his inclusion in the club’s UCL squad is an indication of potential.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (AC MILAN)
Big things are expected of the dribbling maestro, who mostly flatters to deceive. The 25-year-old, however, has European pedigree as a Europa League winner with Villarreal, and it is hoped he can make an impact this season.
GEORGE ILENIKHENA (AS MONACO)
Wonderkid and beast are two superlatives used to describe the 18-year-old forward who idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo. He recently joined from Antwerp, where he earned a maiden UCL appearance and delivered a historic feat for the Belgian club. Ilenikhena’s late goal sealed a 3-2 win over Barcelona for the club’s first-ever UCL win, and he could do more this season.
ELVIS ISAAC (SLOVAN BRATISLAVA)
The 22-year-old winger plays mostly for the club’s Team B in the second division, where he has three goals in four matches. He was on the bench in all eight of Slovan’s UCL qualifying round games and could be an impact player.
VICTOR OLATUNJI (SPARTA PRAGUE)
The Sokoto-born striker has been an important player for the Czech club since joining last year. In his first season, he won the League and Cup double. He was also integral to his club qualifying for the UCL group stage for the first time in 19 years.
[TheCable]
A former aide to ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, Okoi Obono-Obla, on Monday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the 2023 national and state assembly primary elections to benefit defectors from other political parties.
Obono-Obla, in a statement where he called for midterm elections to reform the leadership of the APC in Cross River State, claimed that only the governorship primary election was conducted fairly, with the winner emerging through a consensus.
He alleged, “All tickets for elective positions such as national and state assemblies (except the governorship ticket) were manipulated and handed over to defectors.”
He urged the party to conduct midterm congresses at the state, local government and ward levels to address the alleged imbalances, claiming deep divisions within the party’s ranks due to perceived injustices that followed the 2021 defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obono-Obla also criticized the current APC leadership in Cross River State for running an exclusive and undemocratic administration.
He argued that the party’s executive committees at all levels are dominated by defectors from the PDP, and called for a more inclusive leadership.
The APC State Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, in response to the allegations, dismissed Obono-Obla’s allegations, accusing him of attempting to divide the party.
Eba said Obono-Obla’s frustration stemmed from the failure of his efforts to secure federal and state appointments for himself and his nominees.
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has offered a six-month grace period to hospitality businesses to resolve parking shortfalls.
Adebisi Adelabu, general manager (GM) of LASPA, spoke on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the restaurant, cafe, bar and club (RCBC) association in Lagos.
The meeting aimed to address concerns regarding the Lagos state parking policy and its impact on businesses in the hospitality industry.
Adelabu expressed concern over the inadequate parking facilities in some establishments.
She said many hospitality businesses had failed to comply with building regulations that require sufficient parking for their customers.
The LASPA boss reassured attendees that the state government remains committed to the parking policy, which aims to curb indiscriminate parking and reduce traffic congestion.
The general manager also addressed concerns about overlapping jurisdictions and interference from local governments.
Adelabu said the state has formed strategic partnerships with local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) to prevent additional disturbances over parking levies.
“Business owners are advised to consult with LASPA before allowing customer parking on roads, which can obstruct traffic,” she said.
“We acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses. There is need for the hospitality sector to communicate their specific needs so that LASPA can provide appropriate guidance and recommend nearby parking options.”
She stressed the need to balance business interests with the rights of the general public and urged businesses to comply with the policy, adding that LASPA has made provisions for flexible payment plans for compliant businesses.
Adelabu called on Lagos residents to support the state’s parking regulation efforts and participate in the regulated on-street parking scheme.
“Compliance with the policy is vital for reducing traffic congestion and improving parking efficiency,” Adelabu said.
“By paying the required parking levies and engaging with the system, you help create a more organised and accessible urban environment.”
In her remarks, Morenike George-Taylor, RCBC’s president, thanked the LASPA general manager for her proactive engagement and confirmed that many members were already in compliance with the parking regulations.
George-Taylor also affirmed the hospitality sector’s readiness to support and adapt to the new parking scheme.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move to sign Victor Osimhen before the January transfer window, with the English Premier League club keen to secure the services of the Nigeria striker, The PUNCH reports.
The Stamford Bridge giants, who missed out on the Nigeria striker during the summer transfer window, are said to be closely monitoring his situation at Galatasaray, where he is currently playing on loan from Napoli.
A source close to Football Insider revealed that Chelsea are eyeing a potential deal, thanks to a break clause in Osimhen’s loan agreement with the Turkish giants.
Their interest in the player has been reignited following his impressive debut for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig. The former Lille striker made an immediate impact, providing an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor and setting a new league record with seven shots on goal in a single match this season.
Osimhen’s performance showcased his versatility and threat in attack. He completed eight of nine attempted passes, won six out of eight duels, and successfully executed all his dribbling attempts. This display has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea, who are still in the market for a prolific striker.
The London club’s pursuit of Osimhen dates back to the summer, when negotiations collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window despite representatives flying to Naples.
Al Ahli also saw a mega-money offer rejected by the player at the time.
Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli, extended in December 2023, includes a release clause between €120m and €130m. However, with just 18 months remaining on his deal come January, Napoli may be forced to consider offers below this valuation to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Chelsea’s renewed interest comes at a time when Osimhen’s price tag is expected to drop. The club are reportedly eager to steal a march on other potential suitors by making an approach before the January window.
However, they are likely to face stiff competition from several elite clubs across Europe and the Middle East.
As the reigning CAF Player of the Year continues to impress in Turkey, Chelsea’s management will be weighing their options carefully. With Osimhen’s loan at Galatasaray set to run until the end of the season, any potential move would require careful negotiation with all parties involved.
For now, Osimhen remains focused on his performances for Galatasaray, where he aims to help the club defend their Super Lig title.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior on Monday received his award as the Best Player for the 2023/24 Champions League.
Vinicius was decisive as the LaLiga champions won the title.
The Brazilian winger scored six goals and laid on five assists in the competition last season.
His ability to step up in crucial matches was instrumental in ultimately securing the trophy.
Meanwhile, Mbappe was also awarded as the top scorer of the Champions League, netting eight goals throughout the tournament.
Both players will be hoping to form a lethal duo that will dismantle opposing defences this campaign.
A Nigerian Catholic priest was indicted in Texas, United States of America on felony sexual assault charges after several victims accused him of s3xual and financial abuse, according to court documents and investigators, The New York Times reported on September 15, 2024
Odiong was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury in McLennan County, Texas, on two counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of first-degree sexual assault.
He was arrested in July in Ave Maria, Fla., when investigators found him in possession of child pornography while looking into sexual assault claims reported to the police, according to a Facebook post from the Waco Police Department.
He was not indicted on possession of child pornography, but could be in the future, Detective Bradley DeLange said.
The police had been investigating Father Odiong for months because they had received “credible information” alleging he committed a sexual assault in 2012, according to the police.
During the investigation, Detective DeLange said, the police found several women with similar stories of abuse as the original victim who had come forward.
Detective DeLange discovered at least eight women who claim that the priest groped, s3xually assaulted or financially abused them, including one woman who sought Father Odiong’s counsel over her marriage troubles.
Under Texas Law, it is considered s3xual assault if members of the clergy engages in sexual activity with individuals who depend on them emotionally as “spiritual advisers.”
Father Odiong served as a priest at St. Peter Catholic Student Center in Waco, Texas, and at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in West, Texas, from 2007 to 2012, according to the police, and he also served in Luling, La., from around 2015 to 2023.
He was brought to McLennan County Jail on Aug. 6 and is being held on a $2.5 million bond, according to jail documents.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the second-degree sexual assault charges and could get life in prison for his first-degree felony charge, according to Christopher King, a lawyer representing several people in a separate civil case against the priest.
The Guardian reported in February on the allegations, which Father Odiong denied in April in a Facebook post that called them a “false, salacious and one-sided smear campaign.”
Archbishop Gregory Aymond, the Diocese of Austin, Texas, during the beginning of Father Odiong’s time as a priest at that diocese, and he now leads the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where Father Odiong served in recent years.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, the current leader of the Diocese of Austin, said in a statement in July that the diocese would fully cooperate with law enforcement.
Sarah McDonald, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, said on Sunday that Father Odiong had served there at the request of the Diocese of Uyo in Nigeria.
“When the archdiocese became aware of allegations of criminal activity we reported him to law enforcement and removed him from ministry,” Ms. McDonald said in a text.
A Ghanaian woman, tired of being a single mother, is desperately searching for the father of her child after confessing to dating two men before becoming pregnant and being unsure of the biological father.
The woman made the revelation during an appearance on Oyerepa Afutuo on Oyerepa TV. In a video that has since gone viral on TikTok, she shared that both men abandoned her after learning of the pregnancy, leaving her to raise the child on her own.
Now, years later, the woman revealed that she no longer knows the whereabouts of either man. Her situation has become more complicated as her child is pressuring her to meet their father.
Real Madrid teenager Endrick has announced that he is newly married to his girlfriend and model Gabriely Mirandy.
Both took to their Instagram pages to share pictures and announced the milestone.
They wrote on their shared post quoting the bible verse, ‘Matthew 19:6: So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has put together no one can separate. At last we are married’.
Endrick only turned 18 some months ago.
They are reported to be together not close to a year and their relationship is to be under a contract as Endrick previously revealed.
The contract is said to have certain bans and the need to say “I love you” when it is needed.
The Brazilian prospect recently joined from Palmieras in the summer, appearing in only four games that aren’t up to 15 minutes altogether.
Endrick will now shift his focus to making his Champions League debut on the opening matchday as Real Madrid face Stuttgart.
The eighth African Nations Championships will be held from February 1 to 28 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe said Monday.
The biennial African Nations Championships (CHAN) is restricted to locally-based players, ruling out big name footballers who move to Europe.
It will be the first time East Africa hosts a continental football competition for national teams, and will serve as a precursor to the three nations hosting the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Motsepe toured three Kenyan national stadiums which are earmarked to host the event, with two currently under renovation.
“I’m impressed with the commitment shown by the three countries which gives each of them the opportunity to enhance their football infrastructure and attract thousands of visitors and boost their tourism,” said Motsepe after chairing a CAF Executive committee meeting.
Qualifying matches for the 19-team tournament will start on October 25 and end in December.
Senegal won the last edition of the tournament in 2023 beating hosts Algeria 5-4 on penalties in the final.
Morocco and DR Congo have each won the CHAN title twice since its inception in 2009.
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Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq.
Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement a day before stating that the Portuguese superstar had been diagnosed with a viral infection.
The statement read: “Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection.
“The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place.
“As a result, he will not be travelling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain.”
Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season’s Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club.
The First Lady of Edo State, Betsy Obaseki, has stated that President Bola Tinubu has no intentions to influence the September 21 gubernatorial election in the state.
She stated this while reacting to allegations that Tinubu has planned to influence the outcome of next Saturday’s governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) using “federal might.”
Obaseki asserted that Tinubu is not in a level where he would stoop to influence an election.
She disclosed this while responding to questions during an online television interview.
“President Tinubu is smarter and wiser. He is not at their level at all. I also want to praise former President Muhammadu Buhari for his democratic stance and using federal power only to safeguard voters, not to tamper with election results,” she said.
Obaseki opined that President Tinubu would not undermine democratic processes given his history as a reformer during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
“President Tinubu, who is committed to good governance and continuity, would not disrupt the progress made in Edo under my husband’s administration, especially when the state has received international recognition for its development.
“Now the father of the nation, President Tinubu would not lend his support to efforts aimed at destabilising a well-governed state. If every state governor begins to toe these paths set out in Edo and Lagos, one day we will all wake up to a good Nigeria,” she added.
The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries has issued a strong rebuttal against the recent ridicule of its members’ testimonies circulating online.
The Church has firmly rejected accusations of fabricating testimonies and criticized the misleading nature of some viral videos.
In a statement released on Monday, the Church urged Nigerians to approach internet content with caution, warning against believing everything seen online.
The Church specifically condemned bloggers they described as “devilish,” accusing them of manipulating and taking statements out of context for sensationalism.
The backlash followed viral videos featuring testimonies from Church members, including one particularly controversial account where a member claimed to have ridden on a lion.
The Church emphasized that such testimonies are genuine expressions of faith and not fabricated stories.
The Church called on the public to disregard the disparaging comments and to approach such matters with discernment.
The Lord’s Chosen member in the testimony had said, “Something entered my back, lifted me up. It carried me like aeroplane to express.
“When it reached there, it dropped me. When it dropped me, I turned to look at what carried me and as I looked it was lion.
“So when the lion dropped me, the place was very narrow and tight, it now raised one hand up and asked me to go like this (pointing to the left). When I go, the lion said bye bye.”
In another viral video, a lady said he fought robbers and took their AK-47 rifles.
In the footage, the elderly woman revealed that she was attacked by armed robbers.
She said she “Miraculously gained control of their guns and ensured the arrest of three of the robbers.”
Similarly, a man revealed that he survived kidnapping, machete attacks, and gunshot wounds “without injury”.
However, reacting to the videos and the reactions trailing them, the Lord’s Chosen Church said the footages were doctored.
The Head, Public Relations and Media, of the church, Pastor Chidi Louis, described the videos as “a bid to discredit what God is doing.
“Nigerians should visit the Church’s platform and listen to the complete testimonies for better understanding. The woman defeated the armed men in a dream.
“Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. They just cut one part and made it look real. The woman was explaining her dream.
“The viral video is a fake one. It was doctored.
“Most of these bloggers are very wicked and devilish, they edited this testimony in a bid to ridicule the work of God.”
Also, the Lord’s Chosen Church media department, on its platform, described the clip as fake and urged the public to disregard it.
Furthermore, the church’s TikTok handle released the full clip of the lady’s testimony, clarifying that her story happened in her dream
At least three people were reportedly killed by armed bandits in a recent attack in Bakinpah-Maro, a locality within the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Naija News learnt that the assailants invaded a church within the area and gunned down Christian worshippers.
It was gathered that approximately 31 individuals, including a pastor, were abducted during the attack, which specifically targeted the ECWA and Catholic churches in the area.
Reports indicate that this tragic event took place on Sunday while church services were ongoing.
A former chairman of the Kajuru Local Government Area, Cafra Caino, has confirmed the distressing occurrence.
Caino told Leadership that the assailants, who arrived in significant numbers around 10 a.m., opened fire indiscriminately at the two churches.
He also mentioned that Bernard Gajera, a pastor from one of the churches, was among those taken by the perpetrators.
Attempts to contact the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Munir Hassan, were unsuccessful.
A week ago, a yet-to-be-ascertained number of nurses were taken hostage by bandits who stormed a Primary Health Care Center in Kaduna State recently.
Naija News learnt that the incident happened in Layin Dan Auta village, within the Kuyello Ward of the Birnin Gwari Area of the state.
The assailants were said to have initially targeted a primary school in Kuyello, located on the town’s periphery. However, when they were unable to find any students to abduct, they allegedly proceeded to the adjacent hospital, where they seized the nurses who were on duty.
A local leader, who chose to remain unnamed, verified the occurrence to Daily Trust, characterizing the situation as concerning.
“They arrived in the area and went straight to a nearby school, thinking they would find students. However, the school was empty, so they proceeded to the PHC in Kuyello and abducted the nurses on duty,” the source said.
Another youth leader from Kuyello, Baba Isah, has also verified the occurrence.
He mentioned that the two nurses were present during the assault by the bandits.
It is still uncertain whether any patients were taken, as the majority had already departed from the hospital.