To enhance its environmental sustainability initiatives in line with global best practices, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has embarked on a restoration project of planting 10,000 mangrove trees across coastal states in Nigeria.

The project, in partnership with Eco-Restoration Foundation, kickstarted at Akodo-Ise, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, was aimed at minimising the global effects of climate change, by promoting restoration, conservation and protection of mangrove trees across Nigeria.

In his remarks at the event, the DIL Vice-President, Oil and Gas, Mr. Devakumar Edwin revealed that “one of the primary reasons of the Dangote Group is to ensure that Nigeria keeps providing employment and lifting the people out of poverty through sustainability projects.

“We are also committed to creating good climate scenarios where people can live long and their livelihoods cannot be taken away from them. Apart from absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere than other tree species, Mangrove Forests serve as vital buffers against coastal erosion, and are critical for preserving marine biodiversity and supporting millions of coastal dwellers whose livelihoods depend on healthy mangrove forests,” he said.

Speaking after the flag-off of the tree planting exercise, the Group Chief HSSE and Sustainability, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. James Adenuga, expressed excitement at the importance of this partnership and its alignment with the organisation’s focus on the sustainable development of Nigeria and Africa, with long term carbon offset targets.

“Environmental sustainability is one of the seven Sustainability Pillars of the Dangote Group, and  preservation of the environment is one of our core priorities wherever we operate. We are glad to embark on this project”, Adenuga added.

Speaking earlier during the tree planting exercise, a trustee of Eco-Restoration Foundation, Prince David Omaghomi, stated that the foundation “was more than thrilled to welcome Dangote Group as our largest corporate partner of the Eco-Park Mangrove Sanctuary & Research Centre to date.

He explained further that Nigeria has lost 60 per cent of the mangrove population, adding that Nigeria coastal line is at risk of going underwater in years to come if nothing is done.

This project is meant to promote mangrove restoration, conservation, and protection. Nigeria has lost 60 per cent of its mangrove forests. More ocean acidification will be expected in Nigeria due to climate change and rising sea level. In the next 100 years, the coastal lines in Nigeria will be covered by water. The great blue wall will run across the coast of Nigeria by using mangroves.

“We are happy to receive the Dangote Group here and with their brand being blue they are the blue Big Brother of Africa. Their (Dangote’s) pledge to plant 10,000 mangroves in phases over the next few months, underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience building along Nigeria’s coasts.

With their continued support, we are confident that this project will spark a wave of community-based restoration activities all along Nigeria’s coastline, in line with our persistent calls for the commencement of the ‘Great Blue Wall of Africa’ built of mangrove forests – as a natural defense against rising sea levels and climate change.

“Without immediate action, our multi-billion-dollar industrial complexes, Sea Ports, Oil & Gas facilities, Tourism and entire Blue Economy will be exposed to the relentless advance of ocean acidification in the coming decades,” he observed.

The tree planting exercise, which drew volunteer staff from Dangote Head Office, Falomo Ikoyi, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, and other units, drew widespread commendation from the Onise of Akodo-Ise, Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan, senior officials of the Lagos State Government, and members of the Akodo-Ise community, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The Kano Young Intellectual Forum (KAYIF) has expressed it commendation to the Senate for the smooth screening of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdallahi Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development.

In a statement released on Thursday signed by Ibrahim Isah Fagge , KAYIF praised Ata’s dedication to public service and his exceptional leadership qualities.

“Ata is a dedicated member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). We have had the privilege of witnessing his exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to public service when he was the House Majority Leader in the fourth legislative setting and his position as Speaker of the State Assembly,” the statement read.

Ibrahim Isah Fagge said Yusuf Abdullahi Ata’s impressive track record includes serving as Federal Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, three terms as a legislator in the Kano State House of Assembly, and Principal Planning Officer in the Kano State Ministry of Housing. These roles have earned him widespread recognition and respect.

“Yusuf Abdullahi is an inspirational leader, known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the greater good. His exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach have earned him the respect and admiration of the good people of Kano State and APC stakeholders in particular,” KAYIF stated.

Ibrahim Isah said the forum firmly believes that Abdullahi would bring invaluable expertise, passion, and dedication to his ministerial position. “His appointment would be a significant asset to the government and the nation in general,” the statement added.

They said On behalf of the members of Kano State, KAYIF expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the APC National Party Chairman, the Deputy Senate President, the Senate President, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to the people of Kano State.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government is exploring alternative power sources to serve as backups and to avoid future occurrence in collapse of the National Grid.

The Minister made this known during a stakeholders meeting with the management of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) held at its headquarters in Kano.

He said the federal government is determined to boost electricity supply with a view to reviving industrial revolution and enhancing the nations economy.

Adelabu added that his mission is to engage with critical stakeholders to identify and tackle obstacles hindering optimal performance emphasizing the need to revamp the transmission architecture which currently relies heavily on Shiroro and Jos channels.

This radial system leaves the northern region vulnerable to electricity disruptions whenever issues arise with these lines.”

To mitigate this, Adelabu advocated for establishing independent power sources within state metropolises to support the national grid explaining that exploring alternative power sources to serve as backups to the National Grid has become necessary with a view to curtail future occurrences of collapse of the National Grid.

The minister said there should be proactive approach aims to ensure that the region is prepared for any eventuality, including vandalism or national grid collapse.”

He said State Governments should ensure effective implementation of providing alternative electricity sources and Discos should also ensure reliable distribution services while consumers should utilize electricity efficiently.”