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BUK, European Space Agency Equip Journalists with Satellite Tools for Climate Reporting

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2 months ago

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The participants during the workshop

Anas Yushau Yusuf

Journalists and media practitioners have been equipped with practical skills in the use of Earth Observation technologies to improve climate change and environmental reporting during a capacity-building workshop organised by Bayero University Kano (BUK) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Future Earth.

The one-day workshop, titled “Achieving Transformative Flood Risk Management in Informal African Cities Using Demystified Earth Observation,” was held at Bayero University Kano. It brought together journalists from various media organisations to explore how satellite imagery, geospatial data and Earth Observation platforms can support evidence-based reporting on environmental and climate-related issues.

In his welcome address, the Project Lead, Prof. Aliyu Salisu Barau, said the training was designed to empower journalists with practical tools that would improve the quality, accuracy and credibility of environmental reporting.

“As the climate change crisis continues to unfold across our societies, the public depends on accurate, timely and evidence-based reporting,” he said.

According to him, participants would gain hands-on experience with Earth Observation platforms that can help journalists verify environmental claims, strengthen investigative reporting and communicate complex climate issues more effectively.

Prof. Barau noted that environmental challenges such as flooding, drought, land degradation and rapid urbanisation require reporting that is supported by scientific evidence rather than assumptions.

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Amina Mustapha, described climate change as one of the most pressing development challenges confronting Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

She urged journalists to pay greater attention to environmental stories that directly affect communities, including desertification, the shrinking Lake Chad, food insecurity, climate-induced displacement and the implementation of initiatives such as the Great Green Wall.

Prof. Mustapha stressed that the media has a critical role in informing the public, influencing policy discussions and promoting accountability through accurate and well-researched environmental reporting.

Delivering her remarks virtually, Freya Muir, Research Coordinator at the European Space Agency and Future Earth, highlighted the importance of Earth Observation data in supporting climate monitoring, disaster preparedness and sustainable environmental management.

She explained that satellite-generated data provides reliable information that can help governments, researchers, humanitarian organisations and journalists better understand environmental changes and communicate risks before disasters occur.

The workshop featured technical sessions on the fundamentals of Earth Observation, accessing satellite data for evidence-based reporting, visual storytelling using geospatial information, investigative environmental journalism, and the application of Earth Observation tools for early warning communication and climate risk reporting.

Participants also took part in a hands-on practical session where they were introduced to digital Earth Observation platforms and guided through the process of accessing and interpreting satellite data for story development.

The training forms part of an ongoing collaborative project aimed at strengthening flood risk management in informal African cities by making Earth Observation technologies more accessible to researchers, policymakers and the media.

For many participants, the workshop demonstrated that modern journalism increasingly requires the ability to interpret scientific data alongside traditional reporting methods. By combining satellite imagery with field reporting, journalists can produce more accurate, compelling and impactful stories that contribute to public awareness and informed decision-making on climate and environmental issues.

The workshop ends with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between scientists, academic institutions and the media to ensure environmental reporting is rooted in credible evidence and serves the public interest.

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KANSIEC Chairman Advises Fruits Sellers Association to Modernize Business

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8 hours ago

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September 12, 2026

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The Fruits Sellers Association, Kano State Chapter, has been advised to develop a strategic plan within a specific timeframe to modernize its business operations.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the association to his office.

Professor Malumfashi stated that the fruit business anywhere in the world serves customers from all backgrounds, both rich and poor, due to the importance of fruits in food consumption.

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He maintained that the association should seek recognition across the three tiers of government in order to benefit from government policies and programmes.

The KANSIEC Chairman added that the present administration under the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is transforming Kano into a modern metropolitan city with many parks. He said fruit sellers should secure designated spaces around the corners of flyovers across the city.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Fruits Sellers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, Alhaji Safiyanu Abdullahi, said they visited KANSIEC to seek guidance on how to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections within the association.

Bashir Habib Yahya
Media Aide to the KANSIEC Chairman
Date: 11/09/2026

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Breaking :Former PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Is Dead

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11 hours ago

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September 12, 2026

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Former Chairman of the peoples Democratic party during Jonathan’s administration Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is dead .

A credible source in Yola the capital of Adamawa state informed Nigerian Tracker that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passes on in Abuja.

The source said his body will later be conveyed to Yola the capital of Adamawa state for funeral at the palace of Lamidon Adamawa Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo .

 

Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mahmud Tukur (CON) was a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, administrator, and elder statesman who has had a towering impact on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic sectors for over six decades.

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He was widely recognized for his roles as the former Governor of the old Gongola State, the former Minister of Industries, and the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Early Life and EducationDate of Birth: Born on 15 September 1935 in what is today Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Higher Education: He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Honorary Recognition: He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Traditional Titles: Reflecting his high regional and cultural status, he holds the distinguished traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State.

Career in Public Service & Governance
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):
Served as General Manager/Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982, managing port congestion and modernizing seaports.

Governor of Old Gongola State: Elected during the Second Republic in 1982, serving a brief term before the December 1983 military coup.

Minister for Industries: Served under General Sani Abacha’s military administration from 1993 to 1995.

Business and Continental Leadership Founder of BHI Holdings (Daddo Group),

Tukur expanded his economic influence across Africa:

Africa Business Roundtable (ABR): Founder, past president, and Life Patron.

NEPAD Business Group: Elected Chairman in March 2002.

International Maritime Stature: First African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)

PDP National Chairmanship (2012–2014)Elected PDP National Chairman in March 2012.

 

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Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 1.573m bpd as OPEC Production Rises–Report Says

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1 day ago

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September 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s crude oil production, excluding condensate, rose by 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.573 million bpd in August 2026, from 1.537 million bpd in July, according to the latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The increase, representing a 2.3 per cent month-on-month (MoM) growth, places Nigeria among OPEC members that recorded higher production during the month.

OPEC, in its latest monthly data based on direct communication from member countries, said Nigeria’s August output was its highest monthly production level in the data provided for 2026.

The August figure also exceeded Nigeria’s average production of 1.552 million bpd in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a gradual improvement in upstream output.

The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and oil producers to boost production through improved security, fresh upstream investments, new projects and the rehabilitation of existing assets.

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Across OPEC, crude oil production increased by 346,000 bpd to 24.081 million bpd in August, from 23.735 million bpd in July.

Iraq recorded the largest increase among OPEC members, with output surging by 664,000 bpd to 3.378 million bpd. Kuwait followed with a 49,000-bpd increase to 1.894 million bpd, while the United Arab Emirates added 54,000 bpd to reach 3.835 million bpd.

Venezuela also increased production by 23,000 bpd to 1.145 million bpd.

However, some major producers recorded declines. Saudi Arabia’s output fell by 75,000 bpd to 7.276 million bpd, while Algeria and Libya declined by 8,000 bpd and 9,000 bpd to 999,000 bpd and 1.355 million bpd respectively.

Iran recorded the largest decline, with production dropping by 399,000 bpd to 2.086 million bpd.

Beyond OPEC, total production by the broader OPEC+ group, comprising OPEC members and participating non-OPEC producers under the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), rose by 297,000 bpd to 38.055 million bpd in August.

Within the non-OPEC DoC group, Kazakhstan increased production by 159,000 bpd to 1.807 million bpd, while Russia cut output by 160,000 bpd to 8.718 million bpd.

For Nigeria, the latest production increase could provide some relief to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, given the continued importance of crude oil exports to the economy.

Nigeria has set a target of raising crude oil production towards three million bpd by 2030, making sustained increases essential to achieving the ambition.

However, the country still faces significant challenges, including ageing fields, infrastructure constraints, crude theft, funding difficulties and the need to attract new investment into the upstream sector.

The August performance therefore represents progress, but maintaining the upward trend will be crucial if Nigeria is to close the gap between current production and its ambitious 2030 target.

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