United Nations

By Muhsin Ibrahim

World leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, took to social media on Friday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for unity and action against discrimination.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres emphasized the need to address rising anti-Muslim hate worldwide. “Islamophobia is an affront to human rights and the values of the UN. We must stand together to promote tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect,” he wrote.

Several heads of state and government officials echoed similar sentiments. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fighting religious discrimination, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for global solidarity against Islamophobia.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was designated by the UN in 2022 and is observed annually on March 15. It aims to raise awareness of prejudice against Muslims and promote inclusive societies.

Advocacy groups have urged governments to go beyond statements and implement concrete policies to tackle hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The State of Qatar has called for increased international efforts to ensure that all Israeli nuclear facilities are placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, Qatar has urged Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state.

The appeal was made by Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations in Vienna, Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, during a session of the IAEA Board of Governors. His remarks focused on the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and concerns over Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of global institutions upholding their commitments under the UN Security Council, General Assembly resolutions, and IAEA regulations. He also referenced the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which called for Israel to subject all its nuclear sites to IAEA safeguards.

The Qatari diplomat stressed that numerous international resolutions have explicitly urged Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. He called on the international community to take concrete steps to ensure compliance with these longstanding global commitments.

This statement aligns with Qatar’s foreign policy advocating nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability. Israel’s nuclear program has long been contentious in diplomacy, with increasing calls for transparency and oversight.

As tensions persist in the Middle East, Qatar’s renewed appeal highlights the ongoing debate over nuclear security and the role of international oversight in maintaining global peace.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Millions of Africans have emigrated to Europe, America, and other parts of the world. This emigration is driven by both push and pull factors — economic challenges, political instability, conflicts, and the pursuit of better job opportunities and more accessible social services.

Despite often being stringent in their immigration policies, receiving countries have found ways to benefit from this influx. They tap into the labour, expertise, and talent of these immigrants. Rather than solely viewing immigration as a burden, many of these nations recognize the potential gains from incorporating skilled and unskilled labour into their economies.

Several West African countries have reassessed and severed their military ties with France in recent years. Notable examples include Mali in 2022, Burkina Faso in January 2023, Niger Republic in 2024, Chad in November 2024, Senegal in December 2024, and Ivory Coast in December 2024. These moves signal a significant shift in regional dynamics as these nations seek to assert greater sovereignty and explore alternative partnerships. Some have terminated defence agreements outright, while others are exploring new international collaborations.

International relations experts see these developments as pivotal. However, they caution that these countries might merely replace one foreign power with another without concrete plans for mutual benefits. For instance, in Niger Republic, the Russian presence, along with the mercenary group Wagner, has not brought substantial change. Wagner’s operations in several African nations, such as Mali, have drawn criticism, with human rights groups accusing its forces of severe abuses.

Reuters reported that: “French President Emmanuel Macron recently expressed frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgement from certain African nations regarding France’s military interventions in the Sahel region. Speaking at a foreign policy conference with French ambassadors, Macron claimed that some African leaders had “rewritten history” concerning France’s role in combating Islamist militants since 2013. He argued that these states might have lost their sovereignty without French military support.

However, officials from countries like Chad and Senegal have pushed back, asserting that their decisions to expel French troops were made independently and in the best interest of their nations. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah criticized Macron’s remarks as disrespectful, while Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized that Senegal’s decision was made without any negotiation with France.”

For Africa to progress, its leaders must define the continent’s needs, recognize its current position, and set a clear direction for the future. Africa must move beyond the outdated narrative that external forces are the primary obstacles to its development. The global landscape has evolved, and Africa must engage with international partners based on mutual respect and benefit.

For example, France and Nigeria have an excellent trade relationship, with Nigeria serving as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. So, if country A sees the French as a bottleneck, you don’t expect Nigeria to do so. 

If countries like France, China, Russia, or the United States want to invest in Africa, they must do so with clear, mutually beneficial agreements. African resources should be processed on African soil, ensuring the continent gains more than raw material exports. Africa needs technology transfer, expertise, and infrastructure development to foster sustainable growth.

Africa must adopt a global perspective and interact with nations based on their strengths in areas like United Nations status, military power, industrial capacity, African diasporas, trade volumes, and financial influence. Only through strategic, well-negotiated partnerships can Africa harness its full potential and assert its rightful place in the global arena.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Muhammad Mikail

The World Bank Group’s Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative estimated that 1 billion people were without an officially recognised means of identification (ID), and the majority are women. This problem is particularly acute in Low—and Medium-Income Countries (LMICs), where the 2017 Global Findex survey estimates that 44 per cent of women do not have an ID compared to 28 per cent of men (World Bank Gender Gap Report 2021).

In Nigeria, different studies and surveys have identified many challenges and barriers as the cause of the low National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment by women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalised groups. These groups experience challenges in obtaining ID due to the distance to travel for registration, transport costs, long wait times, and multiple visits. 

Some of the identified barriers to enrolling for the NIN for women, children, and PWDs have emanated from social norms about gender roles that allocate certain household work, responsibilities, and childcare to women, exacerbating their time constraints. Most often, women needing permission from husbands and fathers can be a huge barrier for many, especially in environments where knowledge and awareness about IDs are limited. 

Also, poor facilities combined with long wait times are particularly hard for elderly people, pregnant and nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities. These barriers to registration are even greater for pastoralists and IDPs who are less aware of pertinent registration information such as location, time, and necessary supporting documentation.

Many IDPs have low trust in the government, while people living in camps are further away from service access points. Pastoralists and migrant fisherfolk and farmers also typically have less engagement with the government and are less likely to have IDs, though this varies significantly by region. Women from these communities are likely doubly disadvantaged by their gender and their pastoral identity. Women with disabilities and internally displaced women are also likely to face additional barriers and greater exclusion from society than women without disabilities or women who have not been displaced (World Bank Gender Gap Report 2021)

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in July 2023 revealed that Nigeria has over 3 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), about 2 million returnees, and 100 thousand refugees/asylum seekers from 41 countries, with the majority from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Syria, Turkey, Mali, and 34 other countries. Also documented by UNHCR are over 300,000 Nigerian refugees registered in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. 

These individuals may have difficulty accessing basic rights such as banking, telephone, education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement and may face a lifetime of obstacles and exclusion without access to the National Identification Number (NIN). Aside from creating a huge gap in the database in terms of inclusivity and spread, this leaves behind a very huge number of unidentified underserved persons with the risk of being excluded from government services, restriction in movements, and lack of access to healthcare. It also creates a clog in the federal government’s attempt to commit to the sustainable development goals of providing identities for everyone and “leaving no one behind.”  When you have millions of unidentified persons outside of your country’s identity database, it means your economic planning will fall short and by extension, Nigeria’s socio-economic development will suffer.

In recognition of these challenges and in commitment to achieving universal access to ID and closing the gaps, the Government of Nigeria commissioned a strategic roadmap in 2018 as part of the country’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) as its overall strategy to drive the country’s economic development. Several reforms were contained in the roadmap. Principally, the country was to adopt the ecosystem approach to NIN enrolment that involved Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), ministries, departments and agencies of government, licensed enrolment partners, international Non-Governmental Organisations, and all relevant stakeholders in the ID space.  

Also, the National Identity Management Commission is working with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project (NDID4D) with support from the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in implementing a series of sustainable and innovative reforms. The goal is to remove all current challenges and difficulties that people face in enrolling for IDs, fostering a robust, seamless, and more inclusive enrolment system where ID is provided for everyone, and no one is left behind.  

As a result, the NDID4D Project established collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and their international counterpart, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This is aimed at addressing these challenges and removing barriers these vulnerable individuals may face to obtaining the NIN needed to facilitate their rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement into society. 

As part of the collaboration, the NCFRMI has agreed to activate its enrolment licence previously issued by NIMC to participate as an enrolment partner targeting refugees, migrants and IDPs in 5 states where there are large clusters of these vulnerable groups. The states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Cross-River, and Akwa-Ibom. Although refugees also live in cities including Lagos, Ijebu, Abuja, Kano, and urban areas in other States, the selected 5 states host the majority of these vulnerable populations and will, therefore, serve as a starting point for this enrolment. 

With support from UNHCR, the refugee commission is planning to procure 6 enrolment devices and nominate 20 of its staff as enrolment agents to support this endeavour. On its part, the NIMC, with support from the NDID4D Project, will onboard these enrolment devices and train all licensed enrolment partners to be deployed to the various states and locations to carry out the enrolment. The NIMC, in collaboration with the NDID4D Project, is fashioning ways to clear the backlog of enrolment fees owed to enrolment partners and has also developed a robust business model to incentivise all partners, particularly those who will be conducting enrolment in remote and hard-to-reach communities and locations.  

In ensuring that the fundamental right of every Nigerian to a verifiable identity is secured, the National Identity Management Commission needs to work overtime in introducing innovative reforms in line with global best practices. Engagements and consultations with critical stakeholders on the amendment of the NIMC Act to ensure it is in consonance with the current digital realities and ease integration with other foundational ID agencies like the NPC should be sustained. Efforts need to be geared to working tirelessly on upgrading the enrolment software and ensuring training and retraining of all licensed enrolment partners on interacting effectively with the people, global best practices in customer service and grievance handling. 

In the same vein, national awareness and information campaigns that use multiple channels inclusive of both conventional and new media to reach diverse groups in raising awareness about NIN enrolment, including information on where and how to enrol, what is required to enrol, and—especially—why enrolling is important for everyone, not just women, children and PWDs should be commissioned. This should be done while equally engaging traditional, community and local leaders especially male leaders, to proactively promote women’s and girl’s registration.

The recent collaboration between the NIMC and the National Social Safety Net Project to extend to streamline enrolment of the poorest of the poor in the national social register while ensuring those on the register are both issued a valid NIN and are captured into the National ID database is a strategic move that deserves commendation.

Enrolment centres and registration points should be located close to communities to reduce travel costs and time, enhance access to ID and adopt culturally appropriate policies to encourage and prioritise enrolment for women and girls and marginalised groups. This may involve Mobile registration centres to bring the enrolment process closer to the people in the rural/hard-reach areas.

The recent workshop held in Abuja to validate the NIMC’s disability inclusion policy represents a critical step forward in ensuring that the National Identity Management System is inclusive and accessible to all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities. Collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disability should be sustained.

In the same vein, digital identity can also enhance security and privacy. With robust authentication mechanisms in place and monitored by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, individuals can rest assured that their personal information is protected from unauthorised access. This is particularly germane in an era and country like ours where data breaches, phishing and identity theft are on a steady rise. This can help bridge the digital divide by enabling greater secured access to services for all citizens and empowering marginalised communities to fully participate in the digital economy

Conclusively, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) faces an arduous task of showing Nigerians the value of having a NIN and its relevance in accessing critical services used by both women and men while ensuring non-possession of the ID does not exclude people from services. These will not only help in allaying the fears and resolving the complaints of aggrieved Nigerians and potential enrollees, but they will also help the NIMC win back the trust of the Nation. 

Muhammad Mikail writes from Abuja and can be reached via muhammadnmikail.mm@gmail.com.

By Dr Raji Bello

I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me. 

My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:

1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.

2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.

When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:

1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.

2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests. 

Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country. 

The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The United Nations (UN) has mourned staff of the organization killed by the Israel attacks in Gaza. 

The UN Secretary-General, Antònio Guterres, disclosed the development in a tweet on Monday. 

According to Guterres, more than 100 staff of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency met their death as a result of the raging war. 

“Today, the @UN family observed a moment of silence to mourn & honour our colleagues killed in Gaza. Since the start of this conflict, more than 100 @UNRWA staff have lost their lives – the highest number of UN aid workers killed in a conflict in such a short time. They will never be forgotten.” He tweeted.

By Yusuf Idris

The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most complex and long-standing disputes in modern history. Rooted in deep historical, religious, and political tensions, the conflict has resulted in a series of wars, uprisings, and ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when Jewish and Arab nationalist movements emerged in the region, claiming their right to self-determination. After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate to govern Palestine, facilitating Jewish immigration and settlement. However, this sparked resistance from the Arab population, who feared displacement and loss of their homeland.

Following the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II, international sympathy for the establishment of a Jewish homeland grew. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to divide Palestine into separate Israeli and Palestinian states, but the Arab countries and Palestinian leadership rejected this plan.

The protection of persons, including both combatants and civilians, is a crucial aspect to consider in any conflict. From the perspective of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, this issue carries significant weight as the conflict has led to the loss of countless lives and resulted in widespread suffering on both sides.

One of the key aspects to examine regarding the protection of persons in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the nature of the conflict itself. The conflict has been marked by a series of military confrontations, uprisings, and acts of terrorism, which have had severe humanitarian consequences. Both Israelis and Palestinians have been subjected to violence, displacement, and the violation of their fundamental human rights.

From the Israeli perspective, the protection of persons, particularly Israeli citizens, is a paramount concern. Israel, as a sovereign state, has the responsibility to safeguard the lives and security of its population, which various Palestinian militant groups have consistently targeted. 

The causes and origins of the Israel-Palestine crisis are complex and deeply rooted in historical, political, and religious factors. 

The Israel-Palestine conflict dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Zionist Jews sought to establish a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine, which was under Ottoman rule at the time. This intensified with the Balfour Declaration in 1917, in which Britain supported establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Partition and Creation of Israel: Following World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Britain was granted the mandate to administer Palestine. Rising tensions between Jewish immigrants and the Arab local population led to conflicts. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan, recommending the creation of separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. 

 The term “protection of civilians” refers to the measures taken to ensure the safety and security of civilians during armed conflicts. This can include various actions such as providing humanitarian assistance, establishing safe zones or protected areas, and enforcing international human rights and humanitarian laws.

“Hors de combat” is a French term that translates to “combat horse” in English. It refers to horses used in military operations, particularly in combat roles.

 The phrase “protection of civilians horse de combat” does not inherently have a specific meaning as it combines two distinct concepts. However, one possible interpretation could be using combat horses in military operations, specifically focusing on protecting civilians.

Combat horses may be employed in a conflict situation for various purposes like transportation, reconnaissance, or combat roles. If the emphasis is on protecting civilians, combat horses could be trained to rescue civilians in dangerous situations, evacuate them from conflict zones, or provide a deterrent against attacks on civilians.

There is no specific international instrument called “Words de combat” to protect civilians. However, several international legal frameworks and instruments address the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.

1. Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols: The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols provide the foundation for protecting civilians during armed conflicts. They outline rules for the humane treatment of civilians, prohibit attacks against them, and provide for the establishment of protections such as safe zones and medical facilities.

2. United Nations Security Council Resolutions: The UN Security Council has issued several resolutions to protect civilians in armed conflicts. For example, Resolution 1894 (2009) reaffirms the responsibility of all parties to an armed conflict to protect civilians and calls for accountability for those who violate these obligations.

3. International Humanitarian Law: This body of law includes principles and rules that regulate the conduct of armed conflicts and aim to minimise civilian harm. 

Several international humanitarian principles, protocols, and provisions of the Geneva Conventions govern the protection of civilians in armed conflict situations. These frameworks aim to ensure that civilians are protected from the effects of armed conflict and that their human rights and dignity are preserved. 

 Key principles, protocols, and provisions related to the protection of civilians:

1. Principle of Distinction: This principle, enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, requires parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. It prohibits direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects.

2. Principle of Proportionality: Under this principle, parties to the conflict must ensure that the anticipated military advantage from an attack is not outweighed by the expected harm to civilians or civilian objects. The excessive use of force that could cause disproportionate civilian casualties is prohibited.

3. Principle of Precautions in Attack: This principle obliges parties to take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimise harm to civilians and civilians.

The Israel-Palestine conflict falls within the scope of international humanitarian law, and the principle of protecting civilians applies to both parties. International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, stipulates that parties must take all necessary measures to protect civilians from the effects of hostilities in armed conflict situations.

This means that parties to the conflict, including Israel and Palestine, are obligated to:

1. Respect the distinction between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military targets. Deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects are prohibited.

2. Uphold the principle of proportionality by ensuring that the anticipated military advantage does not outweigh the expected harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure.

3. Take precautions in attacks to minimise harm to civilians. Parties should give effective warning of attacks that may affect the civilian population and take all feasible measures to avoid or minimise civilian casualties.

4. Provide medical care and humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict without discrimination.

Conclusively, the Israel-Palestine crisis is a complex and ongoing conflict with deep-rooted historical, political, and religious dimensions. A few general suggestions that various international actors have highlighted:

1. Dialogue and Negotiations: A peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustained dialogue between the parties involved. This should be based on mutual recognition, understanding, and respect to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

2. Two-State Solution: The international community, including the United Nations, has long supported the idea of a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine exist side by side in peace and security. This solution typically involves the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, with agreed-upon borders and mutually acceptable arrangements for Jerusalem, refugees, and security.

3. Respect for International Law: All parties should uphold and abide by international humanitarian law

Resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, several proposals have been put forward. Here are some potential solutions that have been discussed:

4. Two-State Solution: This solution involves the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders, with mutually agreed upon land swaps and a negotiated resolution to the status of Jerusalem. This solution has been endorsed by the international community, including the United Nations, as a means to address the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for self-determination and security.

Yusuf Idris writes from  Lagos and can be reached via yusufibnadamu@gmail.com.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

One of the major issues that is increasingly capturing global attention is climate change. Since 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been committed to mitigating the repercussions of this phenomenon. The Conference of Parties (COP) convenes every year to discuss the progress of their commitment.

The last summit, COP27, was held in November 2022 in Egypt, with 190 countries attending. The summit’s focus was the establishment of a “loss and damage fund” to provide funding from significant climate change contributors to countries that are least responsible for climate change but are the most vulnerable to its impacts.

Our planet Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of sunlight, then radiates it back in the form of infrared; some of this heat reflects into space,  while some get absorbed by  Green House Gass (GHGs) in a process called Greenhouse Effect, this process stabilises our climate. Without these gases, the Earth could be considerably colder, well below freezing point. On the other hand, an increase in the concentration of these gases leads to a warmer planet. The consequences of interfering with this natural phenomenon are unimaginable. However, modern human activities are believed to be depleting this natural balance; we are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases, resulting in a rise in global atmospheric temperatures.

Whenever fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) are burned to generate energy for various needs such as industrial activities, transportation, and cooking, CO2 is produced as a major by-product (CO2 emission). This CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect. The emissions of CO2 and other GHGs increase heat absorption, resulting in global warming. Glaciers and ice caps melt due to global warming, leading to rising sea levels. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to coastal areas, as increased water volume can cause flooding and other existential hazards.

 Another big threat is that global warming causes heat waves. A heatwave is a period of scorching weather, typically lasting several days or even weeks; the temperature of some European countries (due to heat waves) is currently reported to soar up to 40 degrees Celsius.

In broader terms, while the global North (North America and Europe) mostly experiences heatwaves, glacier melting, and increased rainfall, the global South counterpart (South America, Africa, and Asia) mostly experiences flooding, drought, and forest fires. It is clear here that the latter is worst affected by global warming.

The overall global warming is currently measured at 1.2°C and is projected to reach 1.5°C by 2025. The Earth will be in real danger if global warming reaches 2.0°C (as forecast, at least by 2040). At this level, it will cause the acceleration and exacerbation of all the threats mentioned above. Drought will impact the majority of global farmland, while flooding will submerge a significant number of homes. Unquenchable forest fires will also reign, creating a sort of doomsday scenario for humanity.

It was against this foreseeable bleak future that the COP members, through the Paris Agreement, agreed to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030. This commitment means that the countries involved will restrict the usage of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas and instead transition to green and clean energy alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biofuels.

But one major obstacle hinders this promising energy transition, especially in developing countries: the glaring affordability of fossil fuels compared to all renewable sources. Due to the low cost of fossil fuels, all developed countries relied on them to propel their advancement. This is why transitioning to renewable energy poses more difficulties for developing countries like Nigeria. When Africa struggles to find its footing, this ugly scenario rears its head. The beneficiaries of fossil fuel’s abundance now advocate for cleaner energy solutions left, right, and centre. This situation is like campaigning to a malnourished person about routine medical check-ups when they primarily need proper nutrition. The person has to eat well before considering a longer life campaign.

The intriguing part of the global warming scenario is the unequal contribution of CO2 between developing and developed countries. The latter are far more culpable, with their giant machines releasing CO2 into the air ‘like tomorrow no de’. For instance, the US and China contribute more than 20% of the global CO2 emissions each, while the entire African continent contributes below 4%.

Nevertheless, these should not be discouraging for Africa, or a reason for kicking against climate commitment, since climate change is a long-term issue; in the future, when Africa’s economy snowballs, it will significantly contribute to global warming.

Instead, this should serve as an opportunity for Africa to embark on development while committing to climate action. Imagine if, a few centuries ago, Europe and America had received support to consider climate change mitigation while advancing their technology. We might not be where we are today, facing the current threat of global warming.

Among all the renewable energy sources, biofuel remains the most suitable option for African countries or any developing nations to adopt in their fight against climate change because it can promise simultaneous infrastructure development while combating climate change.

Agriculture is both a boon and a bane for development in many African countries since most citizens are farmers. Therefore, investing in the development of the agriculture sector through the energy sector by adopting biofuels can significantly contribute to the overall progress and development of a nation.

With COP’s commitment to supporting developing countries and the potential of biofuels to transform the agriculture sector, there is no better time for Nigeria to transition to cleaner energy.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering at ABU Zaria, a public affair commentator, and a science writer.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

India is soon to overtake China as the world’s most populated country, according to the United Nations Population Division.

John Wilmoth, the director of the UN Population Division, stated this at a press conference held on Monday at the UN’s New York headquarters.

Wilmoth asserted that the fertility rates in the two countries were the primary cause of this trend, stating that China and India together made up more than one-third of the world’s eight billion people.

Wilmoth was quoted as saying, “By the end of April, India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 people, with projections indicating further growth for several decades more.

“That’s slightly higher than China’s global record of 1.4 billion in 2022.

“China’s population reached its peak size in 2022 and has begun to decline.

“Projections indicate that the size of the Chinese population could drop below one billion before the end of the century.”

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

An attempt to kill oneself in response to a tragic or stressful situation is termed ‘attempted suicide’, while success in such an attempt is referred to as ‘suicide.’ This profoundly affects families, especially when such an attempt is successful, and when one survives, they battle other mental disorders.

For suicide not to be seen only as a storm in a teacup, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation in 2003, slated the 10th of September to annually commemorate what it termed ‘World Suicide Day’. Issues surrounding suicide are discussed with the hope of ending the horrendous act on the day.

This year’s event got me reminiscing on an incident in my neighbourhood three years ago where a nine-year-old girl in Primary 4 sent herself to the grave by hanging. What would have prompted her? This question continues to resonate in the minds of those unfortunate to see her hanging lifeless. 

Seven hundred thousand people commit suicide yearly, according to the world health organisation (WHO), with 70% occurring in low and middle-income countries. WHO’s country representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, said: “for every suicide, twenty (20) other people are making an attempt and many more have the thought to commit same.”

Ingestion of pesticides, hanging and firearms are said to be the most common method of committing suicide globally. In high-income countries, suicide has been associated with mental disorders like depression and alcohol use disorder. In contrast, in low-income countries, life problems like financial crises, relationship break-ups, chronic pain and illness take credit – these are primarily associated with adults.

On the other hand, children may become suicidal due to poor performance in school, coupled with pressure at home to do better, bullying, losing friends, etc.

Thanks to civilisation and technological advancement, people have become more and more isolated. At the same time, others try to emulate the more often pseudo lives of others they see on TV or social media. Mr A wants his child to be as bright as the child of Mr B; Mrs X wants her husband to provide the luxury Mr Y is providing for his family; Mr M wants his wife to be as dazzling as the wife Mr N, the list goes on. All these think this way while still battling financial crises and others. 

While the authority is setting up mental healthcare centres, and organisations are trying to do the same at workplaces, families need to start being the haven they should be for their members. Parents should understand that failure for children is just okay when they have given their best while helping them be the best version of themselves.

Generally speaking, marriages, relationships, education, intelligence, social status, and all that encompasses life should not be measured using the yardstick we see in the media. As the saying goes, not all that glitters is gold.

Nigeria is a place where religion is held in high esteem. Therefore, religious leaders could take it upon themselves during sermons to discourage suicide. The haves should remain humble and thankful for their possessions, while the have-nots should not despair for whatever position they find themselves in; others aspire to get there.

Dale Carnegie, an American writer, stated, “It is not what you have, who you are, where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Understanding this will go a long way in curtailing suicide.

When all hands come on deck, we would be “Creating Hope Through Action.”

Lawal Dahiru Mamman, a corp member, writes from Abuja and can be reached via dahirulawal90@gmail.com.