🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Lagos introduces N2.5 million tree-planting prize to combat urban heat
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Lagos State Government has launched a N2.5 million tree-planting prize as part of its 2026 World Environment Day activities, aiming to encourage environmental sustainability and address urban heat. This initiative was announced by Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, during the World Environment Day celebration in Ikeja. The state's efforts come as the United Nations recognized Lagos among 50 cities globally susceptible to extreme temperatures up to 50°C. The event, themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate, For Our Future,” highlighted nature-based solutions for climate change. Lagos plans to plant 500 trees and introduce the “Me and My Tree” initiative, providing free seedlings to participants who will nurture them for a year, with the best-performing tree receiving the N2.5 million reward. Lagos will also join the United Nations Environment Programme’s 50 Cities at 50°C initiative, adopting the theme “50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island.” Rotimi-Akodu noted that climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing vegetation, and raising temperatures. The World Meteorological Organisation confirmed 2024 as the warmest year on record. Lagos, as Africa’s most populous city, is vulnerable to climate threats like sea level rise, extreme heat, and flooding, which impact public health, productivity, and air quality. Measures include investments in an integrated tra
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Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, has called for increased investment in solar energy and stronger international cooperation to address climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation. Speaking at a World Environment Day event in Abuja, Baera urged businesses and governments to transition from fossil fuel-powered generators to solar power. He emphasized that environmental challenges like ocean pollution and greenhouse gas emissions necessitate collective action from governments, businesses, and citizens globally. Baera highlighted solar power as a practical alternative to diesel generators, which are widely used in Nigeria. He noted that Norwegian companies are already supporting Nigeria's clean energy transition by supplying solar technology to businesses, enabling them to replace diesel generators with clean energy from the sun. The ambassador also mentioned Norway's Energy for Development programme, which aims to help Nigeria build capacity to reduce emissions, including within the oil and gas sector. He challenged both Norwegian and Nigerian businesses to intensify efforts to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and encouraged citizens to adopt cleaner habits. The event also featured a partnership with Nigerian artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, known as Mama Nike, to promote environmental awareness through art and culture. Chief Okundaye-Davies urged Nigerians to embrace recycling and creative enterprise for environmental sustainability and
Must ReadChild rights advocates have called on the National Assembly to expedite action on a bill aimed at criminalizing online abuse and strengthening protections for Nigerian children in the digital space. The proposed Child Online Access Protection and Online Violence Against Nigerian Child Bill seeks to establish a legal framework to protect children from cyberbullying, cyber abuse, cyber extortion, and other harmful online activities. It also mandates digital platforms and service providers to enhance safeguards for children. Angela Uzoma, Country Director of Lawyers Without Borders in Nigeria, emphasized the bill's necessity due to increasing internet access among children and the associated risks like cyberbullying, grooming, and sexual exploitation. A 2018 UNICEF report highlighted that millions of children globally are exposed to digital risks, with studies showing approximately 90% of Nigerian children encounter some form of online harm. Christiana Eguma, Coordinator of the General Unit in the National Assembly, noted the bill addresses emerging threats and aims to hold technology companies accountable for content on their platforms. Funding for the bill's implementation would partly come from a 0.02% levy on the assessable profits of search engines, telecommunications service providers, AI companies, gaming platforms, streaming services, and social media application vendors operating in Nigeria. Educationist Oluwasesan Ifegbesan stressed that legislation alone is insufficie
FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup, which will include all players named in a matchday squad, not just the starting eleven. This new arrangement will see every player from both teams' matchday squads walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch with youth escorts. They will then assemble around the center circle for the national anthems, with large national flag banners displayed on either side of the pitch. FIFA stated that this initiative aims to allow all selected players to share in the experience of representing their countries. FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented that the new ceremony reflects that the World Cup is for every player and fan, and having all players and referees face each other during the anthems will create "a moment of unity, pride and emotion." The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will also be the first to feature 48 teams.
Must ReadFrench President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London on Sunday. The leaders will discuss putting pressure on Russia, which the French presidency described as being in a state of military, economic, and strategic failure. The meeting, scheduled to begin around 1730 GMT at Downing Street, will also review efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe. This comes as Ukraine has recaptured more territory than it lost to Russian forces for the second consecutive month. Russia's offensive has led to economic challenges including rising prices, tax hikes, high borrowing costs, business shutdowns, and labor shortages. Zelensky recently proposed a face-to-face meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and expressed readiness for a full ceasefire. Putin, however, rejected claims of Russia's economic collapse, stating the economy is at a similar level to Eurozone countries experiencing growth.