No underdeveloped country likes the appellation but adjectives are sometimes self-generated. Diseases ravage them, as well as, poor government accountability. Nigeria, for instance, has recently been under the heat of an ancient disease, Cholera. Cholera is caused by poor hygiene, occasioned by lack of social amenities, such as, potable drinking water, poor healthcare services, poverty, among others.

The disease is usually endemic in underdeveloped countries like Nigeria.

Mostly affected are people living in slums, ghettos and the likes.

For Nigeria to still be found under the above described bracket simply points to poor leadership.

Otherwise why would a country that ranks amongst the highest oil producers in the world be associated with slums and ghettos.

At sixty three Nigeria is still grappling with underdevelopment, to the extent that its citizens suffer from cholera.

As at the last count over twenty five states have been affected by the cholera outbreak, no thanks to the Nigerian government.

Why won’t they? After all, there is no potable drinking water, no adequate health care services, no food due to the high cost of living as against the pitiable per capita income of the citizens, among others.

These social amenities can only be provided by a responsible government, which to the best of our knowledge, Nigeria is lacking.

How do you reconcile a situation where citizens provide their own water, hospitals, roads, electric power and other infrastructures. And because the government is idle and does not know what to do it indulges in all manner of corruption, the result is that the citizens wallow in abject poverty to the extent of coming down with diseases like cholera.

When last have we heard of an epidemic like cholera breaking out in developed countries of the world?  It is unthinkable! The reason is that these nations are where reasonable people lead and are qualified to be called leaders.

What do we have in Nigeria? Direct opposite, of course. Yet still the political class live like lords and are proud to be worshipped by the pauperised populace. Why won’t such society become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and other disease causing agents?

It is unsurprising that Nigeria could fall victim to the cholera epidemic in this century, where several lives are lost and still counting.

As at the last count, about 90 percent of Nigerians are living under the poverty line,with abysmal per capita income. Why won’t there be a cholera epidemic?

Majority of the boreholes in the country today do not meet quality standards of such amenity and because government has failed in its responsibility of providing potable water,its health agencies saddled with the responsibility of regulating standards,which includes potable drinking water cannot carry out its oversight function of regulating private boreholes.

How do you regulate what you cannot produce? The result is catastrophe, resulting in unwholesome water being churned out for public consumption. We know of some boreholes being sunk close to soakaway pits and yet people drink from them.

It is common sense that when inflation becomes so high in a given society, people tend to cut corners in what they consume in regard to their purchasing power. It is also important to mention that illiteracy plays an important role in preventing diseases like cholera. How often have government organs charged with the responsibility of sensitising the people on healthy habits and hygiene done their jobs?

For God’s sake, cholera is preventable and curable. The suffering is pointless, self-made, government-induced.  Even the smaller and poorer countries in Africa have since outgrown diseases like cholera. And Nigeria, touting to be a giant of Africa still suffers from teething problems.

Our government at all levels should sit up and do the needful as leaders. Citizens should equally discharge their civic responsibilities. There is no sense in dwelling in unhygienic habits,which end up endangering our lives.

If the government cannot provide public toilets, individuals or groups should come together  and provide the same, bearing in mind that the consequences of open defecation come, government officials and families may not be affected. We are yet to see where epidemics like cholera ravaged the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs), where their officers and their families live.

No amount of window dressing can save us. The Kenyan example is recent. The Nigerian populace must rise from its slumber and demand of its government that which it needs.

The revival of Nigeria’s interest in energy transition, power, climate change and green economic solutions has raised high expectations within the extractive industries.

The recent constitution of a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions and the appointment of focal persons was a fundamental step to redefining the country’s necessary next steps going forward.

Before this development, hopes on the way forward after the country’s participation at the Dubai Summit remained unclear to many.

The new development was therefore viewed by industry analysts as a major reinvestment of political and social capital into the global debate by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

It is noteworthy that the Presidential Committee and the appointed focal persons were handed specific mandates and responsibilities of coordinating and overseeing all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic solutions required to revive, redefine and reposition the country’s interests.

With the United Nations’ projection that Nigeria’s population will rise to about 400 million people in the next 20 years, an unprecedented increase in energy demand and the obvious pressure that will bring to bear on energy financing in developing countries, including Nigeria, the work of the Committee is both important and urgent.

The utmost importance is the urgency to review existing plans, especially in the context of understanding content, context and the comprehensive nature of the issues involved, the associated risks and the potential opportunities.

By its work and nature of operations, NEITI is equipped to support the country’s engagement in the areas of provision of access to credible information and data. This will be required to drive forward-looking analysis, underpin dialogue on policy responses as well as promote evidence-led public debate.

In addition, credible information and data are also essential in policy formulation, analysis of the legal and fiscal framework governing the extractive industries, climate change and greenhouse emissions.

Data is equally important in addressing climate change-induced environmental problems, public education and enlightenment that supports public understanding of government policies related to the energy transition agenda.

For instance, NEITI’s recent report on the oil and gas industry disclosed a total unremitted revenue of gas royalty payments of $559.8 million and another unremitted sum of $828.8 million from unpaid gas flare penalties.

A close look at these figures revealed that more gas resources were flared during the period than utilised, thereby posing serious dangers to the global zero emissions agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to the net zero emissions by 2060.

Apart from gas flaring, other major sources of dangerous emissions, massive environmental pollution and damage to the ecosystems include oil theft, illegal bunkering and refineries, pipeline vandalisation. Data from NEITI Reports between 2009 and 2021 disclosed that Nigeria lost 619.7million barrels of crude oil, valued at $46.16billion, or the equivalent of N16.25 trillion between 2009 and 2020.

In addition, Nigeria lost about 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries, valued at $1.84 billion at the rate of 140,000 barrels per day, from 2009 to 2018.

During the Ongoing Energy Week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,  Lokpobiri Heineken has disclosed that the economic downturn confronting the country can be addressed by the oil and gas sector.

According to him, the oil and gas sector has been a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy and relying solely on this sector to solve economic challenges in terms of expanding the sector to include petrochemicals, refining, and manufacturing can create new revenue streams and reduce dependence on crude oil exports.

While investing in new technologies and infrastructure can boost oil and gas production, leading to increased revenue thereby improving the economy.

He encouraged local content and value addition in the sector creating millions of jobs and stimulating economic growth. Effective management of oil and gas revenues, such as investing in sovereign wealth funds, can provide a cushion against economic shocks. Encouraging local procurement, services, and manufacturing in the sector can create economic linkages and stimulate growth.Fostering a business-friendly environment to attract investment and drive growth.

The Minister added that adopting a comprehensive approach that includes both the oil and gas sector and other sectors, Nigeria can more effectively address its economic challenges.

In the power sector, the Minister of power, Adebao Adelabu emphasised on the need to “achieve our 30 percent Renewable Energy target. I urge you to consider the significant benefits of investing in renewable energy projects in Nigeria. Our country boasts abundant resources, particularly solar, wind, and hydro energy, providing a remarkable opportunity for sustainable growth. The renewable energy market has grown tremendously in the last decade, with over $1 billion leveraged by Multilateral Development Banks.”

“By channelling investments into these renewable sources, we can effectively meet our carbon emission targets while playing a crucial role in combating climate change.

“As demonstrated by our recently completed $550 million Nigeria Electrification Project, investing in renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and support economic development. Additionally, to complement the NEP, the $750 million DARES project would provide electricity to 2.5 million people in Nigeria by deploying solar home systems and mini-grids.”

These investments will propel Nigeria toward achieving its desired energy mix and transition targets as he reaffirmed unwavering commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.

It is critical that decisions and programmes at ongoing energy week will usher in a new dimension that will assist in shifting from the crude oil dominated energy to gas focused economy.

Ritual killings have plunged Nigeria into a state of fear and despair, claiming countless lives and leaving families shattered.

This barbaric practice, driven by the misguided belief that human body parts can bring wealth and power, has become an appalling reality across the nation. It is a gross violation of human dignity and a stain on our societal fabric.

Recent data from the National Human Rights Commission paints a grim picture, with over 200 reported cases of ritual killings between 2018 and 2020 alone.

The victims are often the most vulnerable members of society — children, women, and the elderly. They fall prey to individuals consumed by greed and superstition, who perpetrate these heinous acts under the guise of ancient rituals.

The root causes of ritual killings are complex and intertwined with socio-economic factors. Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment create fertile ground for exploitation by ritualists who promise quick riches through ghastly means.

These beliefs are reinforced by myths and superstitions, perpetuated by a few for personal gain at the expense of innocent lives.

The victims of ritual killings leave behind heartbreaking stories that devastate their loved ones and communities.

In 2020, a tragic example was the abduction and murder of a seven-year-old boy in Lagos, whose body was found mutilated with vital organs removed.

Similarly, a young woman’s life was brutally cut short, and her body was desecrated with the removal of her breasts and genital organs, allegedly for ritual purposes. These heinous crimes leave behind inconsolable families and a society torn apart by fear, grief, and outrage.

Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria face daunting challenges in combating ritual killings. Investigations are hindered by a lack of forensic evidence and witness testimonies.

There are disturbing allegations of influential figures shielding perpetrators from justice, further complicating efforts to eradicate this scourge.

To effectively tackle this crisis, Nigeria must adopt a multifaceted approach. Firstly, law enforcement agencies need adequate resources and training to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute perpetrators without interference.

Secondly, educational initiatives must debunk myths surrounding ritual killings, promoting values that emphasise the sanctity of human life. Economic empowerment programs are crucial to provide viable alternatives to vulnerable individuals susceptible to the lure of quick wealth.

Traditional and religious leaders also play a pivotal role in eradicating these practices.

They must actively condemn ritual killings and educate their communities about the devastating consequences of such acts. Society at large must unite in condemning these crimes and supporting victims’ families through advocacy and practical assistance.

Furthermore, the judiciary must ensure that those responsible for ritual killings face swift and severe punishment. By securing convictions and imposing stringent penalties, the justice system can deter potential perpetrators and provide closure to grieving families.

It is important for Nigeria to act decisively against ritual killings. The future of our nation depends on safeguarding the sanctity of human life and ensuring justice for all.

Let us unite in our resolve to root out this evil and build a society where every individual can live without fear of falling victim to such atrocities.

As we move forward, let us hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand concrete steps to end ritual killings. Together, we can create a Nigeria where human life is cherished and protected, free from the shadows of ritualistic violence.

Nigeria is grappling with the scourge of ritual killings, which poses a significant threat to human life and dignity. Law enforcement agencies face formidable challenges in investigating and prosecuting these cases due to lack of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony.

Furthermore, allegations of complicity and protection of perpetrators by powerful individuals or groups hinder justice.

To combat this menace, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Firstly, law enforcement agencies must be empowered to investigate and prosecute ritual killing cases effectively, without interference or influence. Secondly, education and economic empowerment programs can address the root causes of this problem by providing alternatives to poverty and ignorance.

Thirdly, engaging with traditional and religious leaders is crucial to debunk myths and superstitions driving ritual killings.

Society must come together to condemn ritual killings, support victims’ families, and promote cultural values that emphasise human life’s sanctity and dignity. Parents, guardians, and community leaders must guide young people and instil positive values to prevent their involvement in ritual killings.

Strengthening security and judicial response is critical, with thorough investigations, increased patrols, and effective prosecution leading to convictions and appropriate punishments.

We can create a society where human life is valued and respected. Holding leaders accountable for their actions and inactions is essential, demanding concrete steps to address this issue and ensure justice for victims and their families.

Let us act now to honour the memories of those lost and protect our children from this senseless violence.