Pulling down of unapproved structures erected in front of buildings in Isi Gate, Uzuakoli Road, Corporative and Aba Road areas of Umuahia, the Abia State capital, will commence next week.

The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) gave this final notice in Umuahia during a meeting with landlords, especially those doing business in the affected areas.

The General Manager of UCDA, Kingsley Agomuo, advised the landlords and other occupants of the illegal structures and shanties to remove them before the December 1 deadline earlier given by the state government.

It warned that all costs spent in pulling down the structures would be borne by the owners of the buildings.

He made it clear that it was in the best interest of the landlords and occupants of the illegal structures to remove the structures on their own to avoid paying for the expenses incurred by having the Abia State Government do so.

He further said any landlord who failed to heed the advice would be sanctioned.

The UCDA said there was a need to restore the sanity of Umuahia.

Traders at Isi Gate were also asked to leave their current space as the UCDA and Abia State Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment have maintained that the market had long been relocated and therefore, was no longer recognized by the state government.

…Departs Abuja for Dubai Wednesday, as Nigerian artists prepare for exhibitions

President Bola Tinubu will, on Wednesday, depart Abuja for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to attend the COP28 Climate Summit, also known as the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC.

This was contained in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed Tuesday.

Ngelale said, “Tinubu who will participate in the World Leaders’ Summit on December 1 and 2, 2023, will deliver a national statement highlighting Nigeria’s stance on various thematic issues, including renewable energy and climate financing.”

At the Leaders’ Summit with the theme, “Unite, Act, and Deliver,” President Tinubu will advocate increased financial and technical support for developing nations while reminding developed countries of their public pledge to provide $100 billion annually for support to localised initiatives to address climate change-related challenges.

According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu to attend COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai,’ the President’s message will also focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable, reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable and responsible practices.

While in Dubai, Tinubu will actively participate in key sideline events, which will further “support the advancement of his avowed commitment to aggressively attract foreign direct investment for enhanced wealth creation and revenue expansion in the country, in addition to other events hosted by the Nigerian delegation,” Ngelale revealed.

Likewise, the Nigerian delegation to COP28 will actively explore establishing new and deeper bilateral partnerships to implement Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Article 6 Projects, Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes, Technology Transfer, Capacity Building, and Methane Mitigation.

More so, as preparations bound on the part of Nigeria, efforts are intensified towards Art for Climate Change at the Expo City Dubai, with the approval of the UAE Ministry of Education and UNESCO Greening Education Partnership on December 2, 2023 to present Art exhibitions.

COP28 Art for Climate Change Summit represents a critical milestone for demonstrating the connectivity between climate change, art and humanity to accelerate the climate-resilient global economy’s pace and scale and transition to renewable energy and low-carbon world.

NYU Abu Dhabi and Solution17 are leading the Education for Sustainable Development through Art-Inspired awareness towards the delivery of credible and concrete actions and policies to keep the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement alive and deliver climate justice to those on the front lines of the climate crisis.

The Project Director of CYCDI-Solution17, Foluke Michael in a statement made available to the media stated that the event would open with Poetry titled “ArtNovation to The World” by Princess Marinay, followed by A quick dive into COP28 Art for Climate Change Virtual Gallery and a High-level Opening Plenary that brings together a diverse group of leaders from Education Institutions, Youth Groups, Students, Climate Advocates, Non-profit Organisations, Governmental Agencies and Businesses, General Public.

She added that, “The session highlights include the opening of the Net-Zero Carbon Exhibition, an extraordinary Live-Speed Painting on ‘Why COP28 Matters’ (to be hosted by Climate Artist Michael Tobi and AI and Energy Specialist, Fisayo Adeyemi), and the launch of the global Climate Pledge Web App, designed by Ayodeji Oluwadare and the Book of Climate Acts, cofounded by Haoma Worgwu.

“The event will present Climate Artworks co-created by a team of Climate Artists, Technologists, Innovators, Communicators and Poets. The project began in August 2023 with a press conference hosted by the Lagos State Government,” Ms Micheal noted.

Highlighting history of the project, she said in September 2023 onboarding of project actors to ArtNovation Hub took place, hosted by the PremiumTrust Bank, Nigeria, followed by Live marathon painting in Lagos State.

 ”Also, The New York University Dialogue Series will hold in Abu Dhabi late November, and the COP28 Art for Climate Change – Net-Zero Carbon Exhibition will also hold in Dubai early December,” she added.

The key outcomes of the Summit will be conveyed by Dr Awam Amkpa, Dean of Arts and Humanities, Professor of Drama, Social and Cultural Analysis, NYU, Abu Dhabi.

COP28 Art for Climate Change supports a pledge system for climate change as a powerful tool for mobilising action and raising awareness about the urgent need for climate solutions.

By setting clear goals, providing support, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, the systems will contribute to meaningful climate action at all levels of society.

Attendees and interested participants are expected to raise awareness about climate change, advocate for climate-friendly policies, and educate others about the importance of climate action.

Dubai has become President Tinubu’s 11th foreign destination since assuming office about six months ago.

So, far he has visited Paris, France (twice); London, the United Kingdom; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Berlin, Germany.

Tinubu, who will be accompanied by senior government officials, is expected to return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit.

By Omobolaji Adekunle, Abeokuta

Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State is scheduled to present the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Ogun state  House of Assembly on Thursday, Nigerian NewsDirect authoritatively gathered.

In line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (as amended), the Ogun State House of Assembly will host the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the presentation of the Year 2024 Appropriation Bill.

A release by the Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Service, Mr. ‘Deji Adeyemo indicated that the presentation of the 2024 budget proposal, being the fifth since the inception of the present administration in the State, would take place in the hallowed Chamber of the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta at 10.00am prompt.

The release implored all invited stakeholders, guests and other government functionaries to be seated by 9.30am prompt.