Environment

CMG launches media action on World Environment Day

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2022

…Discussion settles on aligning media’s role with other sectors

Major news companies of Africa have teamed up with the China Media Group (CMG) in rolling out a joint initiative in environmental protection.

“Speaking for Nature Media Action for China-Africa Environment Protection” was launched in Kenya’s capital Nairobi as part of the celebrations to mark the World Environment Day on June 5.

Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, together with more than 30 representatives of media, international organizations, and government departments attended the ceremony.

In his opening speech, Cao Ri, the Acting Bureau Chief of CMG Africa, called for joint action in environmental protection.

“Living in harmony with nature is a value long upheld by the African people. This demonstration of ecological ethics should be an inspiration for us all,” said Cao, outlining the purpose of the initiative and proposing a more global approach to dialogue and multilateral cooperation on matters of ecological protection.

“We need to shift humanity’s relationship with nature to one that includes the true value of all the benefits and services we receive,” said Susan Gardner, the Director of the Ecosystems Division under the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Through presentations and panel discussions, participants highlighted ongoing efforts on environmental protection in Africa and outlined existing opportunities for China-Africa cooperation going forward.

“China has been actively carrying out South-South cooperation in battling climate change. As of September 2021, China has signed 15 cooperation agreements with 14 African countries,” said Zhang Yujun, the Director General of China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Center.

Robert Gituru, the Director of the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, spoke of his organization’s efforts to preserve species through new discoveries and listing, explaining: “If you want to conserve biodiversity, the first thing you need to know is what you actually have, because you cannot conserve what you do not know.”

Africa is home to a vast array of biodiversity resources, but at the same time has a rapidly increasing population, many of whom are poor and vulnerable, according to Michael Meadows, president of the International Geographical Union.

He noted: “This results in a tension between the need to protect environment on the one hand, while at the same time harnessing its resources to promote socio-economic development on the other.”

Meadows said the need for Africa to continue to develop in a sustainable way cannot be overemphasized.

In his projections into the future, Turhan Saleh shared insights on green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Saleh, who serves as the Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ethiopia Country Office, cautioned against a post-COVID-19 return to the status-quo, saying the future lie in climate-smart, green, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development.

Representatives from African media weighed in on their role as broadcasters and publishers in creating environmental awareness among the public. “Media is the one that informs the public and also educates the public,” Samuel Maina, the Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, said.

To strengthen environmental reporting, using the latest technological advances, Maina called for more exchange programmes between China and African media.

Joining the session virtually, Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said the media is a powerful tool that can help direct attention of citizens on the environment agenda.

“As media, we are guilty as we are not highlighting the right issues at the right time,” Bernard Momanyi, the editorial director of Capital FM, cited the academia as the missing link in the discourse.

Victor Nyambok, an advocacy and policy communications manager at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), spoke on the need to help media simplify and make environmental stories interesting in order for the public to relate with their reporting.

Participants also watched the unveiling of a 3D promotional video to be displayed on a curved screen at a shopping square in Nairobi. The software-rendered animation features a giant panda and an elephant, aiming to draw more attention to nature. This is also the first time such 3D art has been publicly displayed in the continent.

The session concluded with the release of a proposal for CMG and its African partners to work together to promote public awareness on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Other activities such as a 5G livestreaming in Amboseli National Park, documentary exhibitions across Africa, and a release of the campaign’s results have been scheduled for the next three months

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Environment

Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo: Taking the Spirit of Nigeria’s Climate Act to the Global Stage at COP30

Published

3 weeks ago

November 10, 2025

The Gleamer

By Gloria Ada Oguamanam

As the world converges in Belém, Brazil, for the highly anticipated COP30 Climate Conference scheduled from November 10 to 21, 2025, Nigeria stands once again at the forefront of global environmental discourse.

Among the nation’s delegation of eminent figures is Rt. Hon. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo KJW, the acclaimed Father of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, a title he has earned through years of relentless advocacy, legislative foresight, and consistent representation on the global stage.

The leader of the Nigerian delegation is Vice President Kashim Shettima. Rt. Hon. Onuigbo will be attending alongside Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, National Assembly members, climate change advocates, and several other experts. Together, they represent Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable governance, clean energy transition, and climate resilience under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A Legacy of Commitment and Continuity:

Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo’s participation at COP30 reflects not only his personal dedication but also his ongoing role as a key custodian of Nigeria’s environmental vision. Over the years, his presence has been felt at numerous international climate forums, including COP21 (Paris, 2015), COP22 (Marrakesh, 2016), IRENA Assembly (Abu Dhabi, 2017) COP23 (Bonn, 2017), IRENA Assembly (Jan 2020), COP26 (Glasgow, 2021), COP27 (Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022), COP28 (Dubai, 2023), and COP29 (Baku, 2024), each representing a chapter in his unwavering mission to integrate legislative action with practical climate solutions. It was his pivotal sponsorship of the Climate Change Act 2021, signed into law on November 17, 2021, by late President Muhammadu Buhari, that institutionalized Nigeria’s climate governance framework, positioning the country as a continental leader in environmental policy.

The Act established a coordinated approach for emissions reduction, carbon management, and adaptation, with Rt. Hon. Onuigbo serving as its moral compass and policy anchor.

Presidential Reinforcement of Climate Governance:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has further cemented Nigeria’s direction by activating and reinforcing key pillars of the Climate Change Act. The President’s recent actions included the approval of the National Carbon Market Framework, in line with Sections 4(i) and 4(j), the Operationalization of the Climate Change Fund consistent with Section 15 of the Act, and the reaffirmation of his authority as the Chairman of the National Council on Climate Change.

In addition, the administration has shown commitment to strengthening the institutional framework of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) through budgetary recognition and integration within the national fiscal planning process. This marks a significant step toward ensuring that climate governance is embedded within Nigeria’s economic and developmental agenda, promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

Through these decisive moves, President Tinubu has effectively stamped his seal of authority on the 2021 Climate Change Act, not as a formality, but as an operational strategy to elevate Nigeria’s climate response.

A Framework Rooted in the President’s 2023 Budget Vision:

In his November 2023 budget address, President Tinubu notably underscored the economic and development opportunities that can potentially be achieved while battling the devastating impacts of climate change. Early paragraphs of that address outlined his intent to “mainstream climate resilience into Nigeria’s fiscal planning while developing the nation’s carbon market infrastructure and promoting a green economy.” In three successive paragraphs, he declared:

“As we approach COP28 climate summit, a pivotal moment for global climate action, I have directed relevant government agencies to diligently work towards securing substantial funding commitments that will bolster Nigeria’s energy transition.”
“It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to attract international partnerships and investments that align with our national goals. I call upon our representatives to engage proactively to showcase the strides we have made in the quest to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy projects.”
“Together, we will strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP28 with tangible commitments, reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship.”

In line with his commitment to climate action, after giving the above-referenced budget speech, President Tinubu personally attended COP28, where he exercised leadership by participating in many high-level meetings. His direct involvement added momentum to Nigeria’s successful participation in COP28.

Onuigbo as The Living Symbol of Nigeria’s Climate Mandate

As he prepares for COP30, Rt. Hon. Onuigbo’s presence embodies continuity, expertise, and moral conviction. His legislative stewardship transformed a once-abstract climate conversation into a living national framework. Over the years, he has not only participated in the making of climate policy but has lived as its advocate, bridging the gap between law, leadership, and lived impact.

In his recent interview with NTA Abuja, before heading out to Belém, Brazil, Rt. Hon. Onuigbo reaffirmed this same unwavering commitment to climate action and environmental protection. He emphasized the transformative impact of the Climate Change Act 2021 and its foundational and institutional provisions for the Nigerian Carbon Market Framework. He also highlighted the urgent environmental challenges facing his constituency, especially the severe erosion devastations in Obuohia-Ibere, Ikwuano and other badly threatened communities in Nigeria.

Speaking with empathy and conviction, he drew attention to the social and economic effects of these issues of loss of farmlands, displacement of families, and restricted community access, calling on government agencies to act decisively. He also restated his dual role as the Vice-President (Africa) of GLOBE International and his position as Senior Advisor with Climate Parliament, Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission, positions through which he continues to champion collaboration, climate education, and policy implementation.

Above all, his message was clear: the time for urgent action is now, and Nigeria must continue to lead by example through accountability, inclusion, and sustained advocacy.
In a recent statement, Rt. Hon. Onuigbo had expressed optimism that Nigeria’s strengthened institutional structure under the current administration would “enable the nation to fully leverage global partnerships and domestic innovation for sustainable growth.” His attendance at COP30 thus symbolizes Nigeria’s unity of purpose, from legislative vision to executive implementation.

A Defining Moment for Nigeria and the World:

With global attention turning toward Brazil for COP30, Nigeria’s delegation carries both the weight of responsibility and the hope of transformation. Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo’s role as the Champion of the Climate Change Act reinforces Nigeria’s identity as a nation of resilience, intellect, and foresight one that recognizes the urgency of aligning governance with planetary well-being.

As the conference unfolds from November 10 to 21, 2025, Nigerians and the international community watch expectantly.

The convergence of the executive leadership under President Tinubu and legislative champions like Rt. Hon. Onuigbo offers a transparent, forward-looking framework for Nigeria’s climate future; one rooted not in rhetoric but in real, measurable action.

Indeed, this is not just another global summit; it is a continuum of Nigeria’s environmental journey, where policy, leadership, and destiny meet on the world stage.

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