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COP29: Reps, Experts Seek Inclusive Energy Transition Policies

At the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Mr. Afam Ogene, called for accessible and equitable energy transition policies that empower youth, particularly in Africa. He emphasized the need for tax breaks and vocational grants to support the renewable energy sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Ogene, speaking at a side event co-hosted by the Committee and the Netherlands-based INCLUDE platform, advocated for the inclusion of youth and legislators in key discussions on climate change and energy policies. The event, titled “Driving the Just Transition: Labour-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” focused on fostering an inclusive transition to renewable energy in Africa.
Key speakers at the session included Ogene, Dr. Anika Altaf, Executive Director of INCLUDE, youth leader Farida Ally, nuclear scientist Solomon Abu, and Professor Nurgul Iliazova from Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan. Altaf suggested mentorship programs and international funding to help youth-led renewable energy projects thrive.
The session underscored Africa’s urgent need for job creation and energy access, highlighting the importance of localized solutions. It was stressed that youth should be at the forefront of these solutions, with policies designed to offer skill-based, meaningful employment in the renewable energy sector.
The panelists also discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, involving governments, educational institutions, and the private sector, to provide targeted technical and vocational training. They also urged that vulnerable communities not be left behind in the energy transition process.
In closing, participants called for turning discussions into actionable frameworks, including piloting labour-based incentives and integrating youth-focused priorities into national energy policies, with COP29 serving as a platform to amplify Africa’s voice in the global energy transition.
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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.
PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.
Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.
In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.
Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”
His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.
“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.
“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.
“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.
On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.
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