# Tags

BEFORE WE ARE SMOLDERED BY A SCORCHING EARTH

2024 remains the hottest year in history since records started in 1948 with 21 of August 2024 standing as the hottest. The implications are numerous with forest and wildfires on the road to increasing by 50% before the end of the century. The sad reality is that Exxon Mobil declared a profit of $33.1 billion and Chevron on the other hand declared $18.3 billion all in 2024. All these are from fossil fuels which is the causal factor of increasing temperatures. It will be recalled that temperatures in 2024 crossed the 1.5▪︎c ( 1.55▪︎c) in August making it the hottest in almost a century. The astronomical number of 50% rise in wildfires is largely due to scorching temperatures drying up leaves, excess wind coming from rising sea levels and temperatures including invasive organisms attacking biodiversity and ecosystems thereby creating excessive ingredients for wildfires. These substantially attack the 3 cardinal deliverables of the Paris Agreement goals : reduction in global warming, climate financing and five years audit of the NDC. I am convinced that the road to achieving net zero in carbon emissions before 2050 remain renewable energy sources and solar power plants. That is why I consider the mission 300 by the African leaders and IRA projects of the United States government appropriate response to climate change crisis. The world climate situation was more telling during the WEF in Davos when indigenous people in vulnerable communities from AOSIS and other countries including Brazil raised concerns about the decimation of climate change on their lives and livelihoods. They reminded the World leaders at DAVOS of the consequences of ravaging climate and that if urgent actions were not employed to check the activities of the polluters, they stand the risk of being decimated by the effects of climate change. This is because their biodiversity and ecosystems are being destroyed at the rate beyond human efforts restoration. From the foregoing, COP30 is promising to address climate change crisis and increase the annual climate financing despite Trump’s recent withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the 196 countries must resolve that the action of one individual must not derail the world greatest effort in addressing climate change. They need to demonstrate that the US did not consider the overarching issue before the uninformed and unguarded action. The Paris Agreement have continued to influence the direction of the earth in the last 10 years and no force will derail its goals. (For more knowledge and perspectives follow me on Twitter X @iyamuclimatech1 and Instagram iyamuclimatechange). You can send your views to iyamukenneth65@gmail.com or WhatsApp messages only to 07057447442

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER SUCCESSFUL WEF 2025 ENGAGEMENTS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after his eventful engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that the Vice President represented Nigeria at the annual global economic summit, presenting the nation’s investment opportunities to a global audience. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima advocated African economic integration and held strategic meetings with world leaders and international organizations. During his time in Davos, VP Shettima participated in forums that drew attention to the importance of driving investment into Africa’s frontier markets. At a forum titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to attract capital for sustainable growth. Stanley Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima assured of Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming the nation’s resolve to leverage digital trade as a tool for economic transformation. He projected Africa’s potential to achieve a $29 trillion economy by 2050. In bilateral meetings with global leaders, including the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, VP Shettima discussed strengthening intra-African relations and fostering partnerships to promote trade and development. Nkwocha stated that VP Shettima engaged in talks with the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, on collaborative efforts to address Africa’s challenges. Speaking on Nigeria’s reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, VP Shettima highlighted ongoing measures, noting that the country is now on a path to sustained economic growth.

NIGERIA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Nigerian government has called for collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to foster economic development and growth in the country and on the African continent. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call during a bilateral meeting with President of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Børge Brende, on the sidelines of the ongoing annual meeting of WEF in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that VP Shettima sought partnerships with the global body on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad. On the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, VP Shettima said Nigeria will leverage the WEF platform to develop the gas project, addressing geopolitical challenges in Europe and the growing demand for energy due to artificial intelligence, data mining, and storage. “We seek your collaboration in fundamental areas. One is on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) which will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries,” VP Shettima said. Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima also emphasized the importance of recharging Lake Chad, which will address the food security crisis, generate clean energy, and combat terrorism. “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the Sahelian region. The challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP might not be disconnected from the realities of existential threats we are facing,” VP Shettima stated. VP Shettima also informed the WEF President about the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigerian President has returned Nigeria to the path of sustained economic growth. “Most importantly, we are talking about the present. My leader and my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who also grew up in the finance ecosystem… Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon and we’re now on the path to sustained economic growth,” he stated. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima invited the WEF President to Nigeria to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also intimating him of Nigeria’s readiness to host the WEF Africa. VP Shettima underscored the importance of fostering collaboration with WEF, noting that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and the most populous nation, with 250 million people. “And by 2050, we will be the third most populous nation on earth, surpassing the United States. By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth,” he added.

TRUMP URGES OPEC AND SAUDI ARABIA TO LOWER OIL PRICES, CALLS FOR INTEREST RATE CUTS

US President Donald Trump has called on OPEC and Saudi Arabia to reduce global oil prices, while also urging central banks worldwide to cut interest rates. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump criticized oil producers for not acting sooner to lower crude oil costs. “I’m going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil. You gotta bring it down. Frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t do it before the election,” Trump said. He believes that lower oil prices could help end the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating “Right now, the price is high enough that the war will continue. Bring it down, and you could end that war”. Trump also encouraged global companies to manufacture their products in the US, warning them of heavy tariffs if they import goods into the American market. He promoted his economic policies, including large tax cuts and reduced regulations, describing them as a “revolution of common sense.” In addition, Trump stated his intention to push NATO member nations to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. He claimed that most members only began meeting the 2% GDP target after his pressure during his first term.

AT 2025 WEF, VP SHETTIMA MARKETS NIGERIA, AFRICA AS INVESTMENT DESTINATION

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on serious investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing investment climate and tap into the limitless opportunities in the country and the African continent. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said VP Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to invade the global business platform with modernization and robust investments. President Tinubu as an Accountant Nkwocha stated that VP Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, is working to make Nigeria an investment destination in Africa. “For 20 years, I have been in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager in Nigeria’s largest bank, Zenith Bank. I grew up in that ecosystem. The President himself is a seasoned chartered accountant. So, I believe that Nigeria is ready for business, Nigeria is ready to embrace the path of modernization with very robust investment,” Shettima declared. Shettima pointed out that Nigeria is looking up to the African Continental Free Trade Area to address its challenges, citing the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos as the largest single investment in Africa. He also mentioned the West African gas pipeline and partnerships with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure down to Morocco. Shettima insisted that Africa is not all about tales of doom and gloom, maintaining that the continent has woken up from its slumber. “So, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the stories you hear about Africa are not that of doom and gloom. From DRC to Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire, Africa is waking up from its slumber,” he said. Shettima also drew on the words of late Nigerian head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, saying Africa has come of age and can no longer be treated like an adolescent. In a show of African leadership collaboration, Shettima joined South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as special guest of honor at a high-level briefing. He also held a bilateral meeting with the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, to discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and strengthening diplomatic ties. Nkwocha stated that Shettima commended the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her as one of Africa’s finest.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA ARRIVES IN DAVOS FOR 2025 WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM MEETING

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The WEF meeting brings together global leaders, business executives, and development partners to address pressing global and national economic challenges and identify strategies for sustainable growth. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said that during his time in Davos, Vice President Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings and discussions aimed at advancing the nation’s economic opportunities and addressing global risks. Nkwocha added that the Vice President’s engagements are focused on promoting Nigeria’s economic interests and identifying new opportunities for growth and development. A notable event on the Vice President’s schedule is a workshop titled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets”, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with the WEF. This session will focus on driving capital flows into Africa to support inclusive development and resilience across the continent. Nkwocha noted that the Vice President will also co-chair a forum on “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. The Vice President is also scheduled to attend the Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awards dinner for heads of state, government officials, and international organizations at Kurpark Village, Eiger. Another key engagement is his participation as a panelist in a session titled “Global Risks 2025”, which will take place at the Aspen 2 Congress Centre. Nkwocha stated that the Vice President will be accompanied by senior government officials, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi. Nkwocha added that the Vice President is expected to return to Abuja after concluding his engagements in Davos.