BAOBAB & WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

 A roundtable strategy meeting on women's political participation and leadership in Nigeria: The road to 2027 was held by BAOBAB (for women's human rights) at Valencia hotel, Abuja. The meeting was a follow-up to a similar one held by BAOBAB between the 25th and 26th of October 2023 on National leadership and advocacy for women in politics.

Some of the participants are:

*Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami (BDS) - ED BAOBAB

*Hon. Victor Obuzor - Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society & Development Matters

*Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi - Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Represented by Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa 

*Adebowale Olorunmola - Country Director, Westminster Foundation Nigeria

*Ms. Ene Ede - Chief Facilitator, Equity Advocates

*Dorothy Aken'Ova - Facilitator

*Chief Ronke Okusanya - Chair, APC Elders' Forum, Ekiti state

               L-R: Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami (ED BAOBAB & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

BDS gave an overview of the Research Report on Women's inclusion in politics focused on Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria for which she was the Lead Researcher. The parameters interrogated in the course of the research were:

*Quality of women's participation

*Structures, institutions and practices 

*Limiting factors

*Excuses for inclusion

BDS assessed the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on behalf of Nigeria. Nigeria's showing on the inclusivity percentage list is indeed uninspiring. some of the figures are:

*Nigeria - 5.5%

*Ghana - 14.6%

*Morocco - 20.5%

*Malawi - 23%

*Angola - 30%

*Tanzania - 36.9%

*South Africa - 44%

*Namibia - 46%

The limiting factors included lack of:

*Political will

*Actualisation of the Maputo Protocol Art 9:26 (ratified by Nigeria 19 years ago)

*Enabling environment

*Prebendalism (money politics)

*Willingness by women to participate in politics like men

*Elimination of violence and intimidation of women in politics

*Internal Political Party democracy

What then are the strategies in other African countries that make them succeed as regards inclusivity, where Nigeria fails?

*Affirmative Action in Electoral Laws

*Voluntary quotas in Political Parties (e.g. Malawi)

*Women pay just a fraction of the cost of nomination forms and waivers/rebate on cost of application forms (e.g. Nigeria). But many female politicians say that this 'privilege' has become a liability because they have lost their voices at the negotiation table on account of this...

*CSOs invest in women's mobilisation

*Economic empowerment of women

*Recognition for male champions

*Training in media reportage of women in politics

*Safe spaces for women in Electoral Laws

*Mentorship of young female politicians by more experienced and older ones. Reverse mentorship of the older politicians by the younger ones in ICT, AI, etc

*Campaign School for female candidates

*Academy for young women in politics

*Correct historical records about the contribution of women to the democratic process

*Sensitisation at the Local Government level

*Use of digital tools and positive disruption of the political process

*Balance collaboration with confrontation

*Appointment of more women into appointive positions

*Engendering of positive masculinity

*Legislators and other women in politics taking their male counterparts to lunch/dinner for de-briefing about the inclusion of women in politics

The tips above, as elicited from the workshop for the effective inclusion of women in politics are by no means exhaustive but could be a baseline for the achievement of the desired goal...

 

ABUJA MUSICAL SOCIETY (AMEMUSO) & AN AFRICAN VERSION OF 'THE SOUND OF MUSIC'

The 2023 edition of the yearly Opera Abuja was held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel on the 26th of November. Opera Abuja has been on for 16 years with the generous support of Transcorp Hilton Hotel and other corporate organisations. The Chair of this year's edition was Hon. Nawuba, Chairman of the National Assembly Library. 

The setting of this year's performance is the era immediately preceding World War II. Captain Vontrab, head of the Vontrab family set a very strict code of conduct for his seven adorable children after their mother's demise. The grand performance was a fusion of music, story-telling and journey into some tragic endeavours. Maria, an ebullient young nun from the Coventry, was already identified as non-conformist, multi-talented, avant-garde and adventurous by the Reverend Sisters. Maria was therefore the unanimous, natural choice when the 'disciplinarian' Captain Vontrab approached the Coventry for a Governess for his children while he would be away at the war front.

                                Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa's look at the AMEMUSO Opera

Then came Maria into Captain Vontrab's home. Maria was given strict instructions about how to be an effective Governess to the Captain's children. But as soon as the Captain left for the war front, things took a completely different turn. At first, there was resistance from the kids, one of them said rather ruefully and the others concurred: 'I don't need a Governess.' Then the storm was quite virulent one memorable night, akin to Abuja style of storm. The kids were afraid while seeking and indeed finding solace in the embrace of their brand new Governess, Maria, who they initially resisted. From then on, the emotional bond between Maria and the Captain's children blossomed!

   L-R: Mr. Islam & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa on the red carpet @ the AMEMUSO Opera

It was to an unexpected surprise new configuration in his household that Captain Vontrab returned after his sojourn at the battlefield. First shocker: The children and indeed Maria, were not in the house when he returned. They were out in the woods! This obliterates the disciplined lifestyle instilled in the kids by the Captain: the children were never to leave the house under any circumstance, since they were home-schooled. They were to be summoned to the Captain's presence by the sound of their father's whistle. 2nd shocker: Maria returned with the kids from the woods to the house without any sense of remorse for flouting the Captain's orders. Maria even had the effrontery to challenge the Captain about his draconian administration of his household. No one had ever challenged the Captain frontally in his own home like that before!

But in all these, Captain Vontrab was already secretly admiring Maria's bravery and the enviable bond between her and his children. He was beginning to secretly fall in love with Maria! Could Maria also be surreptitiously admiring the Captain? The narrator said: 'Maria found another kind of love other than that of the Creator'...This new kind of love was too much for Maria to internalise. So, she ran away, back to the Coventry. When Mother Superior at the Coventry deciphered Maria's reason for escaping from the Captain's home, she told her pointblank: 'Here is not to be used as an escape. Maria, are you in love with the Captain? These walls aren't meant to shut troubles out...You must find yourself. Follow every rainbow till you find your dream.

                          The wedding of Captain Vontrab & Maria as captured by me on stage

Alas, Maria was sent back to Captain Vontrab's house. There, finally, their love blossomed and the children were the happier for it. For the kids, Maria, their brand new stepmother rescued them from the regimented and plastic existence to which they were subjected by their father before the arrival of Maria as their Governess and eventual stepmother. Even the stiff Captain returned to a softer life at home, though he was a Military Officer during World War II. Captain Vontrab rekindled his guitar-playing skills with the encouragement of his new and loving bride, Maria...And they lived happily ever after...The Chair of the Board of Trustees of AMEMUSO/Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi gave the vote of thanks...

The infusion of authentic African music, Afrobeat into the mix of the Opera arrangement for the Sound of Music was the high point of the performance for me. This gave the 'theatrical delivery' a Nigerian underbelly which made me so elated. I look forward to the 2024 edition... 

  

THE 5 GENDER BILLS IN NIGERIA: STATUS & POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS (PEA)

The contentious five Gender Bills rejected by the National Assembly (NASS) last year were x-rayed on the 23rd of November 2023 at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Centre, Abuja. The event was the launch of social media action and signature campaign on the 5 Gender Bills. The campaign was led by Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC), ably supported by GENDER Mobile, SAGE, Womanifesto (A Women's Charter of Demand) and NCAA. The sponsors of the event were USAID and Palladium. I was a valued participant at the meeting.

Photo L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, Dr. Abiola Akiyode (ED WARDC) & Ms. Lydia Odeh (Chief of Party, Palladium)

One million signatories were sought for the campaign. The Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Hon. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi promised to join the campaign via the Secretariat for the mobilisation of women in the FCT. What manner of engagements were to be deployed forthwith? 

*Working with the National Coalition on Affirmative Action (NCAA) and SAGE

*Cluster coaching

*Strategic engagements with women from the 36 states of the federation

*Roundtable with media chiefs (build the capacity of journalists)

*Cultivate viable social media influencers

*Liaise with relevant private sector organisations (WIMBIZ, WISCAR, etc)

*Legislative visits to the National Assembly while especially cultivating the Chairperson, Women in Parliament

*Social media engagements via Twitter (X), Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Blogs, etc

*PEA/Roundtable conversations with female legislators

*Create public awareness via Radio jingles, TV programmes, community outreach, etc

                                             L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Dr. Biola Akiyode

Chief of Party, Palladium, Lydia Odeh was quite impressed about WARDC's Gender Bills' Response Cluster. The world is increasingly inter-connected. We need to mobilise a collective voice for change. There should be safe spaces (special seats) for women at the NASS. We should sustain the momentum of the campaign as regards the Five Gender Bills. The campaign continues on the corridors, at strategic meetings, in open spaces, etc. until the 5 Gender Bills are passed by the NASS.

                      Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, same day, after the parley on the 5 Gender Bills

                             Published 'Situation Report' on the 5 Gender Bills in Nigeria

 

VOICE OF WOMEN (VOW) CONFERENCE & EMPOWERMENT

 The Voice of Women (VOW) conference is an annual gathering of women and he for she's for the advancement of the female gender and indeed humanity. The seventh edition of the VOW initiative was held at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Centre, Abuja on the 25th of October 2023. Kudos to Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the humble and self-effacing CEO of the very first and only Women's Radio so far in Nigeria for painstakingly putting together this remarkable programme yearly! I was a valued participant.

This year's edition was chaired by Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti state. In her enervating speech, Erelu noted that Nigeria features poorly on most global indicators measuring Gender Equality and Women's Empowermnet (GEWE). The most recent Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) 2023, ranks Nigeria 130th out of 146 countries! The GGGI tracks Economic opportunities, Education, Health and Political leadership. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world at 12% of global figures, right after India that has 17%. Nigeria also has the highest number of child brides at 22 million, the highest in Africa and 11th globally! With this dismal picture of the plight of the female gender in Nigeria, many of the speakers proffered their solutions... 

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Counsellor Yemi Adenuga (1st Irish-Nigerian Counsellor in Ireland)

Some of the participants are:

*Alh. Ibrahim Shettima - VP, Nigeria, Represented by Dr. Salma Ibrahim - Special Assistant to the President on Health

*Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya - Convener/CEO Women Radio

*Erelu Bisi Fayemi - Chairperson/Former 1st Lady of Ekiti state

*Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq - Governor, Kwara state

*Hon. Maureen Magreth Hinda-Mbuende - Deputy Minister of Finance & Public Enterprises, Namibia

*Dr. Margaret Karungaru - Commissioner, National Gender & Equality Commission (NGEC), Kenya

*Counsellor Yemi Adenuga - Councillor, Meath County Council, Ireland

*Mufuliat Fijabi - ED, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI)

*Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq - Chairperson Nigeria Governors' Wives Forum

*Chief Mary-Maudline Nwifuru - 1st Lady, Ebonyin state

*Hajia Zainab Nasir - 1st Lady, Kebbi state

*Barr. Chioma Uzodimma - 1st Lady, Imo state

*Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun - 1st Lady, Ogun state

*Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha - Minister of state, Nigeria

*Dame Pauline Tallen - Former Minister of Women  Affairs  

                                                            The conference brochure

Mrs. Yemi Adenuga, the first Irish-Nigerian to become a Counsellor in Ireland said as a mother of two sons and two daughters, she started by working in schools. She addressed the issue of bullying in school. It took over two years of persuasion before the schools could open up to her to make a positive impact on the issue of bullying. Kids of colour were routinely victimised in schools. Yemi built roots for her children in Ireland. She founded 'Sheroes.' She also got involved in the Black Irish Sisters' network. Yemi joined Fingel, the ruling Party in Ireland.

Yemi said she did it afraid - campaigning as a black, inexperienced politician. She gave the following advice to incoming politicians: *No one will hand power to you a la carte, fight for it and take it by force. *Be strategic *She never thought she could be a politician, but the living conditions of blacks (especially black females) in Ireland triggered her interest in politics. *She had a supportive husband *Wanted a bigger platform to do good in the society. *Encountered extreme discrimination and racism. *It was very difficult canvassing. * Yemi campaigned from door-to-door. *Don't let distractions get to you. *Women should support their own. *But the Black community did not automatically support her. *Start your campaign early. *Encourage/teach women to register to vote and win their 'pain points.' *Lift people out of poverty. Yemi gave full support for the women agenda in Nigeria.

                                                  Dayo @ the venue of the VOW conference

There was the fire side chat with Fellows of the McArthur Foundation. The theme of the parley was 'leveraging on technology.' The section was anchored by Ajibola Hamzat from the African Centre for Investigative Journalism, The Fellows used journalism as a tool for interrogating social issues, The Fellows were:

*Angela Apollo

*Hadiza

*Yahaya Abubakar

*Blessing Oladunjoye

                                  L-R: Mrs. Moji Makanjuola (Broadcast journalist) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa   

HIV positive Boko Haram survivors in Kano were studied. It was a difficult exercise, since many of them tried to hide their identity because of the stigma attached to their condition. Also in Kano newly married wives who get pregnant are forced to abort such pregnancies by their husbands! Education is inaccessible to them. There's a high rate of divorce in Kano state. In Imo state, the sit-at-home order has eaten into the capital of abacha (local salad) sellers significantly. From the hinterland to Owerri, shops are closed. Those who contributed to Esusu (thrift cooperative) could not be paid.

The budget for education in many states is only 1%. In some communities, there's no Secondary school. Girls embark on very long walks to school and they could be raped, beaten and/or killed on their way to and from school. Some solutions were proffered: Community policing should be embraced; Nnamdi Kanu should be released; Hisba (local police) should continue to stand in the gap, while being less

dramatic.

Governor Abdurahman Abdulrazaq, Governor of Kwara state was the formidable he for she at the event. There is six months maternity leave for women in Kwara state. Constituency that features highest number of women in elections receives $5m. $3m is given for transparency in budgeting. This is a whole lot of encouragement for women in Kwara state. 

There was experience sharing by delegates from other African states: 

Namibia is number one in Africa and number six in the world as regards the inclusion of women in decision-making and governance. There are numerous revolving loans for micro-credit for women. There are also many housing schemes for the female gender. There are many female-headed households. There are cross-cutting interventions all over the country. Four seats are reserved for women in each County. Humility is silent strength. If you are humble, you can carry your male counterparts along.

Kenya: The head of the National Gender & Equity Commission is a woman. Women are constantly negotiating with men for more inclusion.

Liberia: There are Constitutional provisions for the inclusion of women in the political space. There are schemes for the financial inclusion of women. One female legislator can take at least three men to lunch in order to facilitate effective lobbying for greater inclusivity for women...

The camaraderie exhibited at the conference between and among Nigerian female legislators and decision-makers and their counterparts from other African countries was indeed a pleasing sight to behold. This trend needs to continue. Thanks to Toun Okewale-Sonaiya and her team for bringing women's issues to the fore through her Radio station, W FM 91.7 and yearly VOW conference...   

CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS: IICD & ART FOR SYMBIOTIC EXISTENCE

 The International Institute for Creative Development (IICD), was founded by Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu. Every year, IICD opens up Art Spaces in Abuja. These experiences are exhilarating for Art lovers like me. The theme for this year was: 'Catalytic Synthesis'. It is a follow up to last year's theme: 'The Convergence.' The convener explained that synthesis logically follows convergence. Please view the link to my Blog post last year: dayokusa.blogspot.com/2022/11/creative-arts-for-peace.html. This year, the week long art experience began on the 26th of October 2023 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel and ended at Fraser Suites on the 31st of October with the closing ceremony of an art exhibition by the duo of Dr. John Oyedemi and Akachukwu.

                                             Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa in the exhibition hall

Dr. John Oyedemi is the artiste who has produced the highest number of durbar paintings in Nigeria! I asked John why he, a Yoruba man, is fascinated by northern Nigeria art forms like the durbar. His response was simple: 'I am fascinated by the durbar. It is grandiose and spews royalty in its unadulterated form...Northern Emirs ooze royalty and a unique culture. There is motif in there that artistes can manipulate. I was fascinated by horses in the Zaria Art School. My mentors are Gani Olutokun and Prof. Jerry Buhen. I have been labelled Mr. Red because of my love for the colour red vis-a-vis my paintings.' 

L-R: Dr. John Oyedemi & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa beside John's painting: 'Royalty Palace Splendour'

John is a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, and the current Head of Department of Fine Art in the citadel of learning. He complains that administrative work in the University slows down the pace of his creativity in his private studio. He said that he was contemplating resigning his appointment in the University in order to concentrate on his first love, painting. John says two weeks of concentration on the paintings in his studio could fetch him his salary for a whole year in the University! He affirms that paintings are therapeutic. John's Ph.D thesis was titled 'Palace of Oppressors.' In the thesis, he dissects the charcoal market where the rich oppress others...

                     Dayo with one of Dr. John Oyedemi's paintings in the background

Akachukwu, the second artist, is a 1998 graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Ike Chukwueke is his mentor. His medium is dye on canvas. In 1996, he started dyeing jeans for N200 and cut bamboo to make designs on them. This was an instant hit in Nsukka, where he sold out! This encouraged him to join Insight Communication for some time, where he used oil and acrylic on dyed jeans. This, according to Akachukwu, is the narrative behind his paintings. He also began to critically observe the clouds in the evenings. He said to him, the clouds looked like humans. That was the inspiration for his painting: 'Forms on my sky.' Then he began to critique novels in the African Writers' Series from a painter's perspective. This was the genesis of his metamorphosis into a full time studio artist. It was indeed a glorious week for the artists, artistes, their sponsors and art enthusiasts. Kudos to Nduwhite and his team at IICD for putting the art week together yearly...

                                 Dayo with one of Akachukwu's paintings: 'Forms on my sky'

Dayo with the terrific violinist who serenaded his audience with captivating tunes at the event

  

  

HIGH-LEVEL MULTI-AGENCY TEAM (HI-MAT) COMBATS VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS IN NIGERIA

 On the 16th of November 2023 at the National Headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the High-Level Multi-Agency Team (HI-MAT) held the annual Implementation Report & Validation Meeting of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015. I attended as a valued member of the Mandate Secretary (Women & Children Affairs) FCTA team. Other members of HI-MAT are: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security & Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA), Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Mandate Secretariat (Women & Children Affairs, FCTA), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

On the premises of NAPTIP immediately after the meeting of the HI-MAT. Photo: Dr, Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, extreme right (in brown outfit)

The 2022 reports of the various agencies were put under the 'kaleidoscope' by the HI-MAT, and the necessary updates, correction, etc. were effected on the screen. Each Agency/Ministry provided the required updates. The newly created Mandate Secretariat (Women & Children Affairs), which inherited the Gender Department of the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, effectively defended the progress report submitted by her predecessor. A knotty issue was whether the term Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was appropriate terminology when describing the process of settling disputes between and among members of a family and their estranged Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) victim(s) in the process of rehabilitation. The Ministry of Justice raised this issue.

        Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa still on the premises of NAPTIP after the HI-MAT meeting

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa responded on behalf of the Secretariat (Women & Children Affairs, FCTA) thus: 'Lawyers always adopt a legalistic approach to issues, including ADR. I am a Chartered Mediator/Conciliator of over 25 years. I am a Political Scientist & Conflict Transformation Strategist. I am not a lawyer. Therefore, I take a non-legalistic approach to the issue in spite of the fact that there is a 'law' guiding the practice of ADR in Nigeria. ADR is a spectrum, and Mediation is at the lowest end of this. Conciliation, Arbitration, etc. are other forms...Any mother who has successfully settled quarrels over sweets for two or more of her children, is indeed a non-certified Mediator. This is indeed my line of thinking - the Secretariat (Women & Children Affairs FCTA) could Mediate in matters of re-integration of violated women and girls into their original homes without necessarily involving legalese.'

At the end of the back and forth debate with the Ministry of Justice, as a Conflict Transformation Strategist, I know it is not enough to win an argument. It is more important to maintain a relationship and if the subsequent nomenclature still stands in the gap, while facilitating the desired re-integration of victims of SGBV, then let it go. So, our team agreed to re-labelling the process: 'Facilitation of re-integration of victims of SGBV...'

Another high point of the meeting was the launch of NAPTIP's i-Reporter, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store. It has a number of unique features:

*User-friendly interface

*Efficient/effective incident reporting

*Reporter remains anonymous

*Live location tracking

*Multi-media attachment

To be sure, HI-MAT is for VAPP implementation while SPARK is the implementing arm. It was indeed an impactful meeting, where patriots from the various Agencies advanced the discourse on the implementation of the VAPP Act 2015. I look forward to the next edition in 2024... 

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2023

 As a prelude to the celebration of the International Day of Peace (IdP) celebrated every year on the 21st of September, Drum Majors for Peace held the 4th Entertainment & Peace celebration on the 20th at the China Cultural Centre, Abuja. I was invited as Guest of Honour and Speaker. The general theme for this year was 'Action for Peace: Our ambition for the global goals'. The specific theme for our engagement was 'Building harmony through entertainment & cultural diplomacy'.

                            The pre-summit poster featuring me as Guest-of-Honour & Speaker

Some of the participants were:

*Li Xuda - Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy & Director, Cultural Centre in Nigeria

*Prof. Joseph Golwa - Former DG, Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution (IPCR)

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Conflict Transformation Strategist/Gender Specialist & Former Director, IPCR

*Dr. Constance Ikokwu - Arise TV Analyst

*Dr. Stella Dorgu - Founder, Ayamara Foundation & Member 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives

*Amb. Nsikan Paul - Convener/Founder/ED Drum Majors for Peace

*Dr. Chike Okogwu - PWD Rights Advocate

                                 L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Dr. Constance Ikokwu

In my speech, I called attention to the fact that 'peace is not served a la carte'. We all have to work assiduously and consistently to make it happen. Since war starts in the minds of men, it is also in the minds of men and women that peace should start (UNESCO). Besides, entertainment is a viable tool for engendering peace via songs, dance, theatre, etc.

Li Xuda, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, alluded to the fact that the Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun proposed an initiative called 'Sharing Chinese Harmony & Performing Nigeria-China Symphony.' Harmony is the most important traditional value in Chinese culture and symphony is a metaphor used for win-win cooperation between  Nigeria and China

                                         L-R: Amb. Nsikan Paul & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

Front row L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, Li Xuda (Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria), Dr. Chike Okogwu (PWDs Advocate launching the 'Peace T-Shirt')

After a few speeches there was the panel discussion where I pointed out the distinct difference between country, state and nation-state. I said that beyond the geographical entity, a country called Nigeria, we need to synergistically and organically evolve into a state where we genuinely voluntarily give up part of our sovereignty as citizens to the elected government and we expect in return protection of our lives and property. We the citizens also expect the protection of our fundamental human rights among other baseline demands. It is via this organic evolution that Nigeria can truly become a nation-state...

                                     The panel discussion. 2nd left - Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

                                                                Dayo with participants

The 'Peace T-Shirt' was launched after the robust panel discussion on the theme: 'Engaging cultural diplomacy for peace...' There was so much entertainment - singing, dancing, poetry/spoken word and calisthenics.  I look forward to the 5th edition of the Peace Summit next year.

  

NILDS & ADVOCACY FOR INCLUSION: ISSUES FOR WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE

Between the 23rd and 24th of August 2023 in Abuja, National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS) held an International Conference with theme: 'Women's representation in governance in Nigeria: Issues, challenges & way forward.' The parley was attended by parliamentarians from within and outside Nigeria, academics, practitioners and several other stakeholders. I was a valued participant.

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Sen. Abiodun Olujimi on the first day of the parley

Some of the participants are:

*Sen. Godswill Akpabio - President of the Senate

*Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas (Represented) - Speaker, House of Representatives

*Prof. Abubakar Suleiman - DG NILDS

*Barr. Uju Kennedy - Minister, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development

*Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi - Co-founder, African Women Development Fund (AWDF)/Fmr. 1st Lady, Ekiti State/Keynote Speaker

*Hon. Agnes Kirabo - Member, Ugandan Parliament

*Advocate Olave Mogale - Chairperson, Commission for Gender Equality, South Africa

*Hon. Mbalu Jessica Kilo - Member, Kenya Parliament

*Mrs. Beatrice Eyong - Country Representative, UN Women

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Conflict Transformation Strategist/Gender Specialist & Fmr. Director, Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution (IPCR)

*Sen. Biodun Olujimi - Fmr. Parliamentarian, Nigerian Senate

*Prof. Shola Omole - Federal University, Oye Ekiti

*Ms. Ekaete Umoh -Country Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion

*Jake Ekpelle - CEO Albino Foundation

*Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola - Fmr. Majority Leader, House of Representatives

*Prof. Olalekan Yinusa - Obafemi Awolowo University

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio greeting Ms. Lois Auta on the first day of the conference

In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said the 10th National Assembly is determined to promote gender equity. He noted that gender stereotypes and biases have hindered the desirable turnout of women in politics and governance in general. 

DG of NILDS, Abubakar Suleiman said he shall continue to put programmes in place to deepen the democratic culture, while promoting gender-sensitive legislation. Let the DG speak for himself: 'In recent times, there has been growing concern in the public space about women's under-representation in governance. Despite accounting for 49.7% of the population, Nigerian women continue to be under-represented in governance at the national, state and local levels, compared to their male counterparts. Though the extant policy framework in Nigeria recommends 35% affirmative action in favour of women, their representation in governance remains below 7% as witnessed in the 2023 elections.' (Source: Conference brochure, pg. 10). For Prof. Suleiman, the conference was NILDS's contribution towards the effective correction of the anomaly of low representation of women in governance.

A cross section of participants: Ms. Lois Auta (sitting); Ist right - Alh. Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa (Emir of Keffi); 2nd right - Prof. Abubakar Suleiman (DG NILDS); 4th right - Barr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Minister of State); Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (Rep. Speaker, House of Reps); Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Senate President); Sen. Barau Jibrin (Deputy Senate President); Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Minister, Women Affairs); Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi (Fmr. Ist Lady, Ekiti state/Keynote Speaker) 

In the speech of the representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, she was indeed on the same page with the Senate President. She pledged that the Lower House would support the five Gender Bills rejected by the 9th Senate when re-presented.

In her illuminating address, the keynote speaker, Erelu Fayemi, made a passionate appeal to the Senate President to walk the talk as regards the vexed issue of the representation of women in politics. She would like to see more competent women in the political space, enabled by relevant legislation on affirmative action and gender equity.

Middle - Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Minister, Women Affairs); Right - Ms. Rosemary Effiong (UNICEF)

In my many interventions, I broke down the concepts: gender equity/equality and affirmative action. I did this because the two different concepts of equity and equality were being wrongly used inter-changeably. Besides, I mentioned the fact that some of the discussants should be more kind in their remarks to paper presenters at the parley. The import of the discourse was to enrich the review of the various papers with their comments without 'putting down' the presenters. To be sure, some of the younger presenters/academics need to be encouraged rather than discouraged with rather harsh remarks. The point could still be made in a gentler and more accommodating tone...

On the whole, there were at least 21 parallel sessions, some of which are:

*The historical, conceptual & theoretical context.

*Women & the Political Party system.

*Women, elections & the electoral system/process.

*Poverty, women's empowerment & the SDGs.

*Gender norms & socio-cultural practices.

*Constitution, citizenship & women's rights.

*Girl child education & national development.

*Women in science, technology & mathematics (STEM).

*International gender protocols & legislation in Nigeria.

*Conflict & insecurity: The peace-building & gender dimension.

*Inclusiveness of women with disabilities in politics & governance.

*Cross-country perspectives of women's representation.

*Climate change & women's participation/representation in governance.

In conclusion, it is necessary for the few Nigerian female legislators to take a queue from their counterparts from other African countries who said they took some of their male counterparts to lunch in order to lobby them to support gender-friendly Bills! The discussion continues on the corridors and other spaces. The DG has emphasised the fact that this is not the last from the institution on this matter. We look forward to further engagements in collaboration with other stakeholders that would hopefully catapult women to where they should be...Kudos to DG NILDS and his formidable team for pulling off this remarkable and impactful conference...

                           Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa on the second day of the conference

 
 

SNIPETS FROM THE 58 SESSIONS OF THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES (SB58) OF THE UN FRAMEWORK ON CLIMATE CHANGE

 On the 8th of August 2023 in Abuja, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) held a conference with theme: 'Unpacking the outcomes of the 58 sessions of the subsidiary bodies (SB58) of the UN framework convention on climate change'. The parley assessed Nigeria's preparedness for CoP 28 and how much progress has been made since CoP 27. Please see my relevant Blog post: dayokusa.blogspot.com/2023/01/cop-27-priorities-for-nigeria-towards.html... I was a valued participant at the meeting.

Photo L-R: Ms. Jasmina Haynes (Representative of Integrity Action) & Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa

Some of the participants are:

*Dr. Salisu Dahiru - DG NCCC

*Xolisa Joseph Ngwdla - South African academic/Lead paper presenter

*David Greene - Charge d'Affairs ad interim/US Ambassador to Nigeria

*Richard Montgomery - British High Commissioner to Nigeria

*Mohammed Yahya - Resident Representative UNDP

*Markus Wagner - GIZ Country Director for Nigeria & ECOWAS

*Lazarus Angbazo - CEO InfraCorp

*Aminu Sadiq - MD Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)

*Ahmad Salihijo - MD, Rural Electricity Agency (REA)

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Conflict Transformation Strategist

*Ms. Priscilla Achakpa - Global Lead Women Environmental Programme (WEP)

The lead paper by Xolisa Joseph Ngwdla focused on the 'Overview of the negotiations in the African context & outcomes of COP 27/SB58.' He discussed mitigation, adaptation, finance and cross-cutting issues in relation to climate change (CC). He was particularly interested in sustainable pathways to net zero emissions. Xolisa admonished Nigeria to be mindful of the lens through which she achieves development in CC. Loss and damage was another contentious issue. The cross-cutting issues addressed were global stock-taking, international cooperation initiatives, just transition work, indebtedness, criteria for aiding African countries towards adaptation, etc

In my submission I was worried about the concept of loss & damage as it affects Africa, especially Nigeria. Besides, I challenged NCCC to include more women, youth, PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the adaptation process/agenda. For me harnessing indigenous knowledge (IK) is germane for effective adaptation in any clime.

Dr. Salisu Dahiru emphatically said that the 'financial page' was of utmost importance and that Nigeria needs to figure out exactly what it would cost to sustainably adapt to CC in the country. This may help the country attract the necessary help from the relevant sources globally. We should always remember that adaptive capacity is a function of development. For example, Nigeria lost about $7b in one rainy season. What does that tell us? CC is perpetrating significant damage in our clime...He also presented salient points in the National CC Act. The Act was signed into law in 2021.

The panel discussion was concerned about in-country platforms that could be catalytic for CC mitigation and adaptation. If these platforms are effectively harnessed, we may be able to shift forward the 2030 deadline we have set for ourselves to adapt to CC. The Energy Transition Plan (ETP) needs to be continually interrogated. The role of the media in the dissemination of vital information about CC cannot be overemphasised. 

The youth are desirous of 'green skills' for the post-adaptation era. The Action Plan on Gender & CC was alluded to. In agriculture, for example, there are initiatives to reduce emissions from paddy rice production. Environmental/human health was another burning issue. NCCC was advised to carry sub-nationals along in all they do.

On the whole, there was fruitful discussion. I look forward to the next pre-CoP 28 parley sometime in October 2023... 

AFRICAN WOMEN NETWORK of AfCFTA (AWNA) - NIGERIA CHAPTER

 The inaugural meeting of the Nigeria Chapter of the African Women Network of AfCFTA (AWNA) was held on the 26th of June at Labour (Pascal Bafyau) House, Abuja. AfCFTA is the African Continental Free Trade Area. I am a foundation member of the Nigeria Chapter of AWNA. The Convener of the meeting was Comrade Hauwa Mustapha (Vice President, AWNA @ the continental level).

Photo L-R: Chinwe Obiora, Precious Mbat, Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa, Angela Ajala, Hauwa Mustapha & Yetunde Balogun

The meeting was attended by:

*Hauwa Mustapha - Convener/VP AWNA @ the Continental level)

*Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa - Independent Conflict Transformation Strategist/Gender Specialist

*Angela Ajala - National Coordinator, Association of Women in Business Network (ANWBN)

*Precious Mbat - Programme Officer, Organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA)

*Yetunde Balogun - Office Assistant, OTUWA

*Chinwe Obiora - Programme Officer, MTAN

                                                                      Meeting in progress

The aim of the meeting was to rub minds on the strategy the Nigeria Chapter of AWNA should adopt in order to harness the benefits of AfCFTA accruable to women within the Nigerian space, while exhibiting the uniqueness of our country. Women who fall within the vulnerable margin have a right to tap into the benefits AfCFTA could engender via AWNA, and indeed the Nigeria Chapter.

We agreed to: 

*Identify the uniqueness of Nigeria within AWNA and AfCFTA.

*Map our partners, allies and enablers.

*Identify key stakeholders and collaborators.

*Identify the strategic areas of engagement for AWNA in Nigeria.

AWNA - Nigeria would concentrate on women/girls rather than the gender agenda. We shall vigorously source data without re-inventing the wheel. We shall leverage on extant data from various sources and also conduct our own independent research whenever necessary. The Mission and Vision of AWNA - Nigeria is in the oven, baking. We are also leveraging on the contents of the third National Action Plan (NAP) for Nigeria, which is a fall-out of the UNSCR 1325 Agenda which urges member states to develop NAPs in order to realise the goals of UNSCR 1325. The protection of women in peace/war times and indeed the well-being of women, which the NAPs seek are the bases of all that AfCFTA seeks to achieve. Without peace, there can be no development...An Advocacy Brochure for AWNA - Nigeria is in the making.

All this discussion and more took place within one hour! It appears AWNA - Nigeria has hit the ground running. If this tempo is maintained, Nigerian women of all classes are set for access to what AfCFTA has to offer them. Kudos to the Convener, Comrade Hauwa Mustapha and all those who were present at the inaugural meeting. We eagerly look forward to the deliverables...

                                                               Meeting still in progress

GENDER-RESPONSIVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

The title of this Blog post was my presentation at the two-day orientation workshop for newly elected female Legislators to State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, held at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, 17-18 May 2023. The workshop was organised by International Republican Institute (IRI) & Women's Democracy Network (WDC) in conjunction with National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILDS) & Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI). I was invited as a valued Facilitator/Trainer. The theme of the workshop was 'From winning to governing orientation.'

L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Santiago Stocker (Resident Programme Director, IRI)

Some of the topics and facilitators are:

*Taking Office: Overview of State Assembly structure & the law-making process - Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi (SA Technical to DG NILDS)

*Navigating tech-facilitated violence against women in politics - Bukky Shonibare (ED Invictus Africa)

*Legislative oversight & accountability: Principles, benchmarks & best practices - Dr. Ernest Ereke (IRI Consultant)

*Legislative committee system: Procedure, politics & challenges - Dr. Chris Ngara (Research Fellow, NILDS)

*Engaging the system:

a) Legislative-Executive-Judiciary relationships - Prof. Adewale Aderemi (Director, Democracy & Governance, NILDS)

b) Imperative of Female Caucuses - Hon. Mrs. Taiwo Oluga (Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee of Women in Parliament)

*Gender-responsive legislative agenda - Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa (Independent Conflict Transformation Strategist/Gender Specialist & Former Director, Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution - IPCR, Abuja)

*A roadmap to advance gender equity in political leadership in Nigeria - Ibijoke Faborode (CEO ElectHER)

*Critical reflection on Gender Bills - Senator Biodun Olujimi (Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation)

*Gender-responsive budgeting - Beatrice Eyong (UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria)

*Legislative representation: Engaging the citizenry & the media - Bukola Idowu (Team Lead, KDI)

*Bolstering your brand: Managing a strategic plan & building your team/Guiding principles for hiring & firing Legislative Aides - Hon. Simon Karu (Member, House of Representatives)

L-R: Senator Biodun Olujimi (Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation) & Dayo @ the lobby of Radisson Blu Hotel on the first day of the Workshop

My paper, 'Gender-responsive legislative agenda', was rather interactive. Representatives of five out of six geo-political zones were present. The participants were asked to list the service delivery deficit in their states that could negatively impact the female gender, and indeed both genders. The responses were quite insightful from one zone, nay state to the other. They were then asked to state what they would do as female legislators to bridge the lacunae in service delivery in various sectors identified - Education, Health, Transportation, Agriculture, etc. 

The responses were quite illuminating. I shall follow up with the legislators as regards their progress in ensuring better service delivery in their states via legislation, community engagement, self-improvement, holding the executive accountable, etc. A WhatsApp group to be set up by the organisers, specifically for progress on gender-responsive legislative agenda, my presentation, would ensure continuation of this important discourse with the female legislators.

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the workshop. Some of the Legislators are in the background
 

 

  

AFRICA FIRST LADIES PEACE MISSION (AFLPM)

 I was there live at the commissioning of the Africa First Ladies (AFLPM) Permanent Secretariat, Piwoyi, Airport Road, Abuja on the 9th of May 2023. The edifice is the brainchild of First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari. It consists of a 250-seater conference hall, library, restaurant, extensive parking lot and sundry modern amenities. The First Lady was commended for achieving the feat in just a little over a year!

                       Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the commissioning of the Secretariat

Some of the dignitaries from other parts of Africa present at the ceremony are:

*H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda - Former President of Malawi & Member, SADC Panel of Elders

*Amb. Rebecca Amuge Otenga - Chairperson of the PSC for May 2023; Ambassador of Uganda to Ethiopia, AU & UNECA

*H.E. Mrs. Jewel Taylor - Vice President of the Republic of Liberia

*H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza - Former President of the Central Africa Republic

*H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Nguka - Former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa & Member, Panel of the Wise, AU

*Prof. Shaukat Abdurrazak - Director, Division of Africa, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

*Amb. Bankole Adeoye - Commissioner for Politics, Peace & Security, AU

*H.E. Bineta Diop - AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace & Security (WPS)

*H.E. Mohammed Ibn Chambas - AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns

*Representative of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina - President, Africa Development Bank (ADB)

*Mohammed Musa Bello - Hon. Minister of the FCT

                                              Dr, Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the ceremony

Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari remains the Chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the AFLPM for the next five years. All former First Ladies in Africa are automatic members of the BOT. Mrs. Buhari proposed that the 'Organisation of Africa First Ladies for Development' be merged into the AFLPM. She emphasised the fact that prevention of conflict is much more cost effective, while saving lives than management of same. The day before, 8th May 2023, at the State House Conference Hall Dome, Mrs. Buhari signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of AFLPM with the AU. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security, AU Commission, signed on behalf of the AU.

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the signing of the MOU between the AFLPM & the AU @ The Dome, Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, 8th May 2023

AFLPM, known by its French acronym MIPREDA, is an outcome of the 1995 Fourth World Conference in Beijing on women, where the significant initiative was taken to establish Africa First Ladies Forum by African wives of Heads of State/Presidents who came together as ambassadors for peace during the conference. The initiative was taken by the First Ladies of Nigeria, Gambia, Benin, Uganda, Lesotho and Burundi to undertake peace missions to the rest of Africa. They were also to advocate for the inclusion of women in negotiation teams to serve as mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution throughout Africa. It started in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1996. The supreme organ of the mission is the 'First Ladies Conference'. Having held several regional meetings, the 'Abuja Declaration of Africa First Ladies on Peace & Humanitarian Issues' was made in 1996. (Source: www.aflpm.org) 

Earlier, Dr. Joyce Brenda, former President of Malawi gave a passionate speech. She alluded to the fact that leadership is a love affair between the leaders and the led. This can only happen when there is good governance via positive peace, respect for human rights, separation of powers, etc.

H.E. Mrs. Angeline Ndayishimiye, First Lady of Burundi, is the new President of the AFLPM. There was applause all round for the peaceful handover of 'power' from the incumbent President of AFLPM to the new President. It was indeed a glorious outing for the chief host, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari...

  

CoP 27: PRIORITIES FOR NIGERIA TOWARDS CoP 28

The Conference of the Parties (CoP 27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), was held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt from 2nd - 19th November 2023. The meeting had to be extended for 37 hours. There was a lack of agreement on the way forward beyond CoP 26 held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2022. On the 26th of January 2023, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in collaboration with the Coalition for Socio-Ecological Transformation (COSET), held a 'post-mortem' of CoP 27 at Denis Hotel, Abuja. I was a stakeholder at the event. After the deadline, the Loss & Damage concept was accepted in principle.

Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa @ the lobby of Denis Hotel just before the commencement of the conference

The following were the themes:

*Outcomes for Nigeria: How did we fare as a country?

*CoP 27: Challenges & opportunities for civil society in Nigeria.

*Outcome on 'Loss & Damage'.

*How CoP 27 fared in amplifying the voices of women & youth.

*How did the Nigerian Pavilion at CoP 27 fare?

*Priority areas for Nigeria towards CoP 28

L-R: Ken Henshaw (Environmentalist); Dr. Daniel Mann (Country Director, FES); Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & a participant

Some of the other participants were: Hauwa Mustapha, Damaris Uja, Suleiman Arigbabu, Olumide Idowu, Lauretta Boniface & Aliyu Sadiq...

Snippets of the deliberations:

*For sustainable existence on mother earth, humans need to stem the tide of anthropogenic (human induced) climate change (CC).

*The women and youth agenda for CoP should be articulated at home before Nigerians head for CoP. This admonition is for both government and civil society.

*The training of youth in Negotiation and Mediation skills for CoP should be stepped up. The Climate Incubation Hub & National Negotiation Academy are welcome developments. 

*The concept of 'Loss & Damage' (L&D) agreed to during Cop 27 should be further broken down. L&D recognises the fact that damage has been incurred on account of anthropogenic CC, which needs to be paid for. Who (countries, individuals, etc.) should be responsible for paying reparation? Should pollution continue just because culprits are owning up to the consequences of L&D? Who pays for unquantifiable/immesurable L&D like mental health?

*There should be both vertical and horizontal justice accountability. A country like Nigeria that's still uses fossil fuel and flares gas should consider horizontal responsibility in spite of the fact that historical responsibility makes the West also liable.

*The socio-ecological perspective of the L&D discourse needs to be expanded. 

Beyond CoP 27 and before CoP 28, Nigeria needs to further articulate her stand on L&D while tinkering with the possibility of taking horizontal responsibility for CC...

                                            Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa (middle) & colleagues

Related Links

*The world is on course for a disastrous temperature rise of 3.2 Degrees Centigrade (DC) instead of 1.5. Global emissions need to be reduced by over 7 percent every year for the next 10 years to reduce the risk of worsening    https://bit.ly/3aVxdYw

*Cities using innovative solutions for floods and heatwaves    preventionweb.net

*Counting on nature, our most perfect asset    undp.medium.com

*Fossil fuels, air pollution and vital organs    bit.ly/3Etu5T7

*Mo Ibrahim on impact of climate change  (CC) in Africa and global CoP 27 talks    washingtonpost.com

*CoP 27: A lot of noise for nothing? Should Africa be rejoicing after the high level meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh?    theafricareport.com

*Of CC adaptation in Africa    thenationonlineng.net

*Even if Africa uses all its natural gas for power, it would contribute only 0.67 percent of emissions. Africa must have natural gas to compliment its renewable energy (RE) - Akinwunmi Adesina    http://bit.ly/3UHBkfI

*Transitioning from coal to RE: Indonesia's record-setting climate deal    rmi.org

*Urban development & NDCs: From national commitments to city climate action    http://bit.ly/3TCyE1M

*Countries could cut emissions by 70 percent by 2050, and boost resilience with annual investment of 1.4 percent of GDP - World Bank    http://wrld.bg/YrAm50Lto4L

*It's time for Climate Agenda for all the people of our planet    purispeaceforum.org

*By 2050, CC is estimated to create up to 86m additional migrants in Sub-Saharan Africa, 40m in South Asia & 17m in Latin America as agricultural conditions and water availability deteriorate across these regions (Source; Global Peace Index)    web.facebook.com/photo

*How artistes, innovators & thinkers are using their platforms across Africa to amplify solutions to the climate crisis    unfcc.int/event/cop.tv...

*Infra-credit's guarantee supported by UK-funded climate finance blending facility mobilises first green certified local currency debt issue for off-grid solar rural electricity project in Nigeria    https://bit.ly/3TmBfg5

*Reaching 1.5 DC: A vision for the future    chatamhouse.org

*How not to talk to Africa about CC - PMB     washingtonpost.com

*Youth fight for climate justice & survival    allafrica.com

*Africa can lead world's transition to a low carbon future    theafricareport.com

*UNSG: Humanity has a choice - cooperate or perish. it's either a Climate Solidarity Pact or a Collective Suicide Pact    un.org

*UNSG: CoP 27 announced on action plan (7th November 2022) for an EWS against climate disasters    un.org

*Elite cheer Climate Extremism: Biden & UNSG encourage extremism    michaelshellenberger.substack.com

*The science is clear. Any hope of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 DC means achieving global net zero emissions by 2050. But that 1.5 DC goal is on life support, and the machine is rattling - Antonio Guterres    un.org

*De-coupling & fragmentation of the multilateral trading system is not the answer to the climate crisis. World leaders must unite with the WTO @ CoP 27 in laying a trade road map for a just response - NOI  ft.com/content/227444

*CoP 27: African activists must demand a new 'internationalism' on the '4 horsemen that Meteorologists call the 'Climate Endgame' - Conflict, Food shortages, Extreme weather & Vector bone diseases  theafricareport.com

*Micronutrient resilience & CC    https://lnkd.in/eSSw-3ZU

*Nigeria's focus @ CoP 27    thenationonlineng.net/nigeria-focus

*Why small scale farmers need more climate funding    weforum.org 

*Brazil's Presidential election result could affect the planet's future    nytimes.com

*World close to irreversible climate breakdown, warn major studies    theguardian.com