Author: user user

Tanzania sets five priorities to secure climate finance at COP31

Tanzania will pursue five key priorities at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Trkiye, from November 9 to 20, seeking greater access to climate finance, stronger resilience and practical benefits from international climate commitments.

The priorities were outlined on October 28, 2026, during a national workshop in Dar es Salaam to prepare the country’s negotiating position ahead of the United Nations climate conference.

The government aims to agree on a unified national position, align its agenda with COP31 discussions, prepare an action plan and side events, clarify institutional responsibilities and establish mechanisms to monitor the implementation of decisions. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Dr Latifa Khamis, said Tanzania’s position should reflect the interests of both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar while remaining consistent with national development plans and government policies.

‘Our position should be unified, practical and clearly reflect the priorities of the country, the interests of both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as well as the government’s policies, plans and strategies,’ she said.

Dr Latifa said the success of Tanzania’s participation should be measured by the decisions it influences, partnerships it builds and financing it secures, rather than the number of meetings attended.

She identified access to climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer, capacity building, carbon markets and measures to address loss and damage as key issues for the negotiations.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, said Tanzania’s engagement on climate change should advance national interests, international cooperation and the objectives of Development Vision 2050. He called for commitment and coordinated action among stakeholders to ensure that climate negotiations deliver tangible benefits to Tanzanians.

Clean cooking investment Director of Environment Kemilembe Mutasa said Tanzania would also seek investment in clean cooking initiatives, particularly for schools and health facilities that still rely on firewood and charcoal.

The government aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, she said.

The initiative will prioritise institutions preparing meals for large numbers of people, including primary schools and hospitals.

‘Our focus is on institutions that prepare meals for more than 100 people, particularly primary schools that still use firewood and charcoal, as well as hospitals and similar facilities,’ Ms Mutasa said.

Turning commitments into action Senior Programme Officer at IUCN Tanzania, Ghamir Andulbasat, said Tanzania had an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by turning climate commitments into measurable action capable of attracting investment.

‘The world never misses promises; it misses implementation,’ he said, calling for climate action and nature conservation to be treated as interconnected priorities.

He cited the Tanzania Restoration Initiative, implemented in collaboration with the World Resources Institute and the Vice-President’s Office, as an example of efforts to translate environmental commitments into practical interventions.

Other priorities include restoring coastal and marine ecosystems to strengthen resilience and support the blue economy, as well as conserving biodiversity beyond formally designated protected areas.

Mr Andulbasat also called for greater involvement of local communities, particularly women and young people, in environmental initiatives.

IUCN said it would continue working with the government and other stakeholders before, during and after COP31 to support climate action and nature conservation.

World Stroke Day: SAN urges Nigerians to recognise symptoms seek urgent care

Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN) has urged Nigerians to recognise the warning signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention warning that delays in treatment can increase the risk of death and long-term disability.

The organisation made the call on Thursday to mark World Stroke Day observed annually on October 29.

As part of its awareness campaign SAN said it would take its message to streets and schools to educate Nigerians on stroke symptoms emergency response and prevention.

The campaign themed ‘Know the Signs. #ActFAST. Every Minute Counts’ encourages individuals and communities to identify stroke symptoms promptly and act immediately.

Chief Executive of Stroke Action Nigeria and board member of the World Stroke Organisation Dr Rita Melifonwu said the campaign would focus on both recognising stroke symptoms and knowing the appropriate steps to take when someone suffers a stroke.

She stressed the importance of timely action noting that a swift response could improve outcomes for stroke patients.

She said stroke incidence in Nigeria remained a growing concern particularly where delays in recognising symptoms and accessing appropriate medical care could worsen patients’ conditions.

‘This year Stroke Action Nigeria is collaborating with the World Stroke Organisation Rotaract Club and other partners to raise awareness of stroke signs and symptoms and how to act fast when a stroke happens’ she said.

Melifonwu a member of the WSO Taskforce for Prehospital Care said the organisation was promoting what she described as ‘Stroke Action Awareness’ to ensure that people understood both the warning signs and the appropriate response to a stroke emergency.

‘This means not just being aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke but also knowing what actions to take and doing so when a stroke happens’ she said.

As part of the activities SAN will lead a public awareness rally on October 29 bringing together volunteers health advocates and other supporters to engage Nigerians on stroke recognition prevention and emergency response.

The organisation will promote the internationally recognised FAST approach to identifying common stroke symptoms.

Under the approach F stands for Face urging people to check for drooping on one side of the face; A stands for Arms requiring them to check whether one arm is weak or difficult to raise; S stands for Speech which involves checking for slurred or unclear speech; while T stands for Time emphasising the need to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

SAN advised Nigerians not to wait for symptoms to disappear or rely on home remedies when a stroke is suspected stressing the importance of prompt medical intervention.

It will also use the campaign to educate the public on stroke risk factors including high blood pressure diabetes smoking physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits.

In a related development the organisation has taken its awareness campaign to four secondary schools through its Stroke Champions School Engagement Programme.

The initiative equips students with knowledge of stroke warning signs early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices while encouraging them to share the information with their families and communities.

According to SAN empowering young people with practical knowledge of stroke recognition and response would help build communities better prepared to respond to emergencies.

The organisation said its school-based initiative was part of a broader effort to promote stroke awareness beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities by putting life-saving information in young people’s hands.

Beyond early recognition and emergency response Melifonwu stressed the need for rehabilitation services to improve stroke survivors’ quality of life.

She commended the World Health Organisation’s resolution on stroke rehabilitation adopted in May 2026 saying it underscored the importance of rehabilitation in helping survivors recover and manage the long-term effects of stroke.

‘The imperative for prehospital stroke care and stroke rehabilitation underscores the importance of the work Stroke Action Nigeria has been doing since 2012’ she said.

Melifonwu a nurse consultant in stroke rehabilitation said the organisation’s work helped establish five Life After Stroke Centres across four states in Nigeria.

The centres provide a foundation for supporting stroke survivors beyond the immediate medical emergency including addressing their rehabilitation needs.

SAN said it would amplify its World Stroke Day campaign through public communication channels and digital platforms while calling on individuals families community leaders organisations and other stakeholders to support sustained efforts to improve stroke awareness and access to appropriate care.

The organisation stressed that stroke awareness should not be limited to an annual commemoration but should become a continuous public health priority with greater emphasis on prevention early intervention and rehabilitation.

Senate seeks explanation from Lalamove founder

The Senate committee on public services will issue a show-cause order to Lalamove founder and CEO Shing Chow, who failed to attend, for the third straight time, the ongoing hearing on operational regulations for digital labor platforms.

‘Send a show-cause order for why they shouldn’t be cited in contempt because this is the third time. People from Lalamove always snub this hearing,’ committee chair Sen. Raffy Tulfo instructed the committee secretary on Wednesday.

‘I don’t know what they’re thinking, why they are snubbing these hearings three times in a row. So, I want a subpoena sent, as soon as possible … If they still don’t attend, then issue a warrant of arrest for the very owner himself,’ Tulfo said.

Lalamove, an on-demand delivery platform, is being asked to explain driver welfare and compensation issues, among others.

SC Associate Justice Zalameda receives UE’s honorary degree

Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Rodil Vaquilar Zalameda received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the East (UE) in Manila on Tuesday.

According to the UE, Zalameda-who was also recognized twice before as one of the university’s outstanding alumni-is the 36th person the university has awarded the honorary degree to since 1957.

‘UE confers the distinction to exceptional individuals whose noteworthy accomplishments in their respective professions, public service and humanitarian endeavors have significantly contributed to the advancement of society, rule of law, and national development, embodying the core values and institutional mission of the university,’ the school said in a statement on Wednesday.

Zalameda was appointed to the SC in 2019. He is currently one of five contenders for the chief justice position, seeking to replace Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who is set to retire on Nov. 6.

Prior to his role at the high tribunal, he had served as an associate justice in the Court of Appeals for 11 years since 2008.

Zalameda obtained his secondary education from UE Caloocan in 1979 and his Bachelor of Arts major in political science from UE Manila in 1983. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from Ateneo de Manila University in 1987 and passed the Philippine bar examinations in 1988.

He began his legal career as a branch clerk of court at the Regional Trial Court of Makati City and then entered private practice from 1990 to 1995.

Zalameda returned to government as a public prosecutor for the Office of the City Prosecutor in Mandaluyong City, which then led to his appointment as Chief City Prosecutor in 2002 at the age of 39, the UE noted.

Zalameda said the honorary distinction he received from the UE serves as a reminder for him of ‘the standards that this institution expects from its graduates-and its honorees-to uphold.’

His academic conferment came as part of the UE’s 80th founding anniversary this year.

Aswesuma re-certification removes 331,653, adds 153,511

The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) has removed 331,653 unqualified individuals from the Aswesuma registry and added 153,511 newly eligible beneficiaries following a re-certification process.

Under the first updated list, published yesterday, 991,800 individuals qualify for cash benefits: 628,658 in the Poor category and 363,142 in the Extremely Poor category. A further 1,391,830 were deemed unqualified. The review covered 2,383,630 individuals from over 3.12 million self-declarations, following criticism in 2023 that benefits were reaching ineligible persons.

WBB Additional Commissioner D.L.P. Rishan Dharmasena said the process had ensured benefits reached the most deserving.

Cash transfers are now limited to the two categories, after Transitional category payments ended in April 2025 and the Vulnerable category was discontinued in June 2026, following extensions granted due to disaster conditions.

The lists will be displayed at Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretariat offices, opening a 10-day window for appeals or objections before divisional committees. Payments are scheduled to begin on 27 November, with a second list to follow.

China blames Filipino ‘self-serving politician’ for Defense Minister’s ADMM-Plus absence

China said it sent its defense attaché, rather than Defense Minister Dong Jun, to this year’s ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu because of what it described as obstacles to its participation under the Philippine chairmanship.

Responding to questions on Dong’s absence from the 13th ADMM-Plus, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said the regional security forum remains the Asia-Pacific’s highest-level and largest defense and security dialogue mechanism, serving as a platform for confidence-building, cooperation, and regional stability.

However, Zhang alleged that the Philippine side, as this year’s rotating chair, had allowed ‘a certain self-serving politician’ to ‘act recklessly’ and abuse the chairmanship by creating ‘obstacles’ to China’s participation in the mechanism.

‘The moves seriously violate ASEAN’s principle of consensus through consultation and run counter to the open and inclusive spirit of the ADMM-Plus,’ Zhang said. He added that the actions did not conform to diplomatic protocols and undermined China’s rights as a member of the mechanism.

Zhang also claimed that a number of ASEAN member states had raised questions and expressed opposition to the alleged actions.

The Chinese official did not identify the politician he was referring to.

However, the Philippines is chairing this year’s ADMM-Plus activities through Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who presided over the meeting and has been among the Philippine government’s most outspoken critics of Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea.

Teodoro has repeatedly condemned what Manila describes as dangerous actions by Chinese vessels against Philippine ships operating in the West Philippine Sea and has rejected China’s expansive maritime claims.

In June 2024, Beijing imposed sanctions on Teodoro, accusing him of making remarks and taking actions that it said undermined China-Philippines relations. The sanctions bar him from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

While Zhang stopped short of naming Teodoro, his remarks drew attention because of China’s earlier sanctions against the Philippine defense chief and his role as chair of this year’s ADMM-Plus proceedings.

At the press conference after the ADM-Plus Meeting, Teodoro said was asked to comment on the allegations by the Chinese defense ministry.

Teodoro said the Chinese defense attache was given an opportunity to articulate the position of Beijing on issues related to regional security including the South China Sea.

‘No country has the right to characterize ASEAN processes except ASEAN member-countries. They are dialogue partners. As much as we would like to accommodate them is subject to certain rules and limitations.

‘The important fact is that they were able to articulate their positions about maritime security with a little additions. Nonetheles, we allowed the exchange of views to be robust. I think that was the important thing – the opportunity to be heard. How they are going to be heard is for the ASEAN proper to determine, and not anybody else,’ Teodoro said.

The ADMM-Plus brings together the 10 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States, to discuss regional security issues and defense cooperation.

New NLEX C5 Northlink section toll-free until year-end

Motorists can use the newly opened NLEX C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A, which connects Quezon City and Valenzuela City, for free until the end of 2026.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the toll-free period as he led the opening of the road section on Thursday, October 29.

“As with other newly opened roads elsewhere, they are accommodating us while they still can. Passage here is free from now until the end of the year,” Marcos said in Filipino.

The section links Mindanao Avenue in Valenzuela City to Quirino Highway in Quezon City.

Katsina farmers to access N300,000 interest-free loans

Smallholder farmers in Katsina State are to access interest-free loans of up to N300,000 under the Federal Government’s FarmerMoni programme to support agricultural productivity in the state.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda flagged off the enumeration exercise and training of Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) desk officers in the state.

The governor also disclosed that the programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Katsina State Government through the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).

Speaking at the event, Radda said his administration was committed to supporting farmers, empowering young people and creating opportunities for businesses across the agricultural value chain.

He said the government had been providing fertilisers, mechanisation equipment and irrigation facilities to farmers to improve production and strengthen food security.

Earlier in his speech, the National GEEP Programme Manager, Dr Hamza Ibrahim Baba, said FarmerMoni was designed to provide eligible smallholder farmers with interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to N300,000.

He explained that the facility was a loan, not a grant, adding that repayment was expected to begin six to nine months after disbursement, in line with the programme’s guideline adding that the enumeration exercise would help identify eligible farmers, improve beneficiary records and ensure transparency in the selection process.

He warned desk officers against demanding money from applicants for registration or selection, stressing that only genuine and eligible farmers should be enrolled.

Similarly, the State GEEP Manager, Hajiya Karima, urged the newly trained desk officers to work professionally, provide accurate information and ensure the programme reached the intended beneficiaries.

Federal Govt states tackling challenges Barau tells Osinbajo

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has rejected the picture of a gloomy economy and democratic governance painted by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a public lecture in Yola Adamawa State.

He said the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking steps to address long standing challenges confronting the country.

Barau said that while Osinbajo’s observations drawn from the Afrobarometer surveys on Nigeria and other African countries were valid the ongoing efforts geared towards addressing the economic issues should not be glossed over.

He said government also needs to improve communication with the people to highlight its efforts.

Barau spoke during a public lecture titled: ‘Democracy and Development: Rethinking the Leadership Question’ organised to commemorate Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s 59th birthday on Tuesday.

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Osinbajo who was vice-president between 2015 and 2023.

The former vice president expressed concern about the failure of democratic governance across Africa after almost three decades of uninterrupted democratic rule in several countries.

Alluding to the Afrobarometer surveys Osinbajo who was defeated by President Tinubu during the APC presidential primary in 2022 highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with democratic institutions economic hardship declining public confidence in government and diminishing youth participation in electoral politics.

He noted that although 64 per cent of Africans preferred democracy to other forms of government only 38 per cent were satisfied with the way democracy was working in their respective countries.

Osinbajo a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) also said 59 per cent of Africans considered their national economies to be in bad shape while 51 per cent said their economies had deteriorated.

He lamented the rising cost of living unemployment inadequate access to healthcare and declining voter turnout warning that persistent hardship could weaken public confidence in democracy particularly among young people.

Responding to the presentation Barau said: ‘I know he is a very good orator a good public speaker and an intellectual to the core. Having said that I am compelled to make some comments on the paper. It is a very beautiful and thought-provoking paper.’

However Barau pointed out that the gloomy picture painted by the surveys was being addressed adding that the gaps were partly attributable to inadequate communication between governments and citizens.

He said: ‘What I want to say is this: one important reason for the gloomy picture portrayed by the surveys particularly those conducted by Afrobarometer is what the professor talked about and specifically observed: the issue of communication between the leaders and the led. There is no proper communication.’

The Deputy Senate President maintained that governments at the federal and state levels were taking steps to address the challenges identified by Osinbajo particularly in the areas of education infrastructure and economic development.

On education Barau said government was expanding access to education to address the challenges posed by the growing population and its large youth demographic.

He said providing educational opportunities for children particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds remained critical to addressing the country’s long-term developmental challenges.

Barau stressed: ‘Before now it was very difficult for a child who did not have the means to go to school. Now everyone except a child who does not want to go to school can go to school in Nigeria with the NELFUND introduced by this administration.’

He also drew attention to the importance of infrastructure development in driving economic prosperity noting that roads water supply and other essential facilities are necessary to improve living standards and stimulate economic activities.

Barau listed some road projects across the country including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway the Badagry-Sokoto Highway and several projects in the Northeast and Northwest as evidence of the government’s efforts to address infrastructure deficits.

He said: ‘When we talk about economic prosperity you cannot achieve it without a certain level of infrastructure including road networks water supply and other essential infrastructure.

‘This is what is happening currently in this country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration. Roads are being constructed everywhere to propel the process of bringing economic prosperity. That is being done. It is a long journey but it is being done. Yet there is no proper communication.’

Barau called for sustained public engagement to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about government policies projects and interventions.

On the economic challenges he said the rising cost of living should also be understood within the context of global economic pressures.

Barau attributed the increase in the cost of energy goods and services to international conflicts and disruptions in global supply chains particularly those affecting major food-producing regions and energy markets.

Barau attributed the volatility in global energy markets to the disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz a major international oil transit route.

He said: ‘The fact is that these challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria; they have an international dimension. The rising cost of living is partly attributable to conflicts in different parts of the world including the Middle East as well as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

‘These conflicts have disrupted global supply chains driven up energy prices and increased the cost of goods and services worldwide’ he added.

Barau who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament said the resulting economic turbulence had affected many countries noting that Nigeria could not be insulated from global economic developments.

He added: ‘Nigeria is not an island.’

Barau urged political leaders public officials and other stakeholders to take responsibility for communicating government policies and interventions more effectively stressing that improved communication is essential to bridging the gap between citizens’ expectations and their understanding of government performance.

He said Nigerians should be adequately informed about the challenges confronting the country the measures being taken to address them and the progress being made towards economic recovery and national development.

Ocean Pact and animal welfare discussed at meeting between Myrianthous and Commissioner Kadis

The Ocean Pact and animal welfare were among the topics discussed during a meeting held Thursday between Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Elias Myrianthous, and European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, Panikos Pourgourides, Myrianthous provided an overview of his Office’s responsibilities and initiatives, followed by an exchange of views regarding European policies on marine environmental protection, fisheries and aquaculture, marine pollution, and cooperation among Mediterranean countries, according to a press release issued by his office..

Kadis referred to the European Ocean Pact as well as to the preparation of the European Ocean Act, which will serve as the legislative component of the Pact, establishing common objectives and strengthening the coordination of maritime activities.

The MedFish4Ever Declaration, which sets out the framework for cooperation on sustainable fisheries in the Mediterranean, was also discussed.

Regarding fisheries and aquaculture, Kadis highlighted Cyprus’s strong performance in the aquaculture sector, describing it as a positive example within the EU in terms of production quality and adherence to environmental standards.

Myrianthous talked about the increased presence of microplastics and plastic waste along the Cypriot coastline. They discussed European policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution at the source, as well as the potential for leveraging European programs and transnational partnerships.

Animal welfare was also discussed, focusing on the new European regulation concerning the protection of dogs and cats as well as information and awareness-raising campaign to inform citizens and relevant stakeholders about the provisions of the new regulation before it comes into effect in 2028.