Category: Business Day

There are men whose lives read like open books of divine encounters, whose journeys remind us that faith is not a theory but a lived experience. Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was one of such men. His life, from its humble beginnings to its global impact, stood as a testament to what God can do through a heart wholly yielded to Him. Though words may never fully capture the depth and lasting impact of his life and ministry, his legacy remains a story of faith, resilience, and miracles that still move hearts today.

Early life

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s story begins in Asaga, Ohafia, a quiet community in Abia State, Nigeria. An Igbo man by origin, he came into the world on 7 January 1945, into a life that would test and ultimately refine him. His childhood was steeped in adversity. At the tender age of ten, he lost his father-an event that forced him to shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years. His grief was compounded by another cruel blow: his mother was poisoned. Reflecting on those early years, he once said, ‘I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor. I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.’

Though his parents were not Christians, God’s hand was evident upon his life from the beginning. An old man once told his mother that her son was not an ordinary child and warned her never to allow him to serve as a houseboy or cook for anyone. Having already lost several children, she clung to that prophecy and protected him with fierce devotion, often saying she would do anything to keep him alive.

In 1958, at just thirteen, young Rev. Dr. Uma made the most important decision of his life-he gave his heart to Christ. That singular act marked the beginning of a journey that would touch nations and transform countless lives.

Education

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s pursuit of knowledge reflected his deep hunger for growth and purpose. He began his formal education at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, before continuing at Khana County Council School, Ogoni. His secondary education took him to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and later to Niger Delta Technical School, now known as Boys Technical College, Aba. Driven by determination, he furthered his education abroad. He attended the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, in the United Kingdom, before proceeding to the South Florida Christian College, Miami, USA; Carolina Christian University; and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. Through his studies, he obtained a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.

Ministry

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry began not in grandeur but in quiet obedience. What started as small prayer gatherings in his living room eventually grew into a worldwide movement. In the early 1970s, he founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) – a ministry that would become a powerhouse of evangelism, healing, deliverance, education, and humanitarian service. Through the UUEA, Dr. Ukpai traversed continents proclaiming the Gospel in power. His crusades were not mere events; they were divine visitations that drew multitudes hungry for God. Among his most historic crusades were the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade (1982), the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade (1985), the Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade, Nsukka 2012, and the Anioma One-Million Man Crusade (2016).

The Greater Lagos Crusade remains legendary. Held at the National Stadium, Surulere, it gathered over 23,000 prayer volunteers, 5,000 choir members, and thousands of counsellors ministering to new converts. The atmosphere turned Lagos into what he described as ‘a prayer parlour.’ That single crusade led to the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) – a nationwide coalition of Pentecostal leaders. ‘There was no PFN before then,’ he recalled. ‘We gave birth to it. Every part of Nigeria cooperated and supported the programme. It is still being sustained till now.’ For Dr. Ukpai, ministry was never about fame but faithfulness. ‘It is not about me,’ he often said. ‘It’s about God making a promise and fulfilling it in the lives of His people.’ Even after enduring immense personal loss – including the tragic drowning of two of his children and two cousins – he continued preaching the very next day. His strength baffled many, but to him, it was simply obedience. ‘I was deeply grieved,’ he said, ‘but God is faithful and doing His bidding.’

The UUEA grew to include several outreach arms, including the Uma Ukpai College of Business, the Uma Ukpai Foundation, and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology. His wife, Dr. Philomena Uma Ukpai, was a steadfast partner, working alongside him to empower believers through initiatives such as the Uma Ukpai Sustainable Wealth Creation Scheme and the Uma Ukpai Fashion Week, which trained and empowered hundreds of youths, particularly women.

Every crusade, every sermon, every project carried one unshakable message: ‘All things are possible to them that believe.’

Humanitarian and educational impact

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai embodied the Gospel of practical love. He believed that faith should heal not only the soul but also the body and the land. His compassion birthed several humanitarian and educational institutions that have touched thousands of lives across Nigeria and beyond.

In 2000, he established the King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Ohafor, Ohafia Local Government Area – a 24-hour medical facility providing affordable healthcare to underserved communities. In 2016, he founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre in Asaga Ohafia, which has since performed over 500 successful cataract surgeries and provided eye care services to more than 100 rural communities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

His vision for holistic ministry extended to education. The Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies (UUST), founded in 2008 and affiliated with the University of Uyo, offers degrees in Theology, Ministry, and Christian Leadership, shaping the next generation of ministers. In 2017, he established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic in Asaga-Ohafia, accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), to train young Nigerians in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration.

He also founded the Joseph Business School, an affiliate of the prestigious Chicago-based institution, to equip believers with leadership and entrepreneurship skills rooted in biblical principles. Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, countless students have received financial support to pursue their dreams.

In 2022, he laid the foundation for the Uma Ukpai Prayer City in Isiugwu-Ohafia, envisioned to seat 120,000 people, making it one of the largest auditoriums in the world. For Rev. Ukpai, it was not just an architectural vision but a spiritual landmark – a ‘place where humanity will meet divinity.’

Miracles and divine encounters

Every Abia crusade, every gathering under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, was marked by extraordinary manifestations of God’s power. Wherever he went, the atmosphere seemed charged with faith, expectation, and the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit. People came burdened with pain, sickness, and despair – and left with testimonies that defied human explanation.

The first miracle in his life came a day after he gave his heart to Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. While at Khana County Council Secondary School in Rivers State, a madman known as Deco stormed the school, sending teachers and students fleeing in fear. In that moment, young Rev. Dr. Uma heard God’s voice within him: ‘You too can sack the madman.’ Acting in faith, he commanded the man to roll out of the school. To everyone’s astonishment, Deco obeyed – and as he rolled away, he cried, ‘Do you know that I am naked?’ The once-violent man was instantly restored to sanity.

By 1971, his passion for souls had led him to become the first missionary at Ahmadu Bello University. A year later, he pioneered the same move at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During one of his teaching sessions there, something extraordinary happened – Jesus appeared to him twice. The divine encounter left a lasting imprint on his spirit. Not long after, a man from America who attended one of his teachings was so moved that he adopted him as a son and provided funds for his journey to the United States. That trip would open yet another chapter of ministry that touched nations.

There were times when God’s power showed up not just in meetings, but in moments of danger. One night, armed robbers came to his home. But as they tried to break in, the gate began to move up and down on its own, as if an unseen hand was guarding the entrance. Stunned and powerless, the men surrendered and begged Rev. Dr. Uma to pray for them.

In another unforgettable experience, while going for a ministration in an Arab country, he suddenly found himself speaking their language – a tongue he had never learned. God had changed his speech in that moment, enabling him to communicate effectively.

Even in moments of danger, his confidence in God never wavered. During a trip to Aba for a supposed ministration, he and his wife were kidnapped. The captors demanded his car and money, but he refused, declaring that he would only give them up if God told him to. Frustrated, they handed him a cup filled with poison. Holding it up, he said calmly, ‘I drink you as tea; you must function as tea. If you go beyond the boundaries of tea, whatever God will do to you, don’t call my name.’ Then he drank it. Hours later, he walked out of captivity alive and untouched.

His life was a stream of supernatural stories. In 1985, while smuggling Bibles into China with a friend – risking a twenty-year jail term if caught – they began to pray in tongues at the Kenton border. Just as the officers were about to inspect their bags, the scanning machine broke down. Without hesitation, the officials waved them through.

The same presence that saved him in danger also healed many through his ministry. A woman once received a brand-new womb after being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. His own first son, born crippled, was healed during a worship session after a divine prompting from the Holy Spirit.

Each miracle whispered the same truth: that with unshakable faith, nothing is impossible.

Nigeria’s vibrant dance community took a historic leap forward as the Dancers Award 2025, themed ‘Legacy in Motion,’ set a new benchmark for artistic recognition and industry growth.

The event, held in Abuja, celebrated the creativity, discipline, and cultural power of Nigerian dancers, officially ushering in a new era for the nation’s performing arts scene.

The vibrant celebration of rhythm, dedication, and cultural expression officially elevated the status of Nigerian dancers to a new level of national and international recognition.

The atmosphere was electric as the best in the industry, from the streets to the stage were honored across a diverse array of categories, reflecting the industry’s rich diversity and creative complexity.

According to Henshaw Victory, the convener, the Dancers Award goes beyond a single event. It is conceived as a movement aimed at spotlighting Nigeria’s energetic young talents while advocating for institutional backing, funding, workshops, and functional theatre spaces necessary for local and international growth.

‘It is a powerful movement with the goal to shine compelling spotlight on Nigeria’s energetic young talents, advocating for the INSTITUTIONAL BACKING, FUNDING, WORKSHOPS AND FUNCTIONAL THEATER SPACE crucial for our local and international flourish.

‘We believe that with this step in the right direction, the government should endeavour to invest in performing art to fuel creativity and employment. This platform aims to transform dance from a passionate hobby into a viable, sustainable, and respected career path that contributes notably to the nation’s economic and cultural wealth,’

Shaw in a statement added that the award categories were meticulously designed to recognize the entire dance ecosystem, moving beyond popular performers to include choreographers, producers, creative directors, and institutions supporting dance.

For countless dancers across Nigeria, the Legacy in Motion edition represents a turning point, an affirmation of their dedication, skills, and artistry. Beyond recognition, he explained that it offers visibility and validation for years of relentless practice and creative exploration.

With the successful execution of the September 27th event, The structured celebration of excellence is expected to: Professionalize the dance industry, boost Nigeria’s cultural export, and spur both government and private sector investment.

Glenfiddich, a single malt Scotch whisky, officially unveiled its global partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team in Nigeria during an exclusive press junket in Lagos.

To celebrate the milestone, the brand hosted a launch at Atrium by Sora, where it introduced the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Single Malt to the Nigerian market. The evening also featured the debut of a capsule fashion collection designed by I.N. Official × TT Dalk.

The event brought together media, influencers, lifestyle leaders, and luxury enthusiasts to experience the fusion of heritage whisky craftsmanship and cutting-edge motorsport engineering.

These are two worlds united by a shared ethos of innovation, precision, and excellence. Guests were invited into an immersive environment where the artistry of single malt Scotch met the adrenaline of Formula OneS, celebrating a partnership rooted in legacy and driven by ambition.

The Glenfiddich × Aston Martin Formula OneS alliance unites two legacies built on excellence, innovation, and precision. Glenfiddich, family-owned since 1887, has led the single malt category with a reputation for pushing boundaries in maturation and flavour. Aston Martin, founded in 1913, stands as a global symbol of British performance and design, with its Formula OneS Team embodying engineering mastery and competitive spirit. Together, they represent a singular ethos: *Timeless Apart. Iconic Together.* This collaboration portrays a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that blend whisky, motorsport, and lifestyle into something entirely new.

‘At Glenfiddich, we believe true progress is achieved when heritage and innovation move together,’ said Claudia Falcone, Global Brand Director, Glenfiddich. ‘Our partnership with the Aston Martin Formula OneS Team reflects this philosophy, uniting two icons of craftsmanship. We are proud to launch the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old in Nigeria, a country whose creativity and cultural energy make it one of the most exciting luxury markets in the world.’

Central to the Lagos announcement was the Nigerian debut of the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old, bottled at 43% ABV. This rare expression is the first limited edition crafted to honour the partnership with Aston Martin. It is matured in an innovative combination of new American oak, second-fill bourbon barrels, and American oak wine casks, resulting in a whisky of exceptional depth and complexity.

Nigeria was chosen as a strategic launch market to reflect the country’s growing appetite for luxury and premium experiences. Nigeria’s influence on Africa’s cultural and economic landscape makes it a natural stage for Glenfiddich’s forward-looking vision. The Lagos press junket served as a platform to announce upcoming activations, including watch parties, luxury viewing experiences, and a responsible drinking campaign themed ‘The Spirit of Control.’ This deliberate focus on Nigeria underscores the market’s role as a driver of taste, culture, and consumer innovation across the continent.

Further anchoring the moment in cultural relevance, Glenfiddich also announced the unveiling of a limited-edition fashion capsule created in partnership with Nigerian designers I.N Official and TT Dalk. Inspired by Aston Martin’s motorsport heritage and Glenfiddich’s modern elegance, the collection blends precision tailoring with bold Nigerian creativity.

Speaking on the partnership at the press junket in Lagos, Samuel Odesanmi, Regional Marketing Manager, William Grant and Sons, said: ‘Aston Martin has always stood for precision, performance, and timeless design. In Glenfiddich, we see a partner who shares these ideals, uniting two worlds of excellence. Celebrating this partnership in Nigeria reflects the energy and ambition of a market that is shaping the future of luxury.’

The press junket marks the beginning of a series of Nigerian activations designed to bring the Glenfiddich × Aston Martin F1 story to life, from immersive watch parties to digital content campaigns. As the partnership unfolds across the country, audiences will be invited to engage with both brands through curated experiences that celebrate craftsmanship, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. This is only the beginning of what promises to be a defining chapter in Nigeria’s luxury landscape.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has informed the club he will not sign a new contract and plans to leave next summer, manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed.

Glasner revealed that Palace made efforts to keep the 25-year-old England international, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, but Guehi has decided to seek a new challenge. ‘They offered Marc a new contract, but he said, ‘No, I want to make something different,’ and that’s normal,’ Glasner said.

‘Now it’s about how we can deal with this situation and find the best way forward.’ Palace now face a crucial decision: sell Guehi in the January transfer window or risk losing him for free next summer.

The centre-back, who joined from Chelsea in 2021 and has made 167 appearances for Palace, came close to leaving during the last transfer window. He reportedly passed a medical ahead of a £35 million move to Liverpool, but the deal collapsed after Palace failed to secure Brighton defender Igor Julio as a replacement.

Guehi has featured in all 12 games for Palace this season, helping them to sixth place in the Premier League. Reports suggest the club could sanction a January sale, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich all monitoring his situation.

The defender, who recently earned his 26th England cap in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales, remains focused on maintaining his form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‘There’s definitely an opportunity to make the World Cup squad,’ Guehi said earlier this month.

‘The focus is just to keep performing, wherever I am.’

In the food industry today, chicken, goat meat, and beef dominate the table. One Nigerian brand is boldly rewriting the rules. Meet AwóBoy, a food movement led by entrepreneur Mayowa Bello, who is placing guinea fowl, a richly flavored, culturally revered bird, at the center of a delicious revolution.

Guinea fowl, known locally as apáàró, is making a comeback. Once reserved for festive occasions and family gatherings, this under-celebrated protein is being revived and reimagined by AwóBoy as a premium, accessible, and modern delicacy.

‘What started as a casual weekend cookout turned out to be the spark of something great,’ says Bello, reflecting on the brand’s origin.

Mayowa’s journey began at WhiteLake Farms, where he initially reared chickens. But it was a weekend grill session with a colleague, who happened to raise guinea fowl, that changed everything.

‘That day completely changed my perspective,’ he says. ‘The guinea fowl, when slowly smoked on low heat, came out juicy, tender, and richly flavored; very different from the dry, tough texture I had previously experienced and disliked. It was a revelation.’

From that moment, Bello committed to exploring and perfecting guinea fowl preparation. The result? A signature slow-cooking method with curated spice blends that delivers an elevated, unforgettable taste experience.

Why Guinea Fowl?

‘Guinea fowl offers a distinct, naturally rich flavor that sets it apart from chicken or beef. It’s leaner, healthier, and requires less seasoning for its taste to shine. Think of it as a premium protein; flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying without being heavy.’

AwóBoy’s menu isn’t just about serving food. It’s about elevating guinea fowl to hero status in Nigerian cuisine.

‘Guinea fowl is deeply woven into Nigeria’s cultural fabric,’ Bello explains. ‘Across many communities, it was considered a delicacy reserved for festivals, family gatherings, and important celebrations. In many ways, it was a bird of honor.’

AwóBoy is reconnecting Nigerians with this heritage, but with a fresh, contemporary presentation; merging tradition with innovation.

Quality is non-negotiable for AwóBoy. The brand partners with trusted local farmers and handles processing in a controlled facility to guarantee freshness, hygiene, and consistency.

‘We don’t just cook guinea fowl; we elevate it into an experience.’

This commitment to excellence has already earned AwóBoy high praise; including a notable nod from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who remarked:

‘Wow, you guys must be doing something different. This doesn’t taste like the usual ‘aparo’.’

Like any pioneering venture, AwóBoy has faced its share of challenges, from staffing and operational costs to rising inflation and power instability.

‘Business is not for the faint-hearted,’ says Bello. ‘We’re addressing these challenges by improving planning, reducing waste, refining recruitment, and staying resilient. Every challenge has forced us to innovate and strengthen our foundation.’

Beyond flavor, AwóBoy aims to offer something deeper a reconnection with culture, memory, and identity.

‘We want people to walk away with more than a meal. Every visit is a journey back to the roots, but with a modern twist.’

‘With AwóBoy, we’re building a movement, not just a restaurant. Our mission is to celebrate Nigeria’s past while feeding its future. In the next five years, we see AwóBoy in strategic locations across Nigeria and beyond; introducing the unique taste of guinea fowl to the world in diverse, exciting forms.’

Six persons have been confirmed dead while 14 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal motor accident that occurred at the weekend along the Nkalagu axis of the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway.

The accident, which happened close to the Nkalagu overhead bridge, involved a commercial Toyota bus and a truck.

Henry Igwe, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi State, confirmed the incident. He said 22 people were involved in the crash, attributing it to dangerous overtaking.

Igwe disclosed that the victims were immediately evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to him, ‘Some of the injured victims were taken to Annunciation and Orthopaedic Hospitals in Enugu by our officers and the Red Cross, while others were taken to the General Hospital, Ezzamgbo, in Ebonyi State.’ A resident of Nkalagu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the Enugu-Nkalagu Expressway as ‘the most dangerous road to ply,’ blaming its design and poor construction for the recurring accidents.

He said, ‘The road is very dangerous because of its one-way nature and the hard concrete central demarcation, which doesn’t allow vehicles to manoeuvre or dodge reckless drivers. Since 2019 when former Governor David Umahi began the dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway with a flyover at Nkalagu junction, the 1km stretch from the Enugu-Nkalagu boundary to the junction has remained incomplete and blocked.

‘The central demarcation worsens the situation, leaving vehicles with no option during emergencies. Hardly a month passes without an accident on this road. Residents living across the expressway struggle to access their homes due to the blockade.’

He lamented the repeated loss of lives on the axis, calling on the federal and state governments to expedite action on the completion of the project to prevent further tragedies.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has voiced support for La Liga players protesting the league’s controversial decision to stage a match in Miami, USA.

La Liga confirmed last week that Barcelona’s away fixture against Villarreal, scheduled for December 20, will take place in Miami, marking the first-ever European league match to be played abroad. In response, the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced a ‘symbolic protest’ to be staged before every La Liga match this week.

Players from Oviedo and Espanyol demonstrated by standing still for the first 15 seconds of their game on Friday, although the gesture was not shown on broadcast coverage. ‘We are against the match; we believe it distorts the competition,’ Alonso said during his pre-match press conference.

‘There hasn’t been unanimity or proper consultation for it to be played on neutral ground. The protests are positive, and that sentiment is positive.’

The Real Madrid boss added that while such international ventures could be considered in the future, they should only happen with full agreement among clubs and players.

‘We believe it could happen if there were unanimity, but that’s not the case right now,’ Alonso stated.

Alonso’s comments come ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Getafe on Sunday, where he confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is expected to return from an ankle issue that ruled him out of France’s recent World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

‘Everyone who went with their national teams, except Dean (Huijsen), has returned in good condition,’ Alonso said.

The Adamawa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (ADSACA) has reported that the state recorded at least 8,850 new HIV infections between 2022 and 2025.

Abdullahi Adamu, director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation of the agency, disclosed this on Thursday in Yola at a media interactive session on the state’s HIV/AIDS response.

Adamu said the engagement was organised to strengthen collaboration with the media towards increasing public awareness of HIV prevention and behavioural change.

According to him, statistics show that from 2022 to date, new HIV infections have continued to rise annually across the state.

‘In 2022, we recorded over 2,700 new infections; in 2023, over 2,500; in 2024, 2,227; and from January to June 2025, we have already recorded 1,423 new infections,’ he said.

Adamu expressed concern over the continuous increase in new cases despite the availability of preventive measures, adding that the trend calls for urgent review of existing strategies.

‘We need to restrategise and adopt new approaches that will strengthen public awareness and promote preventive practices.

‘We have preventive options such as abstinence, consistent condom use, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), but many people are not taking them seriously.

‘However, people living with HIV who adhere strictly to their medication cannot transmit the virus to others and can live healthy and productive lives,’ he said.

The Director also said that no fewer than 40,000 persons living with HIV were currently receiving treatment in the state, with about 93 per cent achieving viral suppression.

He added that about 400 HIV-related deaths were recorded in 2024.

Adamu called on pregnant women to register for antenatal care, noting that prevention of mother-to-child transmission was critical to reducing new infections.

‘In 2024, about 509 pregnant women who registered for antenatal care, were enrolled on HIV treatment, out of which 180 were new infections.

Africa’s journey from a polluted environment to a sustainable and cleaner energy future must be guided by justice, equity, and accountability. Our climate and energy policies must protect the most vulnerable while empowering communities to thrive in a new economy. The continent cannot simply repeat the exploitative, extractive models of industrialised nations; to do so would be to sacrifice both development and dignity.

Although Africa contributes less than 4% of global carbon emissions, it bears the heaviest burden of their consequences. 162 million tons of man-made global warming pollutions emitted into the atmosphere every year and 8.7 Million people die every day to pollution and climate-related disasters. Yet, poorly designed or externally imposed ‘net zero’ policies threaten to worsen these harms displacing communities, intensifying food insecurity, exploiting child labour, and eroding human rights. The real challenge is to achieve a just transition, one that is not only clean but also fair.

This requires coordinated action: governments must define clear policy objectives and provide oversight; the private sector must adopt responsible practices; financial institutions must link funding to social and environmental outcomes; and communities must be meaningfully involved in shaping their future. Integrating human and development – what I often call EcoSoc (Economic and Social) – rights into the green transition enables Africa to restore degraded environments, create livelihoods, and meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

From Environmental Neglect to Rights-Based Action

The relationship between environmental protection and human rights in Africa has evolved over time. After independence, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) prioritised sovereignty and reconstruction, but environmental degradation soon revealed that progress without protection is hollow. The droughts and famines of the 1970s made it clear that a polluted environment undermines the very right to life and development.

The turning point came with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), which for the first time enshrined the right to a ‘general satisfactory environment conducive to development.’ Africa declared then that environmental care is intrinsic to human dignity.

By the 1990s, Africa began influencing the global conversation. At the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, African states championed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, insisting that those most responsible for pollution must bear the greatest responsibility for its correction. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (1994) reinforced this, affirming that Africa’s struggles with drought and land degradation were inseparable from human rights and development.

By the early 2000s, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, through Resolution 153, recognised climate change as a direct human rights issue. Civil society movements, notably the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), strengthened this cause, reframing climate change from an environmental challenge into a demand for fairness, justice, and inclusion.

The African Charter and the Legal Foundation for a Fair Transition

The African Charter provides a powerful framework for balancing Africa’s developmental ambitions with its environmental responsibilities.

Article 21 recognises the sovereignty of African peoples over their natural resources.

Article 22 guarantees the right to equitable and sustainable development.

Article 24 upholds the right to a clean and satisfactory environment.

Together, they define Africa’s normative guide for a just energy transition, one that reconciles the right to exploit resources with the duty to protect the environment.

This balance remains delicate. Many African economies still depend on oil, gas, and coal, yet these same industries have bred pollution, corruption, and rights abuses. Africa must therefore pursue cleaner energy pathways: solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, without excluding the developmental rights of its people. The challenge is not the lack of vision, but of financing and institutional strength. Renewable energy in Africa costs several times more than in OECD countries, and our share of global climate finance remains unjustly low.

The Human Cost of Inaction

Despite numerous frameworks and declarations, the pace of progress is painfully slow. Climate inaction – both globally and locally – has turned Africa’s environmental crisis into a profound human and development rights emergency.

Across East Africa, prolonged droughts have left over 22 million people food-insecure and destroyed millions of livestock. In Southern Africa, Cyclone Idai displaced nearly two million people and caused over a thousand deaths. In the west and central regions, floods, desertification, and shrinking lakes have sparked displacement and violent conflict. The Lake Chad Basin, which has lost over 90% of its water area since the 1960s, has become a symbol of how environmental degradation fuels insecurity.

These examples are not isolated tragedies; they are evidence that environmental collapse strips people of their most basic rights; to life, food, health, shelter, and dignity. The lesson is clear: climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is the most urgent human rights challenge of our time.

Africa’s Development Paradox and Global Inequality

Africa’s development story remains marked by contradictions. We are rich in natural and human resources, yet poor in access and opportunity. Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity. Meanwhile, global policies often demand that Africa decarbonise at the same pace as industrialised economies – without recognising historical injustices or current realities.

Calls for an immediate end to fossil fuels disregard the fact that Africa still needs affordable energy to industrialise and lift millions out of poverty. Restricting development finance while limiting access to cleaner alternatives creates a form of climate colonialism – a system that denies Africa the same developmental pathways once used by the West.

To counter this, Africa must centre human and development rights within its climate and energy agenda. Protecting vulnerable groups, enforcing environmental accountability, and ensuring fairness in global partnerships will strengthen both our domestic resilience and international negotiating power.

Global Commitments, Local Realities

The Paris Agreement (2015) reaffirmed principles that Africa had long advanced: that climate action must respect human rights, health, and development. Yet developed nations have failed to meet their obligations, particularly the promised $100 billion annual climate finance fund.

Nigeria’s experience reflects the continent’s broader challenge. As a signatory to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, Nigeria pledged to cut emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally by 2030. Although the Climate Change Act (2021) domesticated these commitments, it did not enshrine binding targets, leaving investors uncertain and enforcement weak. Nigerian courts have also been reluctant to grant standing to civil society organisations on environmental issues, limiting accountability. Courts relying on a diminished non-justiciability provision of the constitution despite advancements in the Law and the bindingness of the Charter on Nigeria

Nigeria and the Paris Agreement

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992) was the precursor to both the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015). Nigeria is a signatory to the convention, along with 197 other signatory countries, as a non-annex 1 Party. Under the UNFCCC, under Article 4(2)(a), each participating party is required to adopt national policies and corresponding measures for mitigating climate change. Subsumed under the UNFCCC’s broad negotiation platform, the Paris Agreement refines and strengthens the commitments of signatory states through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

According to Article 4(2)(a) of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), each participating party is required to adopt national policies and corresponding measures for mitigating climate change.

Unconditionally, Nigeria is committed to:

Working toward ending gas flaring by 2030

Working toward off-grid solar PV of 13 GW (13,000 MW)

Efficient gas generators

2% per year energy efficiency (30% by 2030)

Transport shifts from car to bus

Improve the electricity grid

Climate-smart agriculture and reforestation

The conditional reductions imply that Nigeria will be dependent on assistance in funding and technical support from developed countries to fulfil 47% of its NDC commitment to reduce GHG by 2030, under the Agreement.

Furthermore, since signing the Agreement in 2016, the Nigerian Government passed the Climate Change Act in 2021, providing the Agreement with access to the Nigerian legal system as a progressive step toward meeting its NDC targets.

Notwithstanding the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021, the Act does not contain the 20% unconditional and 47% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that the country’s NDCs previously referred to. This makes it difficult to establish clear and legally binding emission targets, provide certainty to investors, businesses and markets to promote investment in low-carbon technologies and sustainable practices.

Nigeria is still legally obligated to meet its 20% unconditional GHG reduction by 2030 NDC because it is covered by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) in international environmental law, which states that all states are responsible for addressing global environmental destruction, yet not equally responsible.

Regarding the remaining 47% conditional reduction commitment, the Nigerian government is not legally obligated to meet it because the CBDR principle does not cover it, and it relies on financial support from developed countries, which Nigeria cannot guarantee with certainty.

Considering the exclusion of the NDC’s from the Climate Change Act 2021, enforcement mechanisms may prove inchoate because the 20% unconditional GHG target reduction cannot be enforced against the government.

Article 4(9) of the Agreement requires Parties to communicate their NDCs every five years. On September 22, 2025, Nigeria submitted its latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the UNFCCC Secretariat, which targets net-zero across all sectors of the economy by 2060 despite the apparent lack of reform or support.

Regrettably, Nigerian courts have a track record of dismissing NGO’s from enforcing climate-related issues, such as Douglas v Shell, and the dismissal of Centre for Pollution Watch v Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation from the Court of Appeal because the NGO was said not to have suffered any damage or injury, as it filed the suit against the Defendant on behalf of a community affected by an oil spill. This narrow approach to legal interest (locus standi) is not helpful; it is outdated and lacking in understanding of our global responsibility to the earth.

Moving Forward

To achieve a truly just transition, Africa must:

Implement human and development rights due diligence throughout the value chain.

Ensure meaningful consultation and participation of affected communities.

Provide social safety nets and retraining programmes for workers in industries facing transition.

Adopt equitable carbon pricing strategies that recycle revenue back to low-income communities.

Africa must build capacity (skill-up) and appoint representation that will negotiate and insist on international

collaboration and investment in sustainable development for emerging nations.

Take leadership in an astute Decarbonisation Legal framework, which is conspicuously lacking a legislative

framework that respects international obligations, while instituting a system that is sensitive to development rights

Africa stands at a crossroads between vulnerability and resilience, dependence and self-determination. The continent’s future depends on how intentionally we act today. Purposeful decarbonisation must become our shared mission: one that unites environmental responsibility with human and developmental justice.

Abayomi Ayoola Oladejo, a Nigerian scholar and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder, is charting a new course for construction site safety worldwide through the use of data analytics and predictive modeling.

As a graduate research assistant with the Construction Safety Research Alliance (CSRA), Oladejo’s work is helping the industry move from reactive to proactive safety management.

His passion for construction safety, however, began far from the laboratories and data centers of the United States. It started on the bustling construction sites of Nigeria, where he witnessed first-hand the consequences of inadequate safety measures.

‘Witnessing the aftermath of tragic construction accidents that claimed the lives of workers and left others injured ignited within me a passion to dedicate myself to making a positive impact and ensuring such tragedies are mitigated,’ Oladejo recalls.

A graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering, and later a master’s degree holder from the University of Ibadan, Oladejo’s academic and professional journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to saving lives through innovation.

At CSRA, an industry-academic alliance renowned for its collaborative research on construction safety, Oladejo leads pioneering studies on how last-minute changes on construction sites affect workers’ ability to anticipate and manage risks.

Using statistical models and advanced data analytics, his research analyzes vast safety observation datasets to uncover patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. ‘My work uses data analytics to make sense of safety observation data, revealing patterns that help us figure out what makes a crew more or less likely to notice and respond to last-minute changes,’ he explains. ‘The goal is to intervene before something goes wrong.’

This data-driven approach addresses one of the most persistent challenges in the construction industry: managing dynamic risks that emerge under high-pressure, rapidly changing conditions. Oladejo collaborates with leading construction, infrastructure, and utility firms, as well as experts in psychology and statistics, ensuring that his findings translate into real-world impact.

To test his hypotheses, Oladejo designs and implements field experiments across various construction sites, introducing tailored safety interventions and tracking improvements in hazard anticipation and risk identification.

‘I validate my research through field experiments, observing whether there’s a consistent improvement in safety practices, and I compare real data from before and after interventions to see if there’s a measurable impact in the field,’ he said.

While his current work focuses on the United States, Oladejo’s vision extends to developing regions, particularly Africa, where construction remains one of the most hazardous industries. He advocates for low-cost but high-impact measures, such as structured pre-task planning and formalized risk assessments.

‘For Africa, especially Nigeria, I hope my research will encourage structured pre-task planning and risk assessment programs, which are low-cost but high-impact solutions that reduce serious injuries and fatalities,’ he said.

Oladejo’s groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous recognitions. In 2025, he received the McLaren Futures Family Fellowship, an award presented to scholars who are shaping the future of construction research. Earlier, in 2018, he was named a Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) fellow, a testament to his commitment to leadership and social impact.

Beyond his research, Oladejo serves as Chair of the Student Affairs Committee for the Colorado Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), where he mentors upcoming engineers and advocates for stronger integration of safety education in engineering curricula. He is also a registered engineer with COREN (Nigeria), a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

Looking ahead, Oladejo envisions a future where construction safety is predictive, adaptive, and human-centered. ‘In the next five to ten years, I see more use of real-time data from wearables, sensors, and digital models to help crews spot risks before things go wrong,’ he predicts. ‘The future of safety lies in designing systems that understand how people actually work under pressure.’

Through his blend of technical expertise, leadership, and a mission-driven vision, Abayomi Ayoola Oladejo stands at the forefront of a global movement to make construction safer, proving that data, when guided by empathy and innovation, can save lives.