Professor Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Power and Founder/Chairman of Geometric Power Limited, will headline the Symposium on Energy Transition set to take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Friday, May 24, 2024. Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, is slated to be the Special Guest of Honour.

Themed “Energy Transition in an Oil-dependent Economy,” the symposium will feature Professor Nnaji as the keynote speaker, alongside esteemed academics Professor Kayode Soremekun and Professor Chukwumerije Okereke. This event, organized by Development Agenda Magazine, promises to be a rich exchange of ideas, featuring a diverse panel of discussants.

The symposium aims to raise awareness among the public and government about the urgent need for energy transition and the importance of ensuring social equity in this process. Over the past three decades, the global energy transition has focused on shifting from fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal to cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar power, and lithium-ion batteries. This shift is essential for reducing global temperatures and mitigating climate change. The symposium provides a platform for stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s role in this global effort and to explore ways to support government, corporate, and individual actions towards an equitable energy transition.

Nigeria faces unique challenges as it navigates this transition. Despite being one of the countries with the lowest carbon dioxide emissions, Nigeria remains heavily dependent on oil. The symposium will delve into issues of energy poverty, green growth, and efforts to enhance energy competitiveness and cleanliness in Nigeria.

Professor Bartholomew Nnaji, a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, is an innovator and one of the inventors of the E-Design Concept. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from St. John’s University and a postgraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Nnaji is the founder of Nigeria’s first indigenous power generating company and a former Minister of Power.

Professor Kayode Soremekun, an expert in energy policy, is the third vice chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State. He earned his B.A. in English/History and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. His doctoral research focused on Nigeria’s Petroleum Policy and International Relations.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, a renowned climate and development scholar, is a Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, UK. He also directs the Centre of Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and is a visiting professor at Oxford University, UK.

Development Agenda Magazine, the host of the symposium, is a development-focused quarterly publication available in English and French. It covers a range of topics including the economy, social security, environment, infrastructure, education, and health, with a special emphasis on natural resources conservation and climate change. This symposium is the second in a series of events by the magazine aimed at raising public awareness on critical development issues and providing support to government officials and institutions.

In addition to the Vice President, other notable guests include the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; the Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Uba Sani; the Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni; the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; and the Honourable Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Ishaq Kunle Salako. The event will also host students from various Nigerian universities, representatives from non-governmental organizations, international development organizations, diplomats, academics, and women’s organizations.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, emphasized his commitment to completing key projects in Abuja, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s one-year anniversary in office.

Wike made these remarks during an inspection tour of projects scheduled for inauguration by the end of the month.

Wike reiterated his resolve to stay focused on his ministerial duties despite ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.

W”I am not distracted. If I am, you won’t see this performance here. I focus on my work. I am the Minister of FCT; the works are going on. If distracted, how will these works be progressing? I am not even thinking about it at all,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Rivers State politics remains contentious as Hon. Solomon Bob, a member of the House of Representatives, urged President Tinubu to refrain from enabling impunity and unlawful behavior by Governor Siminilayi Fubara. Bob accused Fubara of committing impeachable offenses, escalating the political drama in the state.

In response to the escalating tensions, Governor Fubara called on his supporters and all residents of Rivers State to avoid violence and adhere to the rule of law, assuring them that he is managing the situation effectively. Fubara’s appeal for calm aims to stabilize the state’s political climate amidst allegations and counter-allegations.

Despite these challenges, Wike’s focus remains steadfast on his responsibilities as FCT Minister. During his inspection tour, he highlighted the progress of various infrastructural projects that are set to be inaugurated. These projects are part of a broader initiative to mark President Tinubu’s first year in office, showcasing the administration’s achievements and commitment to development.

Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has confirmed that the legal team is fully prepared for the resumption of Kanu’s trial on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Announcing on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Ejimakor stated, “PUBLIC NOTICE: MAZI NNAMDI KANU’s case set for 20th May 2024 will hold. The Court shall convene at 12 noon. Ground zero: Federal High Court, Abuja. #MnkLegalTeam is primed & in battle array. #NoShaking.”

In his post, Ejimakor thanked the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its ruling in the case of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) v. Nnamdi Kanu. The court had previously held that “Crime cannot be committed [by Nigerian Govt.] as a valid means of crime prevention & control.” He criticized the government’s actions, labeling them as criminal acts, including extraordinary rendition, kidnapping, and criminal abduction, which he argued threaten the rule of law.

“When a Government [like Nigeria] established by LAW resorts to the commission of crimes [extraordinary rendition/kidnapping/criminal abduction] as a means of crime control and prevention, the RULE OF LAW becomes ENDANGERED. The question we ask then is: What becomes of justice, people & society when the sanctity of rule of law is destroyed by those employed to uphold it? It’s long overdue to do JUSTICE. #FreeMNK,” Ejimakor stated.

Kanu’s trial for terrorism charges will proceed at the Abuja Federal High Court, where his legal team plans to challenge the legitimacy of the charges and the procedures used to detain him. This trial is a focal point for various supporters and human rights advocates worldwide, who are pushing for Kanu’s release and a fair judicial process.

The controversy surrounding Kanu’s detention, particularly his extradition from Kenya, has raised significant legal and ethical questions. Supporters argue that his capture and transfer to Nigeria violated international law, casting a shadow over the legitimacy of the proceedings against him.