Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to partner with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), to propel the water resources and sanitation sector towards achieving its objectives and mandate.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev,who stated this during a meeting with NESG delegation in his office in Abuja, emphasized the import of private sector engagement in realising the ministry’s goals.

He commended the NESG for its contributions to Nigeria’s development and pledged to collaborate with NESG to accelerate the implementation of water resources and sanitation mandate to take Nigeria to the next level in line with the agenda of the present administration.

Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer-Designate of NESG,recalled the inception of the first Nigerian Economic Summit, where the government and private sector jointly established six fundamental principles, including democracy, national interest governance, the rule of law, enabling business environment, private sector commitment, and free enterprise, as the basis for a modern economy.

He also disclosed the key role of the Summit in driving transformation in Nigeria, including the conceptualisation of Global Mobile System network (GSM), pension reform, liberalisation of the maritime sector and other numerous development plans.

He affirmed the private sector’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in implementing strategic commitment to fulfil the current administration’s mandate by attracting substantial international investments and transforming water resources into a valuable asset.

Mr. Gabriel Ekanem, Thematic Head for Water and Sanitation under the Infrastructure Policy Commission of NESG, elaborated on NESG’s previous collaborations with the Ministry.

He explained that these collaborations encompass areas such as water supply, data collection,water resources master plan, and regulatory frameworks for water resources management.

Mohammed Shosanya

TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc,has planted 114 trees and collected 4706 kilograms of waste in Edo, Lagos, and Kano,in commemoration of the 2023 World Clean-Up Day.

The company also created awareness on the journey towards a circular economy, the sensitization of communities on the need to protect the environment and ultimately, leave behind a sustainable world for future generations.

A statement from company quoted that six secondary schools:Obele Community High School, Surulere, Lagos; Gbaja Boys Senior High School, Lagos; Idia College, Benin City, Edo State; Emotan College, Benin City, Edo State; Mario Tijani Girls Science College Kano, Kano State; and Government Boys Technical College, Kano participated in the activities.

Speaking at Obele Senior Secondary School and Ideal Girls High School Surulere, Lagos, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samba Seye said, “The 2023 World Clean-up Day is a clarion call to action for Nigerians to make the planet safe.”

He explained that the objective of the initiative was to meet some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by demonstrating TotalEnergies commitment to protecting the environment and promoting climate actions while provoking environmental consciousness among o communities and young persons.

He restated the company’s transformation towards cleaner energies.

He said: “We are constantly embracing initiatives that support biodiversity and environmental preservation. More than ever before, there is heightened need for environmental consciousness as the climate beckons for action from every individual. We are therefore intentional in creating necessary awareness and implementing actions that protect the environment.”

The Managing Director’s speech was read by representatives at the other locations of Edo and Kano States,the statement said.

The call for action was corroborated by Deputy Director, Conservation and Ecology, Ministry of Environment, Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Adeola,who represented the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

He said:“We are harnessing the power of the people to clean up the earth. If we treat our environment well, it will treat us well. This change must begin with us.”

Over 50 permanent employees of the Company participated in the activities through the employee volunteers’ platform, ACTION!.

Besides,over 100 staff from the company’s service stations and over 330 students volunteered across the six locations/schools in the participating States.

Representatives of the Ministries of Education and Environment in the selected States, officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State, staff of the Kano State Zoological Garden and Tourism, 10 volunteers from the Ogba Zoological Park and Garden in Benin City, Edo State, and two sanitation officers from Benin City, Edo State also participated in the activities.

The World Cleanup Day is an annual global social action programme aimed at combating the global solid waste problem. It is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September and brings together pro-environment enthusiasts worldwide to clean up and care for their communities.

Mohammed Shosanya

NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) has launched its Clean Water Initiative, a programme to raise awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution and to advocate for action to address the issue.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of NSML, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed,noted the detrimental effects of the plastic crisis on economic activities, human health, and the environment.

“Our waterways, and by extension the world’s oceans, are in the depths of a plastic crisis. Plastics and marine pollution have found their way into every marine ecosystem, impacting economic activities and the health of our people and the environment.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our oceans. The NSML Clean Water Initiative is our way of contributing to the global effort to tackle plastic pollution. We urge everyone to join us in this important work,” Mr Ahmed said.

Also speaking ,Nigeria LNG Limited’s (NLNG’s) General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said that the clean water initiative was a universal cause, given the importance of water to human existence.

The launch of the Clean Water Initiative comes at a time when the world is facing a growing plastic pollution crisis. According to the United Nations, over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans every year, and scientists warn that by 2050, there will be more plastic (by weight) than fish in the sea.

The NSML Clean Water Initiative is a call to action for all stakeholders to address this urgent problem. It adopts a “TRIPLE A” Awareness, Advocacy, and Action strategy. It seeks to raise public awareness, educate stakeholders, and drive policy changes and solutions at the sub-national and national levels. The initiative will focus on clean-up efforts, improving waste management, and promoting recycling practices to reduce the inflow of plastics and waste into our rivers and waterways.

The launch of the Clean Water Initiative was attended by stakeholders in the industry.

The NSML Clean Water Initiative is a significant step forward in the fight against plastic pollution.

NSML is a subsidiary of NLNG. The private limited liability company provides shipping and maritime services which include training, manning, fleet management and consultancy services.

Mohammed Shosanya

UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc,has renewed its drive towards promoting sustainability and fostering Africa’s green revolution.

The foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental preservation in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change and advance ecological conservation.

As part of activities to ensure the safety of the environment and in line with its environmental mandate, the Foundation last Thursday, flagged off its 2023 Tree Planting Campaign in partnership with the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPARK), at the UBA Foundation Garden, Marina Lagos and the International Airport Setback Garden, Ikeja Lagos; and across all its locations in the 20 African countries with the theme: Shades of Hope: One Tree at a Time.

Its Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, who flagged off the campaign with a symbolic tree planting at the UBA Foundation Garden, Marina Lagos, said that the bank, through its Foundation actively engages in environmental conservation to safeguard the natural ecosystems that Africa depends on.

He explained that by partnering with stakeholders and government agencies, UBA Foundation supports programs that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health and also serves as an inspiration for sustainable practices.

He said:“With the ongoing heatwave that has been reported across the United States, United Kingdom and China, we know that the issue of climate change has to be taken seriously now more than ever. We therefore have to act fast to save our planet for the future generations. There is the need to conserve our environment, and planting trees is one of the ways we can achieve this.

“To us as a bank, this is very symbolic as we are committed to saving our host communities. We are very strong on our Corporate Social Responsibilities, infact, as a bank, UBA devotes one percent of its annual profit to improve education, the environment, and to generally give back to the society where we operate.”

One of the key partners with UBA Foundation on its sustainability efforts is LASPARK.

The General Manger, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, who was at the tree planting effort in Lagos, commended UBA for its efforts at planting over 1,000 trees, across all its branches in Africa, as she added that initiatives such as these compliment government efforts.

She said: “Collaborations such as these are important, and we do not fail to let people know that planting trees is very crucial to build a safer and sustainable environment which is important for us. So, we advise that people should learn to plant trees for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and others, you can plant at your balconies, gardens, rooftops galleries, anywhere”

Mohammed Shosanya

Chevron Nigeria Limited ,operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL, identifies with this global action to address the impact of plastic pollution as it aligns with our commitment to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy.

The company affirmed this in commemoration of this year’s World Environment Day in the world.

The company says it conducts its business in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations and best industry practices, and has made environmental stewardship part of its social investment programmes.

Rick Kennedy, CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, explains that the company’s approach to sustainability is highlighted by its commitment to protecting the environment, empowering its people, and always getting results the right way.

“Environmental protection is a key Operational Excellence focus that is integrated into our project planning and life cycle of our assets. We implement a robust process for management of wastes, including solid wastes like plastics of various densities through reduction, reuse, and recycling options.

“We continue to assess and implement reduction of single-use plastic water bottles by providing water dispensers. We have also invested in waste management equipment to shred, crush, and compact for recycling and re-use of waste by third party service providers. These actions have prevented our used plastics from leaking into our immediate natural environment,” he stated.

According to Rick, CNL’s Operational Excellence Management System delivers industry-leading performance in process safety, personal safety and health, environment, reliability, and efficiency.

“Our focus on the environment during decision making lays the foundation for sound environmental management. The company protects the environment through the entire lifecycle from responsible design, development, operations, and asset retirement,” he stated.

CNL recognizes the importance of minimizing its environmental footprints by promoting ecosystem restoration. The company continually aims to achieve world class environmental excellence through implementation of its Environment Risk Management process to identify, assess, mitigate against, and manage environmental risks, environmentally related community health risks, and environmentally related social risks.

It is also advancing its lower carbon strategy by focusing on lowering the carbon intensity of its operations and by implementing methane detection and reduction capabilities. CNL utilizes high tech Optical Gas Imaging (“OGI”) cameras for detecting fugitive emissions and in the past 10 years has reduced routine gas flaring by over 97% in its operations.

The company, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (“NCF”), established the Lekki Conservation Centre in 1992. This 78-hectare facility, a center of excellence in environmental research and education, is reserved as a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula.

In 2005, the company commenced support for a yearly postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the NCF.

Besides, the company hosts the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture to promote environmental management awareness and partners with the Lagos State Government and NCF to sponsor the annual Walk for Nature event, a programme aimed at creating awareness for nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.

The theme of the 2019 edition was “Plastic Pollution, the enemy of our development agenda.” Esimaje Brikinn, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs notes that CNL recognizes the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity.

“We have a long history of working in collaboration with communities, industry groups, regulators, and conservation groups to identify and protect biodiversity in parts of the world where we operate. For over 60 years, the company has remained an active agent of sustainable development and strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment. We will continue to partner with stakeholders in raising public awareness to create the transformative environmental change we need to advance to a more sustainable world that Beats plastic pollution for ourselves and for future generations,” he said.

Mohammed Shosanya

Climate activists have identified lack of awareness, limited technical competence and know-how, limited investment, inadequate financial mechanisms to facilitate and promote investment in renewable energy as some of the obstacles to the adoption of renewable energy in Africa.

Other factors are lack of tax incentives,lack of local manufacturing and assembly plants, insufficient policy and regulatory frameworks.

The activists disclosed this while unveiling the findings of research that reflects on the barriers of renewable energy and climate change policies in parts of West Africa.

The report was launched as Civil Society Organizations and grassroots groups under the Afrika Vuka network held actions across the continent to highlight the role of renewable energy as a solution to the region’s energy and climate crises.

The research focused on the state of renewable energy in Benin, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria highlighting potential areas of intervention to support the adoption of renewable energy and foster a just transition to renewable energy on the continent,a statement said.

The report identified the need for strong and steady promotion of renewable energy in the targeted countries, by raising awareness of its benefits and opportunities, removal of financial barriers, implementation of enabling policies, encouraging innovation and research, as well as upskilling of workers.

They underscored the need to address the barriers to the build out of community-centered renewable energy systems and the phasing out of fossil fuels, to avert worsening climate impacts, for a continent that already suffers disproportionately from these impacts.

Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director, 350Africa.org said:“While our continent is sadly on the frontlines of the climate crisis that we have done little to cause, we are fortunate to have access to some of the solutions. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address her own energy needs, but also potentially lead the global energy transition.

“What is required are concerted efforts by governments and other stakeholders to address the barriers to renewable energy – starting with finance and policy- by creating an enabling regulatory environment for its adoption, accelerating the shift away from polluting fossil fuels, while investing consistently in powering up community-centered renewable energy solutions that are absolutely critical to ensuring that we avert catastrophic climate impacts and secure a liveable future for us all.”

Michael Terungwa, Climate activist and Founder – Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem (GIFSEP), Nigeria said:We need safe, reliable and sustainable energy systems to drive our economies. Continued dependence on polluting fossil fuels is not an option for us, as it has resulted in a climate crisis that is devastating communities.

“Just last year, Nigeria suffered flooding that led to the loss of hundreds of lives and displacement of an estimated 1.5 million others. We are counting on the political will of our new leadership to pave the way for the much needed just transition in Nigeria by being intentional in implementing relevant policies that create a conducive environment for the adoption of renewable energy. “

Portia Adu Mensah, National Coordinator – 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon(350GROC) said:”Ghana needs an ambitious and concrete plan for renewable energy as we shoot for at least 30% renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by the year 2030. We not only need to break free from fossil fuels, but also ensure that small-scale, off grid community friendly renewable energy is accessible to all. The involvement of communities in this is crucial, to ensure that plans factor in their views and interests as well as safeguard the well-being of the environment.”

Raïssa Oureya from the Renewable Energy Coalition said:The recently launched Renewable Energy Coalition (REC) of grassroots groups in Benin and Togo is geared at advocating for the adoption of renewable energy in these two countries that have great potential in renewable energy, but still rely heavily on energy imports.

“It’s critical to maintain the push for a sustainable energy future built on renewables to enhance energy security and address the climate crisis. Beyond the launch of this research, we are holding various actions to raise awareness on the role of renewable energy in enhancing sustainable development in hopes that this will spur a much needed clean energy transition”

Ferron Pedro, South Africa Senior campaigner, 350Africa.org said,”South Africa’s energy crisis is a stark reminder of the dangers of reliance on fossil fuels. A just energy future built on socially owned renewable energy is possible and necessary to ensure access to affordable, safe energy for all while creating millions of green jobs.

“We call for transparency and meaningful public participation in the implementation of just energy transition programmes to ensure that the needs and interests of workers, communities and marginalized groups are placed centrally in the development of local, job-creating renewable energy industries”.

Mohammed Shosanya

African Development Bank Group President,Dr. Akinwumi Adesina,has lamented that Africa is being short-changed in climate finance.

Africa is choking,he said,adding that it was wrong for developed countries to shun the $100 billion-a-year climate finance pledge they made to developing countries.

He spoke with journalists from Africa and around the world at a media lunch organized to kick off its 2023 Annual Meetings in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El

“Your role as the media is very important to help carry the news – the news of efforts being made, challenges being faced, and the fierce urgency of now in getting much-needed climate finance to Africa,” he said.

The Bank Group’s Annual Meetings will allow the Bank’s Board of Governors, African leaders and development partners to explore practical ways of “mobilizing private sector financing for climate and green growth in Africa,” in line with the theme of this year’s meetings.

He said the theme was chosen to draw attention to the urgent need for climate finance.

He added:“Anywhere you look in Africa today, climate change is causing havoc,” Adesina said. “In the Sahel, hotter temperatures are drying up limited water, causing water stress for crops and livestock and worsening food insecurity.”

He said that in vast areas of East and Southern Africa, and in the Horn of Africa, a combination of droughts and floods is causing massive losses of people and infrastructure, leading to rising numbers of refugees.

“There is still much to do, as Africa’s private sector climate financing will need to increase by 36% annually,” he said.

The African Development Bank is spearheading climate adaptation efforts across the continent and has devoted 63% of its climate finance, the highest among all multilateral development banks.

The Bank and the Global Center for Adaptation have launched the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) to mobilize $25 billion to support Africa’s adaptation to climate change. It has also established Alliance for Green Infrastructure (AGIA) in partnership with other institutions, to mobilize $10 billion in private investment for green infrastructure in Africa.

Adesina and the Bank Group’s operational vice presidents answered questions on the potential for using capital market instruments such as green bonds to back climate-related investments.

According to Bank estimates, Africa will need $2.7 trillion by 2030 to finance its climate change needs.

Adesina said, “If Africa had that money, the Sahel would have electricity. If Africa had that money, we would recharge the Chad basin, which has provided livelihoods for millions of people in Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. Everything will change in all those countries; we will green the Sahel. We will insure every single African country against catastrophic weather events.”

Adesina told the journalists, “Africa’s measured natural capital alone is estimated to be worth $6.2 trillion,” which, if well harnessed, can spur a more rapid economic growth and wealth generation.

He spoke on the bank’s flagship Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) scheme that provides heat-tolerant seed varieties to increase yield in crops such as wheat. He gave the example of Ethiopia which is now self-sufficient in wheat production and plans to export the surplus to neighbouring countries.

Tunde Sholanke

The Oyo State Environmental Task Force has arrested no fewer than 4,000 Environmental offenders since its creation till date,

Its Chairman, DCP Ojomo Francis,who disclosed this in Ibadan, on Wednesday, said some were committed to community service after trial, while others paid fines.

According to him,over N30 million has been paid as fine by various offenders into the coffers of Oyo State Government.

He urged the public to obey environmental laws of the state,saying the development will sustain the healthiness and good neighborliness in the society.

He appealed to Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State to pay attention to cleaning their environment, as the TASKFORCE is watching everyone.

He also reiterated the commitment of the state government towards ensuring a healthy and safe environment.

He added: “This is not the first time we appeal to members of the public to obey our environmental laws, so that we will have sustained peace and health in our society.

“Item 11, of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places a premium on sanitation and sustainable environment. We do not need to attend any formal school to take care of our environment in our own interest”.

The Oyo State Environmental Protection Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday, convicted five offenders for violating environmental laws in the state.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Jubreel Kareem, while speaking with journalists, disclosed that during monitoring in Ibadan, the five offenders were arrested.

He said two of the offenders, Olanrewaju Deola and Funmilayo Ayoola were found disposing wastes illegally at unauthorized places, they also failed to provide a standard refuse drum contrary to Oyo State Environmental Laws, 2013.

The persons admitted to have committed the offences and were convicted to three months of imprisonment or an option of fines of N5000, N2500, N2500, each.

Another offender, Olabisi Olatunde who was caught at Preboyes, along UI-Bodija dumping refuse on the median pleaded guilty. The tribunal thereafter fined her N7, 500.

John Blessing and Ali Sumaiya were caught illegally displaying goods by road side at Mokola.

The Tribunal ruled that this is against Section 2 sub-section 14 of the Oyo State Waste Management Law of 2014 and thereafter fined them 2500 each.

Tunde Sholanke

Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, a Sahara Group company, and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) have commenced a partnership geared towards the establishment of a nature reserve in Ikorodu to promote environmental sustainability.

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group,explained that the reserve would serve as a sanctuary for animals and plants as well as a carbon sink to help reduce the effect of climate change,a statement said.

“We are excited at the prospects this partnership holds and the positive impact we expect as Sahara Group continues to lead the charge towards environmental sustainability, especially in Africa where we have our roots. We also see huge prospects for socio-economic benefits through ecotourism, air quality control, and urban heat reduction,” she said.

According to her,the proposed Nature Reserve would anchor its activities on four thematic programs, including: awareness building and advocacy, environmental education and resource center, ecotourism destination, and preservation of cultural heritage. She noted that It would also serve as a biological laboratory for research, an attribute stakeholders say can trigger the development of similar reserves in the sub-region.

“This collaboration will leverage the strengths and expertise, including Sahara Group’s experience in promoting sustainable development, its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and the NCF’s expertise in environmental conservation,” she added.

Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General, NCF, said the organization was delighted to enter the collaborate with Sahara Group and Egbin Power towards preserving the full range of Nigeria’s biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of the present and future generations; and advocating actions that minimize pollution and wasteful utilization of renewable resources.

“Sahara Group has demonstrated commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint through the conservation of an expanse of forest area within Egbin Power Plc facility. This is in line with one of the key goals of NCF’s Green Recovery Nigeria Programme, which aims to increase the forest cover in Nigeria to at least 25% of the total land mass through management and expansion of protected areas as well as forest landscape restoration. The environment connects us all, and we will continue to build partnerships with stakeholders in the country and globally,” he stated.

Speaking on the partnership, Mokhtar Bounour, Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power said the power firm Would continue to play a frontline role in the conservation of the native flora and fauna of the area.

“The nature reserve will demonstrate seamless regeneration of the forest as a paradigm shift from afforestation and ultimately help us achieve a sustainable environmental bank for wildlife and plants that would have been displaced during construction and other activities, ensuring their availability for research and environmental education,” he said.

Egbin Power has planted over 1,000 trees and deployed electric buggies, scooters, bicycles and continues to implement walk-to-walk day and other zero emissions campaigns, digital publications, and other initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

The nature reserve will also create an ecotourism destination that absorbs the number of people relocating to the area because of the proposed Fourth Mainland bridge, the international airport at Lekki, among other developments.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF),has provided a grant to support indigenous non governmental organisation, SWEEP Foundation, on their Green Campus Project , designed to upscale the implementation of a comprehensive waste management program in select university campuses in Nigeria.

The pilot phase of this project will collaborate with selected higher educational institutions in Nigeria. The project will provide waste and environmental education, establish university campus community drop-off points and recycling hubs, while simultaneously providing an additional income stream for the campus community youth who participate in the program.

The implementation of this waste reduction scheme will facilitate the deployment of key infrastructures and mobile collection receptacles across participating institutions in the country,a statement said.

It added:”Overall, this program will help accelerate and improve collection of discarded plastic bottles (PET) leveraging targeted awareness programs on campus community recycling.The Green Campus Project is schedule to flag off in the following universities- University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, University of Port-Harcourt and Obafemi Awolowo University.

“And will focus on galvanizing support for more sustainable means of dealing with packaging waste through cost effective aggregation models. It also aspires to eliminate waste incineration, a common practice in many institutions in Nigeria”

The project will support 250 students with training, logistic, PPE and other incentives in each campus-based recycling and waste collection hub as they volunteer the various drop-off centers.

Commenting,Amb. Phillips Obuesi, President, SWEEP Foundation, reiterated the impact of the program on the selected universities and surrounding communities saying, “University campuses suffer from indiscriminate waste disposal habits of its staff and students, mostly occasioned by low – level awareness and inadequate infrastructures to support proper waste management across these campuses. Tertiary institutions as change agents in society play a central role in supporting students to forge more sustainable habits that are necessary to tackle plastic pollution. The Green Campus Project is therefore strategically positioned to lead the charge in these universities”.

Speaking on this project, the President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg, said, “We recognize that student communities are critical stakeholders in our broad strategy to preserve and protect our ecosystem. We are proud to support this initiative which will not only improve the waste value chain of Campuses in Nigeria but will also help inspire an entire generation of environmental advocates”.

The Green Campus Project was officially launched at a Flag-off ceremony on 5th April 2023, at the University of Ibadan.