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COP29: Reps, Others Advocate Equitable Policy For Energy Transition

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has solicited for accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants to empower youth in renewable energy in African nations, and most especially in Nigeria.
Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Afam Ogene made this call alongside other stakeholders at a side event co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands based knowledge platform, at the ongoing Conference of Parties, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders are gathered to discuss issues of climate change.
Rep. Ogene also want the inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies regarding developments in climate change and energy transitions are discussed, for a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.
The side event, titled “Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” according to a statement endorsed by both Hon. Ogene and Anika Altaf, PhD, Executive Director, INCLUDE, focused on actionable strategies to foster a fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa. The discussions centered around labor-based incentives, youth-centered policies, and the intersection of equity, sustainability, and job creation.
Speakers at the side event included Ogene, Dr. Altaf, Victoria Manya, (Knowledge Broker, INCLUDE), Nurgul Iliazova, Professor of Economics, Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan, Farida Ally, Kenyan youth leader, Solomon Abu, a nuclear scientist and Kgaugelo Mkumbeni, research officer, Institute for Security Studies, Kenya.
Dr. Altaf in her presentation suggested mentorship programmes and international funding to authentically support youth-led renewable energy projects.
The conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to design labour incentives that not only support job creation, but also address the specific needs of young people. This includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youth-led startups and subsidies for skills acquisition in renewable energy industries; and policies that will integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.
The outcomes of the event reflected a unified approach to addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in the global energy transition.
The statement said further: “Victoria Manya set the scene for the panel’s conversation predicated on three critical points:
• Africa has pressing needs, like job creation and energy access, to address energy poverty.
• Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions, so our transition must prioritize fair, localized strategies.
• For this transition to truly benefit Africa, we must base it on labour incentives that empower youth to take the lead.
“The event underscored the importance of crafting policies that resonate with young people. This involves using youth-friendly language, actively involving young voices in policy formulation, and prioritizing initiatives that align with their aspirations, such as meaningful, skill-based employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.”
The various speakers were also in agreement that “Young people are emerging as key contributors to renewable energy solutions tailored to their communities. These innovations are not only effective but scalable, demonstrating the transformative potential of youth-led technological advancements in combating climate change. Emphasis was placed on the role of AI and digital technologies in enabling this progress. Early exposure, such as teaching coding skills to children as young as eight, was highlighted as a critical step in fostering a generation capable of driving impactful solutions.”
Participants also stressed the importance of involving youths, not merely as advisors but as decision-makers in climate policy formulation.
Standardized toolkits and training programmes were identified as essential for equipping youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the renewable energy sector.
The session called for partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and private sector actors to develop and implement targetted technical and vocational training.
A critical theme in the conversation was ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities are not left behind in the renewable energy transition. Inclusive policies must address systemic inequalities by bridging access gaps, particularly for young people in underprivileged regions.  This approach includes promoting social equity in labour opportunities and decision-making processes.
Global and regional collaboration,
international organizations and regional stakeholders were urged to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. These includes mentorship programs, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.
The event concluded with a call for turning discussions into actionable frameworks, including involving piloting labour-based incentives, integrating youth-focused priorities into national renewable energy policies, and leveraging global forums such as COP 2024 to amplify Africa’s voice in the energy transition.
Participants unanimously urged international organizations and regional stakeholders to provide authentic support for youth-led initiatives. This includes mentorship programmes, direct funding for grassroots projects, and platforms for cross-sector collaboration that prioritize local solutions.
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15 huts razed, one injured in renewed Jukun-Tiv violence

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A fresh outbreak of ethnic violence between the Jukun and Tiv communities has erupted in Taraba State, with suspected Jukun militias launching an early-morning attack on Dekeh Village along the Wukari–Kente Road.
According to security sources available to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

About six armed assailants stormed the village, opening fire indiscriminately and setting 15 huts ablaze. The attack forced residents to flee in panic, leaving behind food items, including yam seedlings, which were destroyed in the blaze.

One resident identified as Mdue Saaondo, sustained gunshot injuries during the assault. He was rescued by a joint team of police and military personnel and transported to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari for medical treatment.

The Taraba State Police Command has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities have also scheduled a security meeting with the Wukari Local Government Traditional Council as part of efforts to restore peace and encourage dialogue between the Tiv and Jukun communities, who have long-standing disputes over land and territorial claims.

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“Patrol and surveillance operations are ongoing to forestall further violence and ensure stability in the area,” police authorities stated.

The incident adds to the growing list of violent clashes that have plagued southern Taraba in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the communal tensions.

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2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles zoom into quarter-final after draw with Kenya

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked a place in the quarter-final at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after playing out a 2-2 draw against Kenya.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished second in Group B with five points from three games.

The Atlas Cub of Morocco top the group with seven points after beating Tunisia 3-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

Kenya started the game strongly, and deservedly took the lead after six minutes.

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Nigeria defender Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball inside the box, and after initially awarding a free kick to Kenya, the centre referee pointed to the spot following consultation with VAR.

Captain Kevin Wangaya Colly slotted the ball past Ebenezer Harcourt to give the Rising Stars the lead.

The Flying Eagles fought back seven minutes later with Lillestrøm striker Kparobo Arierhi netting after he was put on through on goal by Simon Cletus.

Nigeria dominated the game in the second half but failed to test the Kenyan goalkeeper.

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Kenya took the lead for the second time in the game through substitute William Nwangi on 68 minutes.

Nwangi lashed home Humphrey Kegengo’s free kick from inside the box.

Daniel Bameyi, however, converted from the spot to hand the Flying Eagles a share of the spoils.

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Trump announces judicial nominees, accuses US court of obstruction

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United States President Donald Trump has announced a fresh slate of judicial nominees in a series of posts on Truth Social on Tuesday.

The president, who has repeatedly expressed frustration over what he sees as judicial obstruction, followed up on Wednesday with a post criticising the judiciary for allegedly preventing him from carrying out the mandate of the American people.

The Republican leader, whose second-term agenda has encountered multiple judicial roadblocks, wrote: “Our Court System is not letting me do the job I was Elected to do.

“Activist judges must let the [Donald] Trump Administration deport murderers, and other criminals who have come into our Country illegally, WITHOUT DELAY!!!”

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Trump named Maria Lanahan, Missouri’s Principal Deputy Solicitor General, as a nominee for a judgeship on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. He praised her as “a true patriot” in a post on Tuesday.

The 78-year-old also nominated Judge Cristian Stevens to serve on the same court, describing him in another post as “a Great Patriot.”

The announcements came a day after a federal appeals court declined the Trump administration’s request to revoke temporary legal status from hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans living in the United States.

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