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Nigeria’s Nuclear Ambitions Slammed As Climate Misstep

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Nigeria's Nuclear Ambitions Slammed As Climate Misstep

As Nigeria and other African countries increasingly announce plans to embrace nuclear power in their energy mix, a coalition of civil society organisations from Africa, Europe, and Russia has released a scathing new report labelling the continent’s nuclear ambitions a ‘false climate solution.’

The report titled “The Alarming Rise of False Climate Solutions in Africa: The Nuclear Energy Misadventure”, is released in the build-up to the Bonn Climate Change Conference (SB62), which will begin on June 16. It critiques the growing interest in nuclear energy by countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others, warning that the nuclear route is expensive, dangerous, and incompatible with the urgency of the global climate crisis.

Prepared by twelve organisations, including Ghana’s 360 Human Rights, Kenya’s Centre for Justice, Governance and Environmental Action, and Russia’s Ecodefense, the report argues that nuclear power is being promoted at the expense of viable and truly sustainable alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.

“From environmental disasters to health risks and economic concerns, it’s time for Ghana to reject nuclear power plans. Nuclear accidents and radioactive waste don’t just threaten us today–they endanger future generations,” the executive director of 360 Human Rights, Alberta Kpeleku stated.

The 2018 Goldman Prize recipient for Africa, Makoma Lekalakala, noted in her foreword that nuclear energy undermines Africa’s climate goals.

“It obstructs the urgent need to reach net zero through truly clean and sustainable means,” she wrote.

Activists also raise security concerns. “Nigeria is not ready to manage nuclear plants. With our history of oil infrastructure sabotage, a nuclear facility could become a target for terrorism.”

The executive director, the Renevyln Development Initiative, Philip Jakpor, told me that Nuclear plans are a “misadventure”, adding that Nigeria is not ready to host nuclear plants because we don’t have the capacity to manage it.

“We have had longstanding difficulties with oil and gas infrastructure where pipelines are frequently the target of sabotage, theft or terrorism, causing enormous environmental damage in the Niger Delta. A nuclear power station would inevitably become a “target of terrorists”. Security at a nuclear power station would need to be akin to a “military base” probably protected by another country such as Russia,” Jakpor further explained.

The coalition therefore advised that Africa’s future must be powered by clean, safe, and community-driven energy solutions, not by the dangers and debts of nuclear power.

Allafriaca.com

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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