By Chesa Chesa
As Nigeria prepares for participation in the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), President Bola Tinubu’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale has spearheaded a series of pivotal engagements to prime the country for optimal results from the global events.
On Tuesday, Ngelale met with officials from the Environmental Task Office (ETO), National Climate Change Council (NCCC), and the Presidency to review and synchronize their preparations towards ensuring seamless cross-governmental engagements.
In a strategic virtual meeting, he engaged with Mr. Michael Uwemedimo, the leader of a $100 million project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).The initiative, which launches in 2025, focuses on the large-scale regeneration of mangrove forests in the Niger Delta, a vital effort to offset carbon emissions in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
He also hosted a crucial discussion with Bloomberg Group Executive Nicky Keefe regarding Nigeria’s role in the B20 Business Forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and centred on enhancing value chain localization in renewable energy technologies, a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s renewable energy sector and driving sustainable economic growth.
Same day, Ngelale attended a dinner reception for incoming U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Rick Mills.
The event, which welcomed members of U.S. President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Relations, underscored the strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria, even as it highlighted collaborative efforts in climate action and economic development, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral relations. Ngelale noted in a message to journalists.
