The Sani Bello Foundation, in collaboration with Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, conducted a surgical festival at the General Hospital Kontagora, providing free surgeries to 533 patients. The initiative, led by Retired Col. Sani Bello, aims to support indigent patients who cannot afford medical expenses. The project, supported by doctors from Kaduna, alleviates financial burdens and improves health outcomes for Nigerians. The outreach included surgeries for various ailments and free eye screenings, significantly impacting the lives of the less privileged.

Niger State Government has partnered with Jade Partners and Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Ltd to initiate a 5,000-hectare sesame farming project. This collaboration aims to empower local farmers with advanced techniques, ensure market access for their produce, and create job opportunities, positioning Niger State as a leader in sesame production. Governor Mohammed Bago and Executive Chairman Sammy Adigun emphasize the project's potential to boost agricultural development and economic empowerment in the region.

The Alliance for Green Revolution in Nigeria (AGRA), in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, has initiated a project to overhaul the state's agricultural policy. AGRA is contributing $280,000, with the state providing $27,000, to improve data management and align policies with current priorities. The project aims to strengthen systems, enhance policy implementation, and address climate change issues. Key stakeholders, including Synergos, emphasize the need for sector coordination and increased government expenditure on agriculture.

Residents of Gidan Madara and Dadin Kowa Estate in Minna, Niger State, have raised concerns over harmful emissions from Golden Age Table Water and Polymer Nigeria Limited, alleging significant health risks and environmental degradation. A petition signed by over 45 residents, including notable figures, was submitted to the Niger State Government, highlighting issues such as respiratory diseases and pollution affecting schools and businesses. The CEO of Golden Age Plastic Factory, Anthony Okoli, denied the allegations, asserting compliance with environmental standards and recent efforts to minimize emissions.

A recent report by the Federal Government of Nigeria, supported by UNICEF, highlights the severe challenges faced by Nigerian children, including health, nutrition, and the impacts of climate change. The report reveals that Nigeria has the highest number of 'zero-dose' children, with 2.1 million lacking access to routine vaccinations. Malnutrition affects 40% of children under five, exacerbated by poverty and poor sanitation. Climate change further endangers children, with Nigeria ranking low in readiness to respond to climate emergencies. The report calls for multisectoral collaboration, improved healthcare, education, and sanitation, and stronger climate policies to protect children and secure their future.

Lawmakers in Kaduna State have pledged support for the procurement and distribution of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) to combat malnutrition and anaemia. This commitment was made during a policy dialogue organized by the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), which emphasized the critical issue of malnutrition in Nigeria. The dialogue aimed to secure increased funding and strategic interventions for MMS, with participants agreeing on measures such as creating a dedicated nutrition fund and expanding stakeholder membership. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration among legislative, executive, and relevant stakeholders to improve nutrition outcomes in Kaduna.

The Niger State Government has partnered with FutureCamp, a German consulting firm, to unlock over N1 trillion in green investments. This collaboration, announced during a global climate summit, aims to enhance Niger State's green economy through technical capacity building, regulatory frameworks, and global partnerships. The initiative aligns with Nigeria's climate goals and the Paris Agreement, with the Minister of Environment commending Niger State's leadership in sustainable development.

Niger State, in collaboration with the National Sugar Development Council, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Uttam Sucrotech to revitalize Nigeria's sugar industry. The agreement, made during the G20 Summit in Brazil, aims to develop 250,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations and establish six sugar and ethanol plants in Niger State over three years. The project is expected to significantly boost Nigeria's sugar production, create numerous jobs, and enhance food security. Key figures, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, praised the initiative for its potential economic and infrastructural benefits.

Bangladesh, Ghana, and Senegal have introduced the 'Climate Action Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction' to promote sustainable construction practices aligned with global climate targets at COP29 in Baku. The initiative aims to address challenges like urbanization, housing shortages, and pollution, while reducing emissions and enhancing resilience. The roadmaps focus on low-carbon materials, energy efficiency, and urban resilience, with actions planned for completion by 2050. UN-Habitat emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, supporting low-income communities and local construction traditions.

ActionAid International emphasizes the need for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to secure substantial climate finance to support energy transitions, particularly for poorer nations. Teresa Anderson from ActionAid highlights the importance of setting an ambitious climate finance goal to prevent escalating climate breakdown costs. The focus should be on grants rather than loans, ensuring a just transition involving communities. Friday Ogezi points to the Niger Delta's plight, urging for prioritization of vulnerable communities' needs and adequate financial backing for a just transition.