As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence anniversary, the stark contrast between celebration and the persistent challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and unfulfilled promises becomes evident.

The editorial revisits historical attempts at reform, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission’s (ICPC) prosecutions and the House of Representatives’ inquiry into the unfulfilled $14.5 million aircraft repair contract. Many of these initiatives have faded from public memory, leaving questions about accountability unresolved.

High-profile corruption cases, including the Halliburton scandal involving alleged bribes of $180 million, highlight systemic failures within the political landscape.

The editorial emphasizes the need for collective action from citizens, civil society, and the media to demand transparency and accountability. It warns that without addressing these entrenched failures, Nigeria’s path toward democracy and good governance may continue to be fraught with unfulfilled promises.

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The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has donated US$100,000 (ap-proximately EC$270,000) to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to support recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl.

The funds, drawn from the CDF’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Facility (EDAF), will aid in the removal and transportation of debris from the three Grenadine islands of Canouan, Mayreau, and Union Island.

The grant will finance sea transportation of the debris for safe recycling in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, protecting fragile ecosystems and establishing access corridors for relief de-livery.

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread damage and three deaths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly on the Grenadines islets.

Read also : CARICOM Heads of Government Unite in Grenada to address Regional Challenges

The CDF’s EDAF is a quick response facility designed to ad-dress natural or man-made disasters that exceed the affected country’s ability to cope. The CDF is also working with affected Member States to sup-port the early restoration of livelihoods, promoting regional cohesion and addressing disparities.

In a bid to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable development, governments, experts, and civil society representatives gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Fifth Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergy.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamm emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “We face a moment of truth on climate change.” 

She noted that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and climate disasters are intensifying across all continents, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt.

Mohammed expressed concern that the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is “hanging by a thread”. 

Furthermore, the latest report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals that only 17% are on track, with progress stalled or regressed in over a third of the goals.

To address these challenges, Mohammed stressed that countries must act now to align their climate plans with the 1.5-degree Celsius target and phase out fossil fuels. 

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Grenada Ambassador Chairs OAS Meeting On Hurricane Beryl And Climate Resilience

She also called for reforms to the international financial system to ensure it works in favor of developing countries, rather than against them.

Mohammed emphasized the need for long-term financing to support developing nations, proposing an SDG stimulus plan worth $500 billion annually. 

She also advocated for taxing the wealthy to catalyze the transition to sustainable development.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, echoed the need for integrated solutions to tackle climate change and sustainable development challenges together. 

Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, reaffirmed the commitment to leave no one behind, ensuring that the economic opportunities from the green transition reach every community justly, equitably, and swiftly.

Diaspora Watch reports that the conference, co-convened by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Climate Change Secretariat, aimed to build on the growing evidence for synergistic action to address the interlinked crises.