- NLNG to Invest N36m in Tackling Erosion, Drought, Others
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited is investing about N36m ($100, 000) to help in finding solutions to erosion, droughts and desertification plaguing different parts of the country as a result of climate change.
The investment will be in form of a cash prize for the winner of the Nigeria Prize for Science sponsored by NLNG.
The Nigeria Prize for Science, which is in its 15th year, is focused on addressing various issues that affect the country, and will this year; take on challenges of climate change, where 29 scientists will vie to find long-lasting solutions to environmental problems.
At the handover of the 2019 entries to the advisory board of the prize in Lagos, Prof Alfred Susu, who chairs the board, said there had been serious challenges with the effects of climate change in Nigeria.
The NLNG’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Mr Andy Odeh, stated that the business of scientific innovation and research was not an easy task, especially in Nigeria, with paucity of research funds and the resulting increase in lack of interest.
According to him, the NLNG will continue through the Nigeria Prize for Science to find excellence even if it is to be found in the darkest corner as the company remains committed to changing the narrative of the nation through scientific prowess, through which many nations have excelled.
He explained that although climate change remained a myth to so many people, its impact could be seen on the environment and agriculture.
Odeh said, “We have all seen the growing rate of desertification in the northern part of our country. Climate change is real and that is why NLNG believes that solutions to this threat can be engendered through a competition such as the Nigeria Prize for Science. The prize is another opportunity for NLNG to contribute to the development of the country.
“The Nigeria Prize is open to all irrespective of nationality. What is common to all past and prospective winners is the focus on solving Nigeria’s problems through scientific endeavours. It does not matter who finds solutions to the Nigerian problems. All that counts is that it helps to build a better Nigeria, in line with the vision of Nigeria LNG.”
He said the entries, which came in response to a call for entries published in national dailies in February, 2019, would be examined on their merits of excellence in advancing the frontiers of knowledge in or providing innovative solutions to the issue of climate change in Nigeria.
Susu said regardless of the number of entries, the judging process for the competition would take its course.