swerte99 sign up 10 popular gifts likely to sell out fast during Black Friday salesToday, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) stands as a hub for over 160 listed companies, with a total market capitalization of N58.91 trillion as of November 2024. Among these, only a select few surpass the $1 billion valuation milestone, showcasing the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s top-performing firms. Leading the market are giants like Airtel Africa, Dangote Cement, and BUA Foods, collectively valued at over N20 trillion, which represents nearly 40% of the NGX’s total market capitalization. Related Stories Nigeria’s Anthony Chiejina and others featured in ‘2024 world most influential communications executives’ Dangote Wins ECOWAS’ Manufacturing Brand of the Year Award Behind these billion-dollar companies are directors of marketing and communications. These leaders play a vital role in driving revenue growth, fostering industry partnerships, and ensuring their brands thrive in competitive and volatile markets. Their innovative strategies and ability to manage crises effectively have positioned their companies for sustained success while building trust among stakeholders. This article highlights 10 marketing and communications leaders who lead the expert teams reshaping Nigeria’s corporate landscape. From managing brand narratives to leveraging data-driven strategies, they have become the driving force behind some of the country’s most valuable and influential companies. Tolu Alero Ladipo- Group Head of Marketing/Corporate Comms UBA Market cap-N1.1 trillion Tolu Alero Ladipo is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, marketing strategy, and customer experience. She is currently the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA Group, a role she has held since April 2023. Prior to UBA, she was the Executive Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Old Mutual Nigeria, where she led marketing efforts from August 2018 to July 2023. Tolu has also worked in senior marketing roles at United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Smile Communications Nigeria, building brand strategies and executing impactful campaigns. Tolu holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade from the University of Essex (2001-2002), a Bachelor of Law (BL) from The Nigerian Law School (2004-2005), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Northumbria, Newcastle (1998-2001). Her expertise spans strategic marketing, advertising, and customer relationship management. As of November 22, 2024, UBA’s market capitalization reached N1.1 trillion, fueled by strong Q3 2024 performance. Interest income, which accounted for 77% of gross earnings, saw notable growth. Despite a 19% decline in Q3, interest income from loans and advances contributed 40.4% of total interest income for the quarter and 37% for the nine-month period. Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade)- Chief Communications GTCO Market cap: N1.6 trillion Oyinade Adegite (Ogunade) is the Chief Communication Officer at GTCO Plc, a role she has held since July 2021. She is responsible for developing and implementing the brand and communication strategy for one of Africa’s largest financial services groups. With over 20 years of experience in banking, strategy, and communication, she is widely recognized as a leading growth strategist in the finance sector. From 2012 to 2022, Oyinade served as Head of Corporate Communication at GTBank, where she spearheaded marketing initiatives that drove significant revenue growth and customer acquisition across multiple African markets. Between 2009 and 2011, she worked at Stanbic IBTC as Global Markets Head, specializing in interest rate sales and structuring. Earlier in her career, she gained experience in treasury and upstream energy roles at GTBank between 2003 and 2006. Oyinade holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Management from Cranfield University (2006–2007) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos (1997–2000). She is passionate about leveraging strategic communication to enhance corporate reputation, foster trust, and deliver meaningful impact. GT Holding ranks ninth with a valuation of N1.60 trillion, representing 2.5% of the total equity market. The company’s stock saw a 7% price appreciation. Olarewaju Daramola-General Manager, Commercial Aradel Holdings Market cap- N2.2trillion Olarewaju Daramola is a seasoned professional with over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, holding senior roles across Nigeria, Australia, and the Netherlands. His expertise spans commercial operations, government relations, opportunity maturation, contracts and agreements, acquisitions, and divestment deals. He joined Aradel Holdings in September 2021, bringing his vast knowledge and leadership to drive the company’s commercial strategy and operational excellence. Daramola holds a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos, and an MBA from Rushmore University. Prior to Aradel, he served as Gas Planning and Optimisation Manager for Shell Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the country’s gas strategy, business planning, and gas advocacy. He also served as Non-Operated Venture Manager, overseeing governance, marginal fields management, divestment transactions, and commercial agreements, solidifying his reputation as a transformational leader in the industry. Oyindamola Fashogbon- Head Brand Marketing/Corp Comms Transcorp Power Market Cap – N2.69 trillion Oyindamola Fashogbon is a distinguished marketing and communications professional, recognized as one of the Top 35 Under 35 Marketing and Communication Professionals. With over six years of experience spanning corporate communications, integrated marketing, and brand management, she has made significant contributions across industries, including technology, energy, and aviation. Before joining Transcorp Power in August 2024, Oyindamola worked at Quidax, Cavista Holdings, and Dataleum, contributing significantly to the success of brands like Airtel, Nokia, and Nestlé. Her extensive background also includes roles at Green Africa and Noah’s Ark Communications, where she developed and executed impactful marketing campaigns. Oyindamola holds a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria, an Award in Applied Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (with distinction), and certifications in Brand Management and Data Science. She also has a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management from YABATECH. Transcorp Power, listed in 2023, represents 4% of the market capitalization with a stock price of N359, although it experienced a 19% decline in share price during the quarter. Yvonne Afe- Director External Affairs & Social performance Seplat Energy Market Cap– N3.3 trillion Yvonne Afe has over 24 years of extensive experience in marketing and communications across various industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, and financial services. She joined Seplat Energy in May 2023 as Director of External Affairs, where she is responsible for managing Seplat’s global reputation, external relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Prior to Seplat, Yvonne held senior roles at Access Bank, where she served as Head of Marketing Communications from May 2022 to June 2023 and Group Head of Retail Marketing & Analytics from April 2019 to May 2022. Yvonne’s earlier experience includes serving as Head of Corporate Communications at Diamond Bank, Marketing Manager at MultiChoice, and Brand Manager at Cadbury Nigeria. She also worked as Senior Manager for Brand Assets and Activations at Airtel Nigeria and Senior Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Nigeria, where she developed and executed various brand strategies and consumer promotions. Afe holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Imperial College Business School and a Diploma in Direct Marketing from The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing. She has a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from the University of Port Harcourt (1992–1996). Seplat Energy, with a market capitalization of N3.3 trillion , is a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its recent $1.28 billion acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian assets strengthened its market position, with its share price surging 146.75% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka- Chief Marketing Officer MTN Nigeria Market cap –N3.6 trillion With over 23 years of experience spanning telecommunications, logistics, and education, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is a business leader renowned for crafting innovative strategies, expanding markets, and fostering talent development. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, with an MBA in General Management from Alliance Manchester Business School (2008-2010) and a BSc in Geology from the University of Calabar (1994-1997). She has further honed her expertise through executive programs at Columbia Business School (Business to Business Marketing, 2014) and Harvard Business School (Strategic Negotiations, 2012). At MTN, Onyinye has made a significant impact by developing profitable business models for enterprise and digital initiatives, serving SMEs, large organizations, and multinationals. As General Manager, Enterprise Sales, she led nationwide efforts, achieving consistent year-on-year growth and driving market expansion. Her ability to oversee go-to-market models has nurtured emerging products into mature, revenue-generating engines. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka is an accomplished international speaker on leadership, commercial strategies, and technology. She serves as guest faculty at Tekedia Institute and PearlMutual Academy, co-founded theOIEhub, and is a John Maxwell-certified leader. Additionally, she is on the boards of two Nigerian startups, a member of the Forbes Business Development Council, and a doctoral student at Cranfield University, UK. MTN Nigeria, with a market capitalization of $2.19 billion (N3.67 trillion), represents 6.21% of the equity market. Despite a $462.81 million (N713.63 billion) pre-tax loss due to naira devaluation, it generated $1.53 billion (N2.37 trillion) in service revenue in the first nine months of 2024, demonstrating strong resilience. Adewunmi Desalu – Group Head of Corporate Communications, BUA Foods Plc Market Cap – N7.10 trillion Adewunmi Desalu is a dynamic marketing and communications leader with over two decades of experience spanning the food production, financial services, luxury retail, and advertising industries. Currently serving as the Group Head of Corporate Communications at BUA Foods Plc, she oversees strategic initiatives that enhance brand visibility, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement for one of Nigeria’s leading food companies. Adewunmi’s career began with a foundation in public health, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Babcock University, where she served as President of the Department of Health Sciences and an advisor to the Student Association Executives. Her transition into marketing and communications saw her excel in the financial sector, where she contributed to innovative communication strategies and rebranding initiatives at Guaranty Trust Bank and Wema Bank, setting industry standards in customer engagement. At BUA Foods Plc, Adewunmi plays a core role in driving the company’s growth, ensuring it maintains its position as a market leader. Notably, BUA Foods is has a market capitalization of N7.10 trillion, representing approximately 13% of the market. Emeka Oparah-VP Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa Market Cap – N8.10 trillion With over 25 years of distinguished experience, Emeka Oparah is a crisis communication expert, rebranding veteran, and leadership transition strategist. As Vice President, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Africa, he oversees media relations, government affairs, and impactful social investment initiatives. Emeka is renowned for his expertise in navigating complex transitions, having successfully managed seven leadership changes and six brand transformations at Airtel Nigeria, guiding the company through seamless rebranding phases from Econet Wireless to its current identity. His career spans journalism, advertising, public relations, and corporate social responsibility, with key roles in organizations like Cadbury Nigeria. Emeka holds a BA (Hons.) in Mass Communications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated top of his class, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Public Relations. A member of professional bodies such as NIPR, IPRA, and APCON, he has honed his skills through global leadership and communications programs. Currently, Emeka collaborates with teams across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets, championing digital inclusion and educational access for underprivileged children. His passion for storytelling, sustainability, and strategic communication continues to position Airtel as a transformative force in Africa. Airtel Africa overtook MTN Nigeria in Q3 2024 to become Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.10 trillion. Anthony Chiejina- Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Dangote Group Market Cap – N8.15 trillion Anthony Chiejina is an accomplished communications professional with a rich academic and career background. He earned a B.Sc (Hons) in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1981, graduating with Second Class Upper honors. He furthered his education with an M.Sc in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from the same university in 1984, followed by an M.A. in Organizational Analysis & Behaviour from the University of Lancaster, UK, in 1988, and an M.A. in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1994. Chiejina’s career spans journalism and corporate communications. He held editorial roles as Associate Editor and Deputy Editor at African Economic Digest in London and African Concord in Lagos before transitioning to banking. He served as Assistant General Manager at Zenith Bank Plc and Deputy General Manager at Oceanic Bank International Plc, where he led corporate communications. Currently, as Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Industries Limited, he drives strategic communication across the Group’s Pan-African operations. A Salzburg Fellow, Chiejina has received prestigious scholarships and academic honors. He is also a Fellow of the Oxford University Centre of Corporate Reputation and an active member of several professional organizations, including ASPN and the IoD. As of October 31, 2024, Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s second most valuable company, with a market capitalization of N8.15 trillion. Note: The personalities featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics. It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion. While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the marketing and communications sector in Nigeria. This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.

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Grey Market Labs announces $8M Series A funding led by Capri Ventures to accelerate growth of its Replica Platform - First of its kind "Secure Environment as a Service"Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Beans are kind of like the your best friend from high school — nearly forgotten but always ready to step back into the limelight and help out an old pal when needed. As gorgeously (and tantalizingly) demonstrated in Rancho Gordo’s new cookbook, “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” (Ten Speed, $35), beans are indeed a magical fruit, though not in the way you heard as a kid. Classified as both a vegetable and a plant-based protein in the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, beans and other legumes can be the ingredient you build an entire vegetarian or veggie-forward meal around. Or, they can help an economical cook stretch a dish twice as far with nutritious calories. A healthful and shelf-staple plant food — they last for years when dried — beans have been among a home cook’s most reliable pantry items for a very long time. (Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are thought to have been grown in Mexico more than 7,000 years ago.) That’s why, for some, they’re often something of an afterthought, especially if the only time you ate them as a kid was when your mom tossed kidney beans into a pot of beef chili or made baked beans (with brown sugar and bacon, please!) for a family cookout. Related Articles Restaurants, Food and Drink | Do not wash your turkey and other Thanksgiving tips to keep your food safe Restaurants, Food and Drink | Frying a turkey this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to stay safe Restaurants, Food and Drink | 5 budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner ideas Restaurants, Food and Drink | California raw milk recalled after positive test for bird flu virus Restaurants, Food and Drink | The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier Vegetarians have always appreciated their versatility and nutritional punch, and because they’re cheap, they also were quite popular during the Great Depression and World War II as C rations. Sales also peaked during the coronavirus pandemic, when shoppers stockpiled long-lasting pantry essentials. It wasn’t until Rancho Gordo, a California-based bean company, trotted out its branded packages of colorful heirloom beans that the plant began to take on cult status among some shoppers. Unlike the bean varieties commonly found in even the smallest grocery stores, heirloom beans are mostly forgotten varieties that were developed on a small scale for certain characteristics, with seeds from the best crops passed down through the generations. The result is beans that are fresher and more colorful than mass-produced beans, and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have a more complex and intense flavor, fans say. “The Bean Book” dishes up dozens of different ways to cook Rancho Gordo’s 50 heirloom bean varieties, which include red-streaked cranberry beans, mint-green flageolets, black and classic garbanzos and (my favorite) vaquero — which wear the same black-and-white spots as a Holstein cow. Other gotta-try varieties (if just for the name) include eye of the goat, European Soldier, Jacob’s Cattle and Good Mother Stallard, a purple bean with cream-colored flecks. “The very good news is that you have to work extra hard to mess up a pot of beans, and it’s not difficult to make an excellent pot,” Steve Sando writes in the book’s foreword. “The even better news is that you become a better cook with each pot you make.” Not convinced? Here are five reasons to jump on the bean bandwagon: They’re easy to find Even the smallest grocery store will have a selection of dried and canned beans. Common varieties include black, cannellini (white kidney), Great Northern, pinto, navy, kidney, Lima and garbanzo (chickpea) beans. They’re affordable Even when they’re not on sale, beans are a bargain at the supermarket. Many varieties cost less than $1 a can, and dried beans are an economical way to build a menu. I paid $1.25 for a one-pound bag of cranberry beans, a smooth and velvety bean with a slightly nutty flavor, at my local grocery store. Rancho Gordo’s heirloom beans cost substantially more. (They run $6.25-$7.50 for a one-pound bag, with free shipping on orders over $50.) But they are sold within a year of harvest, which makes them more flavorful and tender. A bag also comes with cooking instructions and recipe suggestions, and the quality is outstanding. Plus, after cooking their beans with aromatics, “you are left with essentially free soup,” Sando writes in the cookbook. “If you drain properly cooked and seasoned beans, the liquid you are left with is delicious.” They’re nutritious Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and both soluble and insoluble fiber, and they include essential minerals like iron, magnesium and potassium. If you’re watching your weight or following a particular diet, beans are naturally free of fat, sodium and cholesterol and are rich in complex carbohydrates. They also contain antioxidants and folate. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian, most types of dry beans are rich sources of iron. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1-3 cups of legumes, including beans, per week They’re a cinch to cook Dry beans have to be soaked overnight, but cooking them is easy. They can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, in the pressure cooker and in the oven. Canned beans are even easier — just rinse and drain, and they’re ready to go. They’re versatile Beans can be used in so many different dishes. They can be made into soup, salad or dips, top nachos, add some heft to a casserole or be mashed into the makings of a veggie burger. You also can add them to brownies and other baked goods, toss them with pasta, add them to chili or a rice bowl or stuff them into a taco or burrito. Check out these four recipes: White Bean Soup with Shiitake Bacon PG tested This light and creamy vegetarian soup benefits from a surprising garnish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, which taste exactly like bacon. For soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and chopped 6 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 cups vegetable broth 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed For bacon 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps cut into 1/8 -inch slices 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt To finish Plant-based milk Chili oil, for drizzling Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make soup: In large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are fragrant and tender, 8-10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and beans, increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 12-14 minutes. Meanwhile, make the bacon: Spread shiitake mushrooms into a single layer on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Bake until browned and crispy, 18-20 minutes, rotating pan front to back and tossing mushrooms with a spatula halfway through. Let cool in pan; mushrooms will continue to crisp as they cool. To finish, add some milk to the soup and use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot, or puree in a blender. (Cover lid with a clean kitchen towel.) Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Divide soup among bowls and top with shiitake bacon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and a drizzle of chili oil. Serves 4-6. — “Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking” by Joe Yonan Polenta with Cranberry Beans and Tomato Sauce PG tested Velvety cranberry beans simmered with tomato and the punch of red wine vinegar are a perfect match for a soft bed of cheesy polenta. This is a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dish perfect for fall. 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups canned chopped tomatoes, juice reserved 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 4 fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper 4 cups cooked Lamon or cranberry beans 2 cups uncooked polenta 6 ounces pancetta, diced Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving In large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and red wine vinegar. In a small bowl, dissolve tomato paste in the broth and add to pan. Stir in sage and season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15-20 minutes. Add beans to tomato sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare polenta according to package instructions. Place pancetta in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel to drain. To serve, spoon polenta into serving dishes. Ladle the beans over the polenta and top with the pancetta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan. Serves 6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans” by Steve Sando White Beans with Clams and Chorizo PG tested Beans and seafood might seen like an unusual pairing, but in this recipe, mild white beans take on a lot of flavor from clams. Spanish chorizo adds a nice contrast. 4 cups cooked white beans, bean broth reserved 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 white onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 cup finely chopped Spanish-style cured chorizo 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 pounds small clams, scrubbed well Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Country-style bread and butter, for serving In large pot, heat beans in their broth over medium-low heat. In large lidded saucepan, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic and salt and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add chorizo and cook gently until some of the fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and wine and cook to allow the flavors to mingle, 5-6 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add clams. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Uncover the pan and cook until all of the clams open, another few minutes. Remove pan from heat, then remove and discard any clams that failed to open. Add clam mixture to the bean pot and stir very gently until well mixed. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to mingle but not get mushy. Ladle into large, shallow bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Set out a large bowl for discarded shells and encourage guests to eat with their fingers. Pass plenty of good bread and creamy butter at the table Serves 4-6. — “The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen” by Steve Sando with Julia Newberry White Bean Dip PG tested So easy to pull together for your next party! 1 1/2 cups cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove, minced Generous pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 or 3 tablespoons water, if needed 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped, optional 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, optional In a food processor, pulse cannellini beans, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. If it’s too thick, slowly add the water with the food processor running until it is smooth and creamy. Blend in the basil and/or rosemary, if using Serve with veggies, pita or bruschetta. Makes 1 1/2 cups — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

It’s that time of the year again when Delhi and its neighbouring regions brace for an annual apocalypse. Temperatures are dropping, and as the wind slows, pollutants already present in the atmosphere will settle closer to the ground. We won’t be able to breathe. All we can do is hope and pray for divine intervention — for the gods of wind and rain to show mercy. Because, let’s face it, despite all these years, we’ve done next to nothing to combat pollution effectively. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was supposed to be an emergency alert system to tackle pollution spikes with immediate measures. But what do we actually do? Wait until the situation becomes unbearable, and then take half-hearted actions, that are too little, too late. Now we’re hearing that the government will play god, using cloud seeding to create artificial rain and wash away the pollutants. But we know this: moisture traps pollutants, often worsening the problem. So, let’s cut to the chase. How do we reclaim the benefits of pollution control? First, a quick recap of what’s been done so far. This story starts in the 1990s, when the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its report, ‘Slow Murder’, proposing an action plan. The main culprits behind pollution (and this shouldn’t surprise anyone) were vehicles, poor fuel quality and lax emission standards. In the late 1990s, the Supreme Court intervened, mandating cleaner fuel, stricter emission standards (the foundation of Bharat Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, and now 6 norms), and a boost in public transport. In 1998, the apex court ordered 11,000 buses to hit Delhi’s roads. Over 16 years later, the city hasn’t even achieved half that number. But let’s park that discussion for now. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) emerged as a leapfrog solution — a stopgap while petrol and diesel quality took another decade to improve. CNG brought immediate relief and was a game-changer at the time. Anyone who lived in Delhi in the early 2000s can tell you how controversial this decision was. But it worked. Now, as we stand on the cusp of the electric vehicle revolution, the shift to CNG offers vital lessons. The tech challenge Back then, no country had adopted CNG for vehicles at the scale Delhi proposed. Affordability was another issue. Policies had to guide technological innovation — designing safety standards and bus prototypes, for instance. Financial incentives helped phase out old buses and auto-rick-shaws in favour of CNG models. The implementation challenge This wasn’t about rolling out a few CNG buses. The court ordered a complete transition within two to three years. Coordination and swift decision-making were crucial. Today, Delhi boasts an ambitious e-bus plan. But it’s crawling along, failing to match the explosive rise in private vehicle ownership. In 2023, the number of private vehicles registered in Delhi doubled compared to the previous year. Despite rising petrol and diesel prices eating into household budgets, the surge in private cars chokes not only the roads but also every investment in infrastructure, technology and cleaner fuel. Meanwhile, countless old vehicles still spew pollutants unchecked. The math is simple: even if new vehicles are cleaner, their sheer numbers negate any benefits. The second culprit: dirty fuels From kitchen stoves to factories and thermal power plants, the fuels we burn — primarily biomass or coal — are the second major source of pollution. The Supreme Court banned the dirtiest fuel, petcoke, while Delhi government prohibited coal usage, later extending the ban across the National Capital Region. Thermal power plants were supposed to clean up or shut down. Yet, progress here has been sluggish. The CNG shift taught us that bans only work when people have alternatives. When diesel buses were scrapped, CNG supplies had to be reliable and affordable. Similarly, fiscal policies ensured that clean fuel remained cheaper than its dirtier counterpart. Now, while coal is banned, the high cost of natural gas is driving industries to the brink of non-competitiveness. This is a recipe for failure. The way forward There’s so much more to say, and I promise to keep speaking up about this. But here’s the crux: clean air requires year-round effort. It demands collective action on a massive scale. Let’s stop waiting for miracles. It’s time to act — and act decisively. Follow us on: Facebook , Twitter , Google News , Instagram Join our official telegram channel ( @nationalherald ) and stay updated with the latest headlines

Man City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions League MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City's players were booed by their own fans Tuesday after blowing a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to extend their winless run to six games. James Robson, The Associated Press Nov 26, 2024 2:21 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Feyenoord's David Hancko, left, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Potts/PA via AP) MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City's players were booed by their own fans Tuesday after blowing a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to extend their winless run to six games. Jeers rang around the Etihad Stadium after the final whistle of a dramatic 3-3 draw. After five-straight losses in all competitions, City looked to be cruising to victory after going three up inside 50 minutes. But Feyenoord mounted an improbable comeback and leveled the game in the 89th minute to leave the home crowd stunned. While the worst losing streak of Guardiola’s managerial career was brought to an end, his wait for a first win since Oct. 26 goes on. Erling Haaland had scored twice, with Ilkay Gundogan also on target to put City in control. But goals from Anis Hadj Moussa in the 75th, Santiago Gimenez in the 82nd and David Hancko in the 89th turned the game on its head. City's players, including Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and Haaland looked visibly frustrated as they left the field to cheers of the delirious traveling Dutch fans in the away section of the stadium. City plays Premier League leader Liverpool on Sunday — defeat would leave it 11 points adrift of its title rival. ___ James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer James Robson, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Bayern Munich fans protest against PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi Nov 26, 2024 2:26 PM Gabriel mimics Gyokeres in cheeky goal celebration in Arsenal win over Sporting in Champions League Nov 26, 2024 2:11 PM Lewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in the Champions League century club with goal No. 100 Nov 26, 2024 2:09 PM5 skiers survive avalanche near Whistler, B.C snow conditions ripe for moreCopy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Two of China’s largest companies will set up their Australian headquarters in Melbourne and newly elected Mayor Nick Reece says he will aggressively pursue more big foreign corporate players in a bid to help revive the city. Mr Reece, a Labor Party member, said China generated $2.5 billion in visitor spending in Melbourne over the past year, despite overnight visitors to Victoria collapsing to just 47 per cent of the 2019 total last financial year after the pandemic and political tension with Australia. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Economy Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In PolicyMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Mike McDaniel has seen a change in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over the past month. “He's found a way to improve the way he plays the position throughout the game,” the Dolphins coach said Sunday, after Tagovailoa threw for four touchdowns in a dominant 34-15 win over the New England Patriots. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.