The 16th Fulani Emir of Kano raised this concern on Saturday at the graduation of 51 female students trained by the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainability Transition (CREST) at Bayero University, Kano.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) noted that Nigeria is presently experiencing weather changes and urged the adoption of renewable energy sources to reduce the increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
He said, “Renewable energy is critical to our livelihood, especially at this time when Nigeria is already experiencing climate change. The carbon dioxide emissions from our cooking alone constitute two percent of greenhouse gases, while 20 percent of black carbon emissions come from similar sources.
“Failure to take urgent action now to address human factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions poses a danger in the future. It is very pertinent to adopt renewable energy sources as an alternative solution to address this challenge.
“Before now, the issue of climate change was never taken seriously until recently, when the reality is fast becoming clear. We have started seeing floods in areas where it hardly rains, deserts, growing grasses, prolonged wet seasons, and so on.”
Sanusi also used the occasion to renew his campaign for skills empowerment for women to enable sustainable livelihoods in Northern society.
He insisted that women, from time immemorial, were known for their industrial enterprise in the society and advocated maximum support to empower the womenfolk in Northern Nigeria.
“It’s important to give maximum attention to womenfolk. People tend to forget that, way back in yesteryears, women were not left idle. I believe they should rather be encouraged to do work or business at home to support their men.
“We all know that our grandmothers did not stay idle. My grandmother sold groundnut oil in nearby markets. Those in Yakasai know that very well. At this critical economic time, we must look for ways to generate more income through businesses, which are even more profitable than salaries,” Sanusi said.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam, said the training sponsored by the state government was part of measures to empower women for self-reliance in Kano.
Besides empowerment, the governor said the training intends to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and make Kano a model for sustainability.
He was optimistic that the knowledge acquired by the female trainees is enough to change their lives while giving back to society.
Professor Nasiru Isa Fagge, Director of the Centre, stressed the readiness of the university to partner with the state government to build human capacity and provide energy solutions.
The beneficiaries were equipped with skills in biogas cooking technology, solar energy installations and design, and the construction of clean food stoves.
