Stakeholders in Imo State, including experts in environmental sciences and management, have called for inclusive and resilient climate action through the formulation of policies that would safeguard and promote a safe, conducive, and healthy environment in the state.
The call was made at the public launch of a knowledge paper on “Advancing Inclusive Climate Governance in Imo State, Transforming Challenges into Opportunities,” organised by Space for Change (S4C) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation in the state, held in Owerri on Tuesday.
Speaking, the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by the state Commissioner for Power, Nwabueze Oguchienti, reiterated the commitment of his administration in tackling climate challenges in the state.
The governor applauded the organisers of the event, stressing that, “inclusive climate governance means bringing everyone to the table – government agencies, private sector actors, farmers, traders, youths, traditional institutions, faith leaders, and civil society organisations. It means ensuring that policies are not just made for the people but with the people.”
“My administration is committed to transforming Imo State into a climate-resilient and inclusive state. We are finalising the Imo State Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy, anchored on: Building institutional capacity; Enhancing climate finance accessibility; Supporting green entrepreneurship; and Promoting education and awareness on climate risks and solutions. We will not leave anyone behind in this quest,” Uzodimma said.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Director of Space for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohari, called for collaborative efforts to strengthen measures that would guarantee a suitable and conducive environment as well as help in addressing the escalating threats posed by climate change in Imo State.
She said, “Located in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, Imo State is vulnerable to the multifaceted impacts of climate change, which are threatening the ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods of millions of residents, particularly in rural communities.
“Increased incidents of flooding, erosion, acidic rains, warmer temperatures, heat waves, air pollution, diseases, biodiversity losses, etc., are not only on the rise but also disrupting agricultural productivity, reducing crop yields, destabilising energy systems, and contributing to humanitarian crises.
“If properly harnessed, Imo State’s huge natural gas deposits and renewable energy resources hold significant potential for mitigating the effects of climate change while safeguarding its natural ecosystems and improving the well-being of its citizens.”
Also, in their respective remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe, represented by Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, member for Ikeduru State Constituency; State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Major Ejikeme Emenike; and Commissioner for Niger Delta, Hon. Henry Okafor, among others, called on all stakeholders of the State to partner with efforts that would help maximise the potential of climate for the greater good of all in the state.
The event had in attendance HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke, Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers; Ms. Blessing Aggakwuru, Executive Director, BBC Foundation; Temple Oraeki, Consultant on Imo State Climate Change Regulatory Framework; Prof. Maurice Obasi, of the Law Faculty, Imo State University; Ms. Blessing Duru, Programme Manager, Alliances for Africa; among other stakeholders.
