Enugu advocates sustainable approach to climate change

The wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has advocated the adoption of a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritises environmental protection and economic growth to address the challenges of climate change.

She stated during an award presentation ceremony for winners of the first essay competition titled; “What measures can Enugu State take to address climate change while promoting economic growth, and role the youth can play in the process”, that Climate Change issues had come to stay.

The event was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and the ministries of Youth and Sports, Education and Environment.

Describing Climate change as not just an environmental issue but a multifaceted challenge that affects people’s health, economy, and livelihoods, Mrs Mbah represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih said Enugu State has already witnessed its impacts by irregular weather patterns, soil degradation, and diminished agricultural yields.

She noted that by addressing climate change head-on, the state can pave the way for sustainable economic development that benefits every citizen.

She listed the promotion of sustainable Agriculture, Investing in Renewable Energy, Strengthening Environmental Governance, Promoting Green Industries, Enhancing Urban Planning and Infrastructure, and Advocating Policy Change, as some of the measures to address climate change.

Earlier in a presentation, the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and sustainable development, Prof Okereke who promised that the event would be held annually, noted that the initiative was aimed at inculcating in the youths, a sense of responsibility to enable them to contribute to the policies and programmes of the state government in the fight against climate change.

He called on the winners of the Essay Competition to see themselves as Ambassadors of the state in the sensitization and massive awareness creation campaign on the issue.

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof Sam Ugwu, and his Education counterpart, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, stated that the initiative was part of the awareness campaign and sensitisation of the students and youths of Enugu State to become climate activists.

They described the youths as the most important actors for climate action, saying climate consciousness has been made part of the school curriculum and educational system.

The essay competition had Chukwuebuka Onyia as the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of N250,000. Chinaza Arinze was the first runner, winning a cash prize of N150,000, while Cynthia Ani took the third position with a cash prize of N100,000.