The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Rivers State, has reaffirmed its commitment to climate-responsive development and gender inclusivity by participating in a one-day capacity building workshop on localising the Gender Action Plan (GAP) on climate change for local councils in the state.

The workshop, held during the week, at the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL), Port Harcourt, was organised by the IHRHL in collaboration with Global Green Grant. It brought together a wide range of participants from government institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities.

The core aim of the training was to cascade the energy-focused framework of Nigeria’s Gender Action Plan on Climate Change to the grassroots level. Participants were sensitised on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while addressing gender disparities in climate policies and implementation.

One of the key recommendations from the workshop was the establishment of Climate Change Help Desks in local councils across Rivers State to ensure that local communities receive the support and information they need to adapt to and mitigate climate-related challenges.

Representing the NOA State Director, Dr. Edward Banigo, at the workshop was the agency’s Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Strategy (PRS), Ms. Ifeyinwa Helen Amucheazi.

Delivering Banigo’s message, Amucheazi highlighted the urgent need for inclusive climate action.

“For any policy or project on climate change to be sustainable in Nigeria, gender inclusivity must be at the core of planning and implementation,” she said.

“Women, men, and marginalised groups must be fully involved and empowered at all stages of the process.”