Federal University Lokoja launches I3CFES hub, appoints renowned climate expert, Prof Adegoke as Director

By Abbas Nazil

The Federal University Lokoja has inaugurated the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods and Environmental Sustainability (I3CFES), a landmark institution established to address the pressing challenges of climate change, flooding and environmental degradation in Nigeria and beyond.

The groundbreaking event, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Engr. Joseph and Enesi Makoju Memorial Lecture Theatre of the university’s Felele main campus, drew dignitaries from academia, government, the development community, and the media.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, expressed joy and a deep sense of responsibility in inaugurating the Centre.

He emphasised that climate change poses significant threats globally, and Lokoja, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, has borne the brunt of devastating floods.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the establishment of I3CFES was therefore not only timely but necessary, as it would serve as a beacon of innovation, resilience and hope, providing evidence-based research, policy direction and community-focused interventions to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

Prof Akinwumi who said the Centre will focus on research and innovation, capacity building, technical services, policy advocacy, green enterprise incubation, and consultancy, added that it will also serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing and international collaboration to pioneer sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

Professor Akinwumi lauded the inaugural Director of the Centre, Emeritus Professor Jimmy O. Adegoke, for accepting to serve on a pro bono basis, describing his vision, expertise, and sacrifice as instrumental to the Centre’s future success.

Earlier in his address, Professor Adegoke, who is a member of NatureNews  Advisory Board, narrated how the I3CFES was conceived in the course of his phone conversation with the Vice Chancellor over four years ago.

He commended the Vice Chancellor for his relentless commitment to capacity building of the faculty as well as sustainability of the University itself, adding that the Centre would not have become a reality without the support of the management team.

The renowned climate scholar and global consultant, Prof Adegoke reaffirmed his acceptance of the mandate as pioneer Director of the I3CFES as he assured the Vice Chancellor of his total commitment to the realisation of the Centre’s mission.

In his address of welcome, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Olarewaju Ifatimehin, noted that the establishment of I3CFES is not accidental but a necessity given the environmental realities of Lokoja.

He described the Centre as a voice for sustainable development, a platform for capacity building, and a bridge between science, policy, and communities.

He urged stakeholders to support the Centre through collaboration, funding and goodwill in order to transform it into a world-class hub of excellence.

In his goodwill message, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, through his representative, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Haruna Jibo congratulated Federal University Lokoja and Professor Jimmy Adegoke for the visionary idea.

He stated that the centre underscores the university’s commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges and pledged potential collaborations with the state.

He further noted that the state government, under Governor Ododo, has prioritized climate action by signing the bill establishing the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, appointing its pioneer Director-General, and moving towards finalizing a comprehensive climate change policy.

The inauguration of I3CFES marks a milestone for Federal University Lokoja and the global climate discourse.

It stands as a call to action for urgent, collaborative and innovative approaches to combating climate change and flood risks, with the university pledging to lead in the search for sustainable solutions that protect the environment for future generations.

In his remarks, CEO/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, said Kogi state was the epicentre of the devastating floods that ravaged Nigeria in 2012 and 2022, adding that the climate centre is a significant milestone in the search for sustainable solutions to climate challenges.

The publisher, who said NatureNews is the media partner to the climate centre, emphasised that the niche publication will provide saturated coverage of the Centre’s research insights, showcase its innovative solutions, and collaborate with it on climate workshops to foster public awareness and promote knowledge sharing.

In his goodwill message, the pioneer Director-General of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, Hon. Michael Onimisi Ajibade described climate change as an escalating catastrophic challenge and commended the establishment of I3CFES as a significant step in combating the menace.

He extended warm congratulations to Emeritus Professor Jimmy Adegoke, the Vice-Chancellor, and the entire university community on the inauguration.

He emphasized that Kogi State, under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to climate action by developing critical frameworks and soft infrastructure to attract international finance for building a sustainable environment.

He assured that the state looks forward to partnering with the Centre as a hub for critical scientific research and environmental solutions, particularly given Kogi’s vulnerability to devastating floods.

The inauguration was graced by distinguished personalities including the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, represented by Professor David Jimoh, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Professor Kehinde Imisioluwa Temitope Eniola.

Also present were management and principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the Chief Operating Officer of NatureNews, Mr. Pius Alabi, and the presentatives of civil society organizations.

Nazil, who holds a first class in Forestry and Wildlife Management, is a reporter with NatureNews