By Faridat Salifu
His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, emphasized the critical need for a united approach to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The Emir shared this important message during a one-day seminar organized by Development Agenda in collaboration with the Environment Media Correspondent Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) in Abuja.
The seminar served as a platform to discuss and raise awareness about the pressing issues related to climate change.
The Emir’s emphasis on the importance of collective efforts in tackling this global challenge is both inspiring and necessary.
Highlighting the environmental concerns faced by Nigeria, the Emir pointed to issues such as desert encroachment, oil pollution, flooding, land encroachment, deforestation, and more.
He underscored the interconnectedness of these challenges with long-term temperature changes, weather patterns, and temperature variations, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General (CG) of the National Park Service (NPS) and chairman of the event, called on all relevant parties to participate in the fight against climate change.
He urged tree planting and support for Environment Media Correspondents in Nigeria (EMCAN) to raise awareness.
Goni highlighted the recent wake-up call in the form of changes in the atmosphere, emphasizing that climate change is a reality.
He mentioned the approval of over ten new National Parks by the 9th National Assembly, contributing to carbon sequestration.
In efforts to mitigate climate change consequences, the Federal Government has planted 25 million trees and engaged in carbon mediation, according to the Conservator-General.
Mr. Paddy Ezeala, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Development Agenda Magazine, emphasized the significance of the event in shedding light on climate change issues in Nigeria, particularly with COP28 approaching in Dubai.
Oluyomi Banjo, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) program coordinator, acknowledged the role of the media in spreading crucial messages about climate change.
He expressed gratitude to EMCAN for their efforts and stressed the importance of leaders taking initiative to address climate change.
EMCAN Chairman Amechi Chuks Oyema explained that the seminar aimed to assess Nigeria’s readiness for COP28, emphasizing the importance of media practitioners in spreading awareness and facilitating meaningful climate action.
As Nigeria and other West African countries grapple with severe effects of climate change, the seminar highlighted the role of collective action and media involvement in addressing this global challenge.