By Abbas Nazil
Governor Umar Namadi has reaffirmed Jigawa State’s commitment to addressing climate change through practical environmental policies, ecological restoration and community-led initiatives, as he launched the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge and announced a ₦50 million prize to encourage youth participation in environmental conservation.
The governor made the commitment on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Jigawa State Governance Structure for the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge, alongside the inauguration of Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions and School Environmental Clubs at the Dutse Township Stadium.
The programme was officially inaugurated by the Second Lady of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, who represented the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Governor Namadi said climate change remains one of the greatest development challenges confronting the present generation, stressing that Jigawa’s location within Nigeria’s fragile semi-arid belt and the Great Green Wall corridor makes it highly vulnerable to desertification, land degradation, recurrent flooding and declining agricultural productivity.
He stated that his administration has placed climate resilience and environmental sustainability at the centre of its development agenda through deliberate policies and strategic investments designed to restore degraded ecosystems, protect livelihoods and promote sustainable economic growth.
According to the governor, the Green Nigeria Challenge aligns with the recently approved Jigawa State Climate Change Policy and complements the state’s broader development priorities on environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture, responsible natural resource management, food security, water resource management, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
Governor Namadi explained that the state has already translated its climate commitments into practical interventions through the implementation of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
He disclosed that under the project, the state executed the Danmasara–Yalwawa Gully Erosion and Flood Mitigation schemes, reclaiming more than 400 hectares of degraded land through integrated erosion control measures, drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.
The governor further revealed that specialised aquatic weed management equipment had recently been distributed to 15 Community-Based Organisations operating in riverine communities to improve waterway management, reduce flood risks and strengthen community participation in environmental protection.
He noted that young people remain critical to the state’s climate response, adding that nearly 3,000 students have already been mobilised into conservation teams across senior secondary schools, while six Environmental Societies have been established in tertiary institutions to promote tree planting, biodiversity conservation, recycling, environmental sanitation and erosion control.
To encourage innovation and grassroots participation, Governor Namadi announced a ₦50 million grand prize for outstanding Environmental Societies and youth organisations participating in the Green Nigeria Challenge.
He also directed State and Local Government Marshals to provide mentorship and technical support to the newly established Environmental Clubs and Environmental Societies, noting that programme implementation would be monitored through geo-tagging technology and the Survival Rate Index to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable environmental outcomes.
Governor Namadi commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for introducing the Green Nigeria Challenge under the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the programme as a timely intervention that complements state efforts to tackle climate change, combat environmental degradation and promote long-term ecological sustainability.
Earlier, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima applauded the Jigawa State Government for demonstrating strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience through proactive policies and community engagement.
She explained that the Green Nigeria Challenge is a flagship national environmental campaign aimed at mobilising households, schools, tertiary institutions, communities and state governments to embrace tree planting, environmental sanitation and climate-conscious development.
The Second Lady observed that Jigawa occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s climate action agenda because of its vulnerability to desertification and encouraged residents to plant drought-resistant tree species, including Neem (Dogonyaro), Moringa, Date Palm, Mango and Guava.
She also urged Environmental Clubs and Environmental Societies across the state to champion biodiversity conservation, environmental education and sustainable practices that would strengthen community resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.