By Faridat Salifu
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on Nigerians to embrace renewable energy as a source of energy to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
The Emir made the call during a graduation and induction ceremony for women trainees involved in the “Energize-Her Gida-Gida” initiative, organized by the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Transition (CREST)
He said renewable energy will mitigate the impacts of climate change on both the environment and human health.
Highlighting on the impact of household emissions on people’s health, the Emir said, “Renewable energy is crucial, particularly as we witness the alarming effects of climate change.
The emissions produced by cooking in our homes contribute to 2% of greenhouse gases and 20% of black carbon emissions. By embracing renewable energy sources more widely, we can make substantial progress in addressing these pressing challenges.”
The Emir also pointed out the growing unpredictability of weather patterns, which includes unexpected flooding, extended rainy seasons, and desertification—issues that are profoundly affecting Africa, a continent with limited resources to confront these challenges.
Hevstressed the importance of empowering women as agents of change in their communities saying, “It is crucial to focus on the women folk. Historically, women were never idle, they contributed significantly to household economies.
At this critical economic juncture, finding alternative income streams, sometimes more profitable than traditional salaries, is vital,” he said, referencing his own grandmother, a renowned groundnut oil seller, to illustrate women’s longstanding economic roles.
Speaking at the occasion, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 7 and 13, which promote affordable and clean energy and urgent climate action.
The governor recognized the efforts of women in reducing the state’s carbon footprint through the production of biogas, clean cooking stoves, and solar designs, underscoring their pivotal role in achieving these goals.
In his own remarks the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas who was presented by Professor Abdullahi Sule Kano, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Development, commended the state’s efforts in equipping graduates with skills to strengthen the educational sector.
Addressing the high rate of uneducated youth in the region. “The state’s initiative to develop a system that empowers youth and weans them out of ignorance is commendable,” he said.
Professor Nasir Isah Fagge, Director of CREST, congratulated the graduates and assured them of continued support. “The Centre will monitor your efforts and provide guidance. Be good ambassadors of the university, and together, we shall prosper,” he encouraged.
