Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, has voiced his apprehension regarding the escalating issue of deforestation across Nigeria.
Pledging his commitment to address this critical concern and other environmental issues, Senator Dickson, now the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, has vowed to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in order to curtail detrimental practices and safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
Speaking passionately on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex, Senator Dickson emphasized the urgency of this issue while receiving a coalition of 20 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that share core values pertaining to environment, ecology, and climate change.
The interaction took place within the Senate building in Abuja.
Senator Dickson earnestly implored state governors to intensify their efforts in preserving the environment for the benefit of future generations.
As the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, he assured his commitment to engage with key stakeholders on environmental matters.
Promising to utilize all available platforms to drive the environmental agenda forward, Senator Dickson expressed his determination to leverage his position to advocate for a more sustainable and resilient approach to environmental management and climate change adaptation.
In his words, Senator Dickson affirmed, “As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, I will collaborate with all NGOs in Nigeria and support the initiatives of various institutions to champion the cause of the environment. This includes actively participating in campaigns against climate change.”
He further projected that the nation’s response to climate change and support for communities affected by its impact would experience significant improvements once the committee’s initiatives are set into motion.
Commending Senator Dickson’s dedication to environmental preservation, the leader of the coalition, Celestine Okwudili, who represented Mrs. Ene Obi of ActionAid during the meeting, lauded the former governor’s accomplishments in maintaining a healthy environment during his tenure as the Governor of Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020.
Okwudili highlighted Senator Dickson’s impactful initiatives, such as the establishment of an international commission on the environment led by Bishop Lord Sentamu.
The comprehensive findings of this commission were recently presented to the House of Lords after meticulous analysis.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State received the commission’s report, underscoring the commitment to address environmental challenges at both regional and national levels.
Senator Dickson’s resolute dedication to environmental preservation and his pivotal role as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change stand as testament to his commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria.
Collaborating with NGOs and stakeholders, he embarks on a mission to curb deforestation, advocate for the environment, and promote climate change resilience, forging a path toward a greener and more secure nation.
