The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria, has inaugurated 'Green Growth' initiative to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in Kogi.
The initiative was inaugurated at a one-day workshop at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) by CSDevNet Nigeria, in partnership with Green-for-Life Initiative.
The theme is "Building the Capacity of Women and Youth on Environmental Rights Accountability, and Policy Development for Green Growth in Kogi State", aimed at promoting tree planting.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, who inaugurated the initiative, commended CSDevNet, Green-for-Life Initiative and other sponsors for selecting FUL for the event.
Akinwumi stressed the need for everyone to embrace the culture of tree planting, nurturing, and support the green growth Initiative to mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.
The VC emphasised that the plants would not only beautify the surroundings but also play a vital roles in controlling erosion, maintaining healthy environment and providing shade for relaxation.
"Today's capacity building workshop aims to empower women and youths with knowledge that can lead to economic empowerment.
"When economic development secured our livelihoods, it allows us to focus on culture, recreation and research.
"By enhancing our understanding of biodiversity, the economic benefits of green growth, and early warning systems for flood prevention, we can transform our values and beliefs.
"Let us contribute by donating a plant or helping nurture and maintain the greenery in our vicinity," Akinwumi said.
He, therefore urged the participants to rise as ambassadors of the green growth initiative as environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the world for future generations.
The VC assured the donor partners that the green growth Initiatives would be diligently maintained by the university community.
Earlier, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, Mr Stephen Abu, said the green growth was a step towards reviving the culture of tree planting and tree growing in Kogi.
Abu noted that the CSDevNet) Nigeria, is a network of over 300 organisations across Nigeria promoting climate-friendly and equitable sustainable development.
"Kogi State faces significant annual flooding, causing fatalities, destruction of livelihoods, and damage to infrastructure.
"Lokoja, at the confluence of the Benue and Niger rivers, is particularly affected during the rainy season.
"Additionally, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, especially coal, has caused severe environmental damage and health risks due to illegal mining.
"To address these challenges, CSDevNet and her partner, Green for Life Initiative, is organising a one-day multi-stakeholder capacity-building workshop for women and youth on environmental rights, accountability, and policy development for green growth in Kogi State.
"The workshop aims to enhance community resilience through capacity building, early warning systems and promote environmental conservation through tree planting.
"It will also address environmental challenges by developing policies that integrate green growth principles into the national and sub-national policy frameworks," Abu said.
He stressed that the workshop would enhance understanding and advocacy skills regarding environmental rights, educate communities on early warning systems for better disaster preparedness and response.
Also speaking, the Founder of Green-for-Life Initiative, Prof. Duda Tanko, decried the high rate of desertification in Nigeria due to the devastating effects of climate change.
Tanko, who is a Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Ecology, attributed the massive migration of herders from Northern to Southern part of Nigeria, to desertification issue occasioned by climate change.
The don stressed the need for people to support the green growth initiative to mitigate against the negative effects of climate change to reduce farmers/herders crises.
The highlight of the occasion was the symbolic planting of trees by the VC and other stakeholders in some strategic areas within the university campus.
By Stephen Adeleye
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