The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria has inaugurated its ‘Green Growth’ initiative as part of efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in Kogi.
CSDevNet Nigeria in partnership with Green-for-Life Initiative inaugurated the initiative at a one-day workshop at Federal University Lokoja, with the theme ” Building the Capacity of Women and Youth on Environmental Right Accountability and Policy Development in Kogi State” aimed at promoting tree planting
Speaking during the workshop, Olayemi Akonwi, the Vice Chancellor of the University stressed the need for everyone to embrace the culture of tree planting, nurturing, and support the Green Growth Initiative to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, pointing out that the plants would not only beautify the surroundings but also play a vital role in controlling erosion, maintaining healthy environment and providing shade for relaxation.
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He said “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,”.
Speaking further, he said “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”.
He equally urged the participants to rise as ambassadors of the green growth initiative as environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the world for future generations as he assured the donor partners that the green growth Initiatives would be diligently maintained by the university community.
Earlier, Stephen Abu, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, said that the green growth was a step towards reviving the culture of tree planting and tree growing in Kogi, noting that CSDevNet Nigeria was a network of over 300 organisations across Nigeria promoting climate-friendly and equitable sustainable development.
He said “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,”.
Story was adapted from Business Day.
