Abuja: Stakeholders in the environment sector expedite actions to tackle climate change as the Conference of Parties COP 29 approaches. The stakeholders converge on Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, under the African Climate Caravan, which featured the first inaugural Climate Media Spotlight Award and Arts for Climate event. Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, stated that the event is intended to set the course for future engagement at COP 29 by creating awareness and sensitization on climate change. He advised that Nigerians take responsibility and learn to adapt to all forms of climate change.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the National Assembly would address coastal challenges, issues of climate change, and farmers/herders conflicts through the speedy passage of bills, as highlighted by Hon. Ugbor. Dr. Michael David, Executive Director for Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), emphasized the importance of climate change reporting for journalists
in Africa to educate the public, drive policy change, empower communities, and foster resilience. He noted that climate injustice in Nigeria and Africa provides a platform for the continent’s unique climate challenges to be heard and addressed, paving the way for a more informed and proactive society.
Dr. David also mentioned, “Today, we will be recognizing some of you journalists with a small grant to further tell our story and to encourage others here and those who are not here to increase your climate change reportage.” He expressed gratitude to the schools participating in the Art for Climate competition, highlighting the continuity of their efforts since the establishment of ECO Clubs in over seven schools in 2019.
Country Director of OXFAM, Mr. John Makina, reiterated the need to sensitize the public on climate issues as Nigeria moves towards COP 29. He pointed out that the Nigerian government needs to do more in addressing climate change inequality. “Here we are on the Africa corridor, we want to bri
ng together our voices with different messages from every corner of the countries so that we can present this to our representatives, those that are going for COP 29 in Baku-Azerbaijan,” he explained.
Mr. Makina also highlighted the urgent need for world leaders to fulfill their 2009 global commitments to support the African continent with funds to address climate challenges. He emphasized that funds should come as grants rather than loans to effectively tackle the issues faced by African countries. The event was organized by GIFSEP and OXFAM, with awards given to participating schools and journalists for their contributions to climate change awareness and reporting.