Abuja: Nigeria has reiterated the need for a just transition to a green economy at the African SDG Film Festival in Abuja, as part of efforts to tackle climate change. The event, organized by Chanja Datti Recycling Company Ltd to mark its 10th anniversary, highlighted the role of storytelling and film in promoting environmental sustainability, gender equality, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The festival aims to maximize the impact of research, innovation, and storytelling to increase awareness and ultimately improve lives and opportunities in the developing world.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, emphasized the necessity of a just transition for Nigeria due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. He stated that any country dependent on fossil fuels, either in terms of income or consumption, must undergo a transition. Mr. Leenknegt highlighted the importance of utilizing earnings from the fossil fuel sector to support this transition and noted the role of international organizations in assisting countries like Nigeria.
Mr. Leenknegt also praised Chanja Datti for its environmental efforts, including helping the Belgian Embassy in Abuja implement a waste-sorting program. He congratulated Chanja Datti on its 10th anniversary and commended its significant contributions to the circular economy. The ambassador expressed appreciation for the company’s guidance in helping the embassy become the first EU member state embassy in Nigeria to sort and recycle garbage.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, underscored the importance of a green economy, climate ambition, and decarbonization in Nigeria’s energy transition plan. He emphasized the need for strategic communication and advocacy to demonstrate Nigeria’s readiness for climate action. Mr. Fagbuji highlighted the power of film and storytelling in communicating Nigeria’s net-zero ambitions.
In an interview with journalists, Mr. Gabriel Onyebuolise, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Chanja Datti Ltd., described the film festival as a dream and vision of Olufunto Boroffice, the founder and CEO of Chanja Datti. He explained that the festival aims to promote awareness of the SDGs, drive collaboration, and increase action and impact related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Onyebuolise stressed the importance of social impact and the role of storytelling and film in driving change.