A Gombe-based non-governmental organisation, Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inaugurating the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT), describing the initiative as a timely step toward addressing the growing impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
The organisation also pledged its support for the climate awareness campaign, noting that the programme would help inspire climate action through innovation, education and sustainable development.
Speaking in a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Bima, JEI said the initiative was particularly important for northern Nigeria where the effects of climate change continue to threaten livelihoods and the environment.
Bima said, “With the growing impact of climate change in Nigeria, particularly in northern Nigeria, this initiative is not only timely but also urgently needed to help build a climate-resilient and sustainable future for all Nigerians.”
According to him, the increasing pace at which climate change is affecting livelihoods and the environment, coupled with limited information on climate issues in rural communities, makes awareness campaigns such as the tour critical.
“The pace at which climate change is affecting livelihoods and the environment, coupled with insufficient information around climate change issues, especially in rural communities, calls for sustained awareness and partnership to build resilience and protect livelihoods, the environment and humanity,” he said.
Bima urged the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the initiative is driven with strong commitment at the grassroots level.
“We urge Mr President and the Ministry of Environment to drive this initiative with commitment to the grassroots and collaborate with key stakeholders at the state and local government levels to achieve maximum impact,” he added.
He also stressed the need for practical and solution-driven approaches to climate challenges in order to mitigate their effects on farmers and other vulnerable groups.
“We must, as a nation, invest in solution-driven approaches to climate change and make more practical efforts to reverse its impact so that farmers and other stakeholders can heave a sigh of relief,” he said.
The organisation further commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, for supporting the initiative and called on stakeholders across sectors to support efforts aimed at tackling climate change.
“The impact of climate change does not isolate anyone; this is our moment to work together, consolidate ongoing efforts and build stronger grassroots resilience,” Bima stated.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday in Abuja inaugurated the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour, a national initiative designed to promote climate resilience and sustainable development across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the State House Conference Centre, the President urged state governors, private sector leaders and other stakeholders to take active roles in driving Nigeria’s climate transition.
Represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Tinubu said climate change should be seen not only as a risk but also as an opportunity for innovation, growth and national development.
