Climate Change Action & Policies: K&TRC Engages Stakeholders, Creates Local Action Plan

Climate Change Action and Policies: K&TRC Engages Stakeholders, Creates Local Action Plan

In a strategic effort to address climate change and its impact on Nigeria, the Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Sustainable Development Goals Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, hosted a Community Dialogue on Tuesday, 8th October 2024. The event, held in Akure, brought together various stakeholders, including youth groups, people with disabilities (PWDs), civil society organizations (CSOs), religious and traditional leaders, and key government officials, to discuss climate action and Nigeria’s National Climate Policies.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye, the Executive Director of K&TRC, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling climate change. She pointed out that the dialogue was timely, given the increasing impact of climate change on local communities. Mrs. Bamigboye encouraged participants to actively engage in the discussions, stating that the primary goal of the session was to formulate a local action plan to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Nigeria.

“The dialogue today could not have come at a better time. Our objective is to ensure that everyone here takes ownership of the discussions and contributes to creating a practical local action plan to help combat climate change at the grassroots level,” said Mrs. Bamigboye.

Mr. Emmanuel Adamolekun, the project lead of empowering Youth civic society to b build stronger community in Nigeria, provided an overview of the current climate situation in Nigeria. He highlighted the severe consequences of climate change, including alterations in weather patterns, increased flooding, rising temperatures, and a surge in air- and water-borne diseases. He warned that food production could be severely compromised if urgent climate action is not taken.

“Climate change is not a distant threat; Nigeria is already feeling its impact. If we do not act now, the situation will get worse. It requires collective efforts from CSOs, the government, religious and traditional leaders, and individuals,” Mr. Adamolekun said, stressing the need for concerted action.

The highpoint of the event was the division of participants into groups to review existing national climate policies, draw up potential solutions, and develop a local action plan. This exercise fostered robust discussions on how climate change policies could be adapted to meet the specific needs of communities in Ondo State.

The Deji of Akure Kingdom, and chairman, Ondo state council of Obas, Oba Dr. Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, represented by Senior High Chief Adegbonmire, the Asae of Akure Kingdom, delivered a goodwill message. He commended the organizers for spearheading such an initiative, which he described as both timely and necessary. “This conversation on climate change is crucial. The realities of the current season demand that we act quickly. This initiative will help build stronger, more resilient communities,” he stated.

The Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Folorunsho Adegoke, praised the dialogue, calling it a “laudable initiative” that would help address climate change threats such as food insecurity and disease outbreaks. She noted that collaborative efforts like these are key to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Religious leaders, including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, and the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheik Yayi Akorede (ably represented), echoed the need for deliberate action to combat climate change. Both leaders acknowledged that communal efforts must play a role in safeguarding the environment.

Other key stakeholders, such as representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ondo State Waste Management Board, and the Ministry of Health, also voiced their support. They expressed confidence that the dialogue would lead to the much-needed behavioral change and policy adjustments required to make a lasting impact in the fight against climate change.

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The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to implement the solutions and local action plans that emerged from the discussions, with a renewed focus on ensuring that Nigeria remains proactive in addressing climate change and protecting its communities.

This community dialogue represents a step forward in climate action, demonstrating that the engagement of diverse sectors—government, civil society, religious institutions, and local communities—is essential in shaping policies that can effectively address the challenges posed by climate change.