A Gombe state-based non-governmental organisation, the Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), has commended Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for inaugurating the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour (REHCCAT).
A statement, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Jewel Environmental Initiative, Mr. Ismail Bima, described the initiative as a timely step towards strengthening climate resilience across the country.
According to him, JEI fully supports the national campaign, which seeks to inspire climate action through innovation, education and sustainable development.
Bima noted that the growing impact of climate change across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, makes the awareness tour both necessary and urgent adding that the pace at which climate change is affecting livelihoods and the environment, combined with limited public understanding of climate issues in many rural communities, requires coordinated action and widespread awareness.
“The campaign would help drive a new culture of awareness and partnership that will build resilience and enhance solutions towards protecting livelihoods, the environment and humanity,” the group CEO said.
He also urged President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the initiative reaches grassroots communities and involves key stakeholders at both state and local government levels.
“We must as a nation invest in a solution-driven approach to climate change and make more practical efforts to reverse its impact so that farmers and other key stakeholders can heave a sigh of relief,” the Chief Executive Officer added.
Bima further praised the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, for supporting the programme and called on public and private sector actors to rally behind the initiative.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had earlier this week inaugurated the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour in Abuja, describing it as a national effort aimed at promoting climate resilience and sustainable development across Nigeria.
During the inauguration, the president, who was represented by the environment minister, urged state governors, the organised private sector and other stakeholders to take the lead in Nigeria’s climate transition by turning awareness into concrete action.
He stressed that climate change should be seen not only as a threat but also as an opportunity for innovation, economic growth and national development.