Stakeholders In Kaduna State to Address Climate And Environmental Challenges

In a collective effort to support both state and federal initiatives in combating environmental degradation, disasters, floods, pollution, deforestation, amongst others  climate challenges, climatologists and environmental Journalists hangout in Kaduna state to address the issues.

A diverse group of stakeholders convened at the Kaduna Climate Hangout. Participants from various fields, including education, science, geology, and environmental journalists, as well as representatives from institutes and concerned civil society and non-governmental organizations, gathered in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria, for a one-day climate hangout discussion.

Honorable Yusuf Idris Amoke, who is the Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change, inaugurated the roundtable discussions, underscoring the imperative of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to position the state as a leader in environmental conservation.

While Reflecting on the lessons learned from Cop 28, Amoke emphasized the pivotal role played by journalists covering climate change, environmental, and science issues in educating the public.

Amoke asserted that environmental journalism serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about climate change, highlighting that an informed society is the most effective defense against environmental challenges.

He called on environmental journalists to monitor weather patterns and investigate the factors contributing to the extinction of various species, including plants and animals.

While Recognizing the importance of reporting on minority tribes living in forests and their challenges environment due to climate change and deforestation degradation, Amoke expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with organizations supporting development initiatives with great ideas to work collectively.

The Special Assistant encouraged journalists to maintain their commitment in reporting news related to climate change. He revealed that the state government is actively working to unite non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) under one umbrella to prevent project duplication and enhance coordination.

Dr. Ahmed Lateef Tayo of the Africa institute of waste management and Environmental studies, emphasized the necessity of engaging more stakeholders in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change.

He suggested involving all the wives of the 36 state governments in tree-planting activities and encouraging households and teenagers to participate.

Taye also issued a warning against bush burning and the illegal trafficking of wildlife, urging both federal and state governments to consider banning charcoal, firewood, and timber businesses.

Adding that a climate change hangout is a valuable platform to raise awareness, share knowledge, and catalyze action towards a more sustainable future,

Rabiu Abubakar, the CEO of the NGO Ozone Layer and Climate Initiative, called on all Nigerians to support the government in preventing atmospheric pollution caused by human activities.

Saying that pollution has led to so many deaths due to human irrational.actitvies

Similarly Mr. Daniel Duniya, the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna branch, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the climate hang out ,and called for increased training opportunities for environmental journalists.

Duniya highlighted the crucial role journalists play in enlightening the public about disease outbreaks, flood disasters, zoonotic diseases, and climate change.

The team leader of African Climate Reporters, representing journalists reporting on climate issues, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the climate hangout.

Emphasizing the importance of continuous training and retraining of journalists in the field of climate and environmental news.

He reiterated the commitment of the journalistic community to raising awareness and addressing pressing environmental challenges.