By: Monday Munkaila, Gombe
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has commended Board and Management of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for organizing the 2024 North East Climate change Summit.
The Vice President made the commendation while speaking at the North-East Climate change summit with the theme:”Setting the course for sustained climate action in the North-East,” held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe on Wednesday.
The Vice President said that the past few days have been tragic reminder of the realities of climate change in the country.
Kashim Shettima said that, “We have watched in grief as lives, livelihoods and communities have come under attack by climatic conditions which we don’t have control over but can have minimal effect if proactive measures are taken.”
“As part of our nation, all of us must rise up to the challenge of the moment. In this context, this summit could not have come at a better time than now, we are in a more critical time, we cannot pretend that we do not see how climate change is rapidly shaping the world.” he added.
Represented by the Special Adviser, Special Duties to the President (Office of the Vice President), Moddibo Aliyu, the Vice President said that, “The crux of the matter is that the weather is alarming, there is fluctuations of water bodies and the inability or instability of our weather conditions.”
He also stated that, “It remains clear that none of us is immune to this existential threat to our ecosystem, this is why the bold step taken by the North-East Development Commission in organizing this summit which signals an awakening that is long overdue.”
According to him,”With you, Nigeria’s commitment to the global search for solutions to the devastations of climate change has never been in doubt. In Dubai last year, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was there to stress Nigerias commitment.”
He also stated that,”With gas emissions, unless every individual and institutions rise up, for me, the result is to prepare for climate change. We have placed ourselves at the forefront of global cooperation to implement solutions that can hold and reverse the effects of climate change.”
The Vice President added that,”And this summit is a vital step in realizing this objective. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the climate change 2024 summit is to achieve low greenhouse, gas emissions, green and sustainable road.”
He added that there is a clear target for meeting Zero energy transition plan to be achieve by 2060. Additionally, the national climate change policy and climate action swaps now transition towards a local carbon economy.”
Kashim Shettima added that, “We understand that the path to make zero emissions is never easy, not straightforward but with this frameworks, we have shown that we are serious about leading the fight.”
The Vice President added that, “Our commitment to the great green world project is another essential part of our climate action strategy. As we work to combine this initiative of the programmes of the devastating impacts of climate change.”
According to him, Nigeria’s 2024 flood outlook is yet another reminder of why climate change cannot be taken lightly stressing that, “our climate specialists and policy makers must work timelessly to develop comprehensive contingency plans and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of flooding across the country.”
“However, even with this preparations, we have projections, this only reinforces the need to explore solutions such as those discussed at this summit for lasting and effective climate action more than ever before,” he stressed.
The Vice President added that, “You are challenged to save our environment through interventions like the North East stabilization and development master plan. This plan guarantees the stability, security and sustainable development of the North-East subregion that has long suffered from twin devastation of conflict and environmental degradation.”
He stressed that, “We cannot afford to allow this cycle of reality to disrupt livestock production, erratic power generation, food crisis and unstable water bodies.”
The Vice President stressed that, “We must add the size, dedication and responding to the tragic impulse of climate change. Your efforts to convene this summit reflects an effective and collective response to put this global issue at rest, be assured that we stand ready for you.”
He assured that, “We stand ready to offer all the necessary support to ensure its success and sustainability and resilience of the victims of ecological threats. The zeal you have shown in the face of this adversities is another way, it’s nothing short of remarkable commitment.”
“You have not only sacrificed the disruption to your livelihood, but have also joined us in the fight against this challenge. We look forward to working together to build from the more resilient communities,” he concluded
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director /CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali said that, “As we gathered here today, we embark on a journey that addresses not only the immediate challenges before us but also sets the stage for long-term resilience and growth in the North-East Region.”
He reminded the gathering that the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) was established to bring hope, stability, and development to a subregion that has endured many hardships.
According to him,”Yet, while we have made significant strides in rebuilding our communities and restoring livelihoods, the evolving climate crisis presents a new set of challenges. From desertification and water scarcity to land degradation and loss of biodiversity, the impacts of climate change are felt deeply across our communities.”
“These effects, if left unchecked, threaten not only our environment but also the very foundation of our economy, security, and social well-being,” he added.
Goni Alkali observed that with every challenge comes an opportunity, thus, the summit, provide a platform to forge a path toward resilience, sustainability, and long-term prosperity for the people.
According to him,”We are here to explore innovative solutions, share knowledge, and build partnerships that will ensure that the North-East not only adapts to the effects of climate change but also becomes a model of climate resilience for other regions.”
He stressed that,”In the course of this event, we will hear from thought leaders, Academics, Experts and equally engage in enriching discussions, towards developing actionable strategies to tackle the challenges facing us.”
He added that, “Our objectives are clear: to increase awareness about the impact of our natural assets, strengthening climate resilience, identifying gaps associated with policy and governance, and most importantly, set a direction for a coordinated response to these environmental challenges.”
Goni Alkali emphasized that,”At NEDC, we remain committed to fostering sustainable development in line with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan which ensures that climate action is central to our programs. The Protected Environment pillar is a testament to our vision of creating a Region where both people and nature thrive together.”
The summit was attended by State Governments from the North-East subregion, traditional rulers, academia and other climate change stakeholders.
