The Government of Taraba State took a giant step towards effective climate action and sustainable development by holding a stakeholders validation workshop for its climate policy and action plan yesterday, January 14, 2024, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The Climate Change Policy and Action Plan which covered all the key sectors using both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods was developed in collaboration with Society for Plant and Prosperity with funding support from the African Climate Foundation (ACF) and the European Climate Foundation (ECF).
This validation workshop marked a significant progress by the state towards improving its climate governance structure and attracting climate finance to implement viable clean projects. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders, including state and local government officials, community leaders, civil servants, businesses, civil society organizations, academics, private sector representatives and international partners, who praised the report while also offering valuable feedback to ensure an actionable implementation roadmap.
In his welcome address, the State Director for Climate Change, Ahmed Lazarus, commended the technical team for their diligent work in drafting the policy document. He also thanked the State Governor, His Excellency Agbu Kefas and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Chang, Ms Hon. Aishat Barde, for their support, and provision of an enabling environment for climate action.
Delivering her opening remarks, Hon. Aisha Barde, thanked participants for their contributions, stating that stakeholders’ input cannot be overemphasized. She also appreciated the ACF and SPP for selecting Taraba State as a beneficiary of the fund, and for their effort in ensuring that the policy development process captures the voices and needs of the people of Taraba state.
Citing the recent wildfire in California, she highlighted the impacts of climate change and warned against the dangers of inaction. Hon. Aisha Barde also reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing climate change challenges.
“This document is not just the document of the state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, but rather a document of the government of Taraba State as it clearly indicated the different sectors where actions need to be implemented towards reducing greenhouse gas emission in the state, and achieving sustainable growth. This is both a call for awareness and climate action in Taraba State,” she said.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Taraba State, Gov. Agbu Kefas, who was ably represented by the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State House of Assembly, Dr. Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, underscored the urgent need for climate action in the state given its vulnerability, describing the validation of the Policy and Action Plan documents as timely. He said the documents have laid the groundwork for coordinate climate action in the state and reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State government towards mitigating the impact of climate change.
“We must recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a multifaceted challenge that affects our economy, health and the future generation. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing these challenges through a robust and actionable climate change policy that aligns with global standards set fort by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and other international treaty,” he declared.
Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, leader and representative of the technical team commended Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and Dr Eugene Itua for assembling the team that developed the policy and action plan, and encouraged Taraba State government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to work together to make the success of the policy and action plan document a reality.
In his remark, he highlighted that the United State of America (USA) is already working hard to prevent the reoccurrence of the California fire disaster, a situation he referenced to show that climate change does not discriminate hence adding that Taraba State must take action.
Professor Okereke, President of SPP said he was delighted that Taraba State has taken this important step in producing a document that can enable it to coordinate its climate action in ways that addresses local needs and contribute to national and international climate objectives. He urged the Taraba State Government not to see thee climate policy as an end itself but a means towards mobilizing climate finance and pursing more ambitious climate goals.
After the technical breakout session, participants took the stage to share their recommendations for enhancing the implementation of the policy. These suggestions included aligning the climate change policy with the state’s electricity law, strengthening the state’s capacity to generate renewable energy, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Elijah Iklaga, Edwin Orugbo and Ugochukwu Uzuegbu
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