By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Towards saving Nigerians from the problem of climate change, the federal government has been called upon to undertake a purposeful multifaceted approach to tackle the prevailing weather challenges.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy in Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa James Edet made the call on Monday in Uyo, during the Study Tour of the Ministry by Sec 45, 2023 participants from the Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
Edet who was addressing the team on the theme – “Industrialization, Climate Change and Energy Security in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects, bemoaned the afflictions of Nigerians from Climate Change and called on the Federal Government to consider strategic multifaceted approach to forestall the prevailing hardship.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the urgent need for vigorous measures to be put in place as almost all sectors are threatened by climate change, ranging from Environment to Agriculture, Economy and even human lives as a result of flooding, droughts, hot waves, damage of infrastructure, erratic rainfall, displacement of people, increased pests and diseases.
He listed some of the measures to be undertaken in high degrees to include: Policy regulatory framework on environmental protection; Renewable Energy Transition; De-forestation and Afforestation and effective Collaboration with International organisations working on Climate change to leverage on technical expertise and financing.
Others include: Sustainable Agriculture that promotes agroforestry, organic farming and irrigation techniques; Climate Resilience and Adaptation; Public Awareness and Education on Climate change; low carbon transport infrastructure as well as effective Waste management mplentation including recycling and waste-to-energy solutions.
The Information Permanent Secretary noted that the Theme of the Study tour is germane as the prevailing issues- industrialization, Climate Change and Energy Security are interwoven and currently on the front burner of discourses in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
“All three components must be effectively tackled as they play major roles in the gross economic performance of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular, regarding wealth creation, employment opportunities, food security and livelihood”, he stressed.
“You will all agree that, without energy security, Industrialization-drive of any government will remain a mirage as energy is pivotal to the successful implementation of industrial concerns”, Edet emphasized.
On environmental protection, he said Akwa Ibom State Government has continued to fight flooding and work on erosion devastated areas in the State capital with remarkable success and called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state especially coastal communities prone to climatic challenges.
He expressed optimism that Governor Umo Emo administration would to boost Energy Security with his entrepreneurial drive and infrastructural/Industrial expansion as enshrined in his A-R-I-S-E Agenda as these sectors will thrive more with stability of power.
Earlier, the Leader of the delegation, Prof Dung Pan Sha had said his team – the “Senior Executive Course SEC 45, 2023” Study group five of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, was in Akwa Ibom State for a study tour and research on the theme – Industrialization, Energy Security and Climate Change, noting that the three variables are holistic and interwoven.
Prof Dung Sha hinted that the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is a foremost government tink tank, established in 1979 with the aim of carrying out research and training of Nigerians on several fields as well as advocating on some national issues.
The Team Lead eho disclosed that, the participants have very positive impression about Akwa Ibom State had in his company the Directing Staff of the Study Group 5, Brig Gen W D Nasiru mni, a Research Fellow, Dariyem Kruslat and other participants drawn from Security Agencies, the Organized Private sector and some State governments across the country.
The event which witnessed the exchange of momentoes by both NIPSS and the Ministry of Information and Strategy was witnessed by Directors in the Ministry led by the Dean, Mrs. Blessing Urua.
