Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria, has inaugurated the ‘Green Growth’ initiative to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in Kogi.

CSDevNet Nigeria in collaboration with the Green-for-Life Initiative launched the initiative at a one-day workshop at the Federal University Lokoja, with the theme “Building the capacity of women and youth on environmental legal responsibility and policy development in Kogi State” aimed at promoting tree planting

Olayemi Akonwi, the Vice Chancellor, FUL who inaugurated the initiative commended CSDevtNet, Green-for-Life Initiative and other sponsors for choosing FUN for the event.

Akinwumi emphasized the need for everyone to embrace the culture of tree planting, nurture and support the Green Growth Initiative to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, noting that the plants would not only beautify the surroundings but also play an important role in controlling erosion, maintaining a healthy environment and provides shade for relaxation.

He said: “Today’s capacity building workshop aims to empower women and youth with skills that can lead to economic empowerment.

“When economic development secured our livelihoods, it allows us to focus on culture, recreation and research.

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“By improving our understanding of biodiversity, the economic benefits of green growth and early warning systems to prevent flooding, we can change our values ​​and beliefs.

“Let’s contribute by donating a plant or helping to nurture and maintain the greenery in our vicinity”.

He likewise urged the participants to emerge as ambassadors of the Green Growth Initiative as environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the world for future generations, as he assured the donor partners that the Green Growth Initiatives would be diligently sustained by the university community

Earlier, Stephen Abu, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, said the green growth was a step towards reviving the culture of tree planting and arboriculture in Kogi, noting that
CSDevNet) Nigeria is a network of over 300 organizations across Nigeria promoting climate-friendly and equitable sustainable development.

He said “Kogi State faces significant annual flooding, causing deaths, destruction of livelihoods and damage to infrastructure.

“Lokoja, at the confluence of rivers Benue and Niger, is particularly affected during the rainy season.

“Furthermore, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, especially coal, has caused serious environmental damage and health risks due to illegal mining.

“To address these challenges, CSDevNet and her partner, Green for Life Initiative, are organizing a one-day women and youth multi-stakeholder capacity building workshop on environmental rights, accountability and policy development for green growth in Kogi State.

“The workshop aims to improve community resilience through capacity building, early warning systems and promoting environmental stewardship through tree planting.

“It will also address environmental challenges by developing policies that integrate green growth principles into the national and sub-national policy frameworks”.

He pointed out that the workshop would increase understanding and advocacy skills regarding environmental rights and educate communities on early warning systems for better disaster preparedness and response.

Duda Tanko, the founder of the Green-for-Life initiative, also condemned the high rate of desertification in Nigeria due to the devastating effects of climate change.

Tanko, who is a professor of conservation and ecology, attributed the massive migration of herdsmen from the north to the south of Nigeria to the issue of desertification caused by climate change, adding that the need for people to support the green growth initiative to mitigate against the negative effects of climate change to reduce farmer/herdsmen crises.