By correspondent in Abuja.
Stakeholders in the environmental sector gathered in Abuja on Tuesday to push for urgent climate action ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22.
The event, organized by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and OXFAM, was held under the umbrella of the African Climate Caravan. It featured the inaugural Climate Media Spotlight Award and Arts for Climate event.
Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, emphasized that the Nigerian legislature would focus on tackling coastal challenges, climate change, and farmer-herder conflicts through the swift passage of relevant bills.
He called on Nigerians to take responsibility and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Dr. Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, stressed the importance of climate change reporting in Africa.
He noted that educating the public, driving policy change, and empowering communities were vital in fostering resilience.
“It provides a platform for the continent’s unique climate challenges to be heard and addressed, paving the way for a more informed and proactive society,” he said.
Mr. John Makina, Country Director for OXFAM, raised concerns about rising carbon emissions and called for immediate action to mitigate their effects.
“We are here to sensitize the public on climate issues as Nigerians prepare for COP29,” he stated.
The event also include the presentation of awards to schools in the Federal Capital Territory for their participation in art exhibitions, as well as to journalists recognized for their climate-related reporting between August 1 and October 1.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
