By Stephen Adeleye
CSDevNet inaugurates ‘green growth’ initiatives to mitigate adverse climate change in Kogi
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria has successfully empowered women and youth on environmental rights accountability and policy development for ‘Green Growth’ in Kogi State.
The workshop, held on Tuesday at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Felele campus, was organized by CSDevNet in collaboration with the Green-for-Life Initiative.
Participants included a diverse group of stakeholders—women and youth, government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and experts—focused on enhancing environmental rights accountability and developing policies for green growth in Kogi.
In his address, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, praised CSDevNet, the Green-for-Life Initiative, and other sponsors for choosing FUL as the venue for the event.
He underscored the importance of embracing tree planting and supporting green growth initiatives to combat climate change.
Akinwumi noted that the multiple benefits of plants, include; beautifying surroundings, controlling erosion, maintaining a healthy environment, and providing shade.
He emphasized that economic development through green growth enabled focus on culture, recreation, and research, and urged participants to contribute by planting or caring for trees in their communities.
The VC called on the participants to be good ambassadors for the green growth initiative, pledging that the university community would ensure the diligent maintenance of the initiative.
Earlier, Mr. Stephen Abu, National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, described green growth as a vital step in reviving tree planting traditions in Kogi.
He noted the state’s vulnerability to severe flooding, environmental damage from coal mining, and other challenges.
Abu outlined the workshop’s goals to include improve community resilience, implement early warning systems, and integrate green growth principles into policy frameworks.
Prof. Duda Tanko, Founder of the Green-for-Life Initiative, stressed the impact of desertification and climate change, linking it to migration patterns and the farmer-herder conflicts.
He called for support for the green growth initiative to mitigate these issues.
Highlight at the was the symbolic tree planting by the Vice Chancellor and other stakeholders at strategic locations on the university campus.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
