Governor of Niger state, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has described the issue of climate change as a phenomenon that should worry all nations of the world in view of its devastating effects.
Bago who spoke on Friday in Minna, during a training workshop for journalists covering the House of Representatives on the theme; “Role of Media in Mainstreaming Climate Change Policies”, said the concerns were part of the state’s decision to organise the first ever Green Economy Summit, which would be taking place at the state capital in few days.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the governor said, “Climate change is one of the biggest problems confronting nations today. In Nigeria, it is a matter of concern to governments and experts because it is happening at a very frightening level. We have problems of flood, desertification, environmental pollution, etc and despite efforts being made, the devastating effects of climate change are recorded yearly. Even part of the insecurity we face today is attributed to climate change, which deserves priority attention.
“Unfortunately, it seems some of these disasters are even underreported. Perhaps, the media is not adequately equipped to handle this. I believe that as journalists who report from the parliament, where laws are enacted, it is essential that you acquire the necessary skills and tools to mainstream climate change. This can enable you to set an agenda for the Legislature and indeed the Executive”.
He stressed that “As a former legislator, who spent 12 years in the National Assembly and precisely the House of Representatives, I had a fruitful relationship with the media because its criticisms kept me on my toes and helped spur me to do more for my constituents and the nation. Let me state without equivocation that I am not averse to objective media criticisms because they helped in bringing out the best in me.”
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, stated that at the moment, Niger is leading others in climate change matters with the Green economy summit in few days from now, lined with activities in all sectors of the economy, including climate change.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hajiya Binta Mamman, said Niger State is endowed with a lot of opportunities, which people can explore for investment purposes.
Several papers were delivered to participants on different themes, including on “The Media, Parliament and Climate Change”, former lawmaker, Hon. Sam Oniugbo; “Effective Reporting of Green Economy: The Prospects, Challenges by Assistant Editor In-chief, NAN, Dr Uche Anunne, and “Reporting the Parliament in a Digital Era” by the Director, Accountability Centre for Journalism, Mr. Mboho Eno,
