The wife of the Enugu state governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has advocated for the adoption of a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritises environmental protection and economic growth to address the challenges of climate change.
Mrs Mbah stated this at an award ceremony for the winners of the first essay competition in Enugu state on climate change titled: “What Measures Can Enugu State Take to Address Climate Change While Promoting Economic Growth, and What Role can the Youth Play in This Process?”
The event was organised by the Office of the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady as well as the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Education and Environment.
He described climate change as not just an environmental issue but a multifaceted challenge that affected people’s health, economy and livelihoods.
Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih, said Enugu has already witnessed its impacts-irregular weather patterns, soil degradation, and diminished agricultural yields.
He noted that by addressing climate change head-on, the state could pave the way for sustainable economic development that benefits every citizen.
She listed promoting sustainable agriculture, investing in renewable energy, strengthening environmental governance, promoting green industries, enhancing urban planning and infrastructure, and advocating policy change as some of the measures to address climate change.
Earlier in his presentation, the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke said the event would be coming annually.
He stated that the initiative was aimed at inculcating in the youths a sense of responsibility for them to contribute to the policies and programmes of the state government especially in the fight against climate change.
He also called on the winners to see themselves as ambassadors of the state in the fight against climate change.
Also the commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof Sam Ugwu and his Education counterpart, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, said the initiative was part of the awareness campaign and sensitisation of the students and youths to become climate activists.
According to the commissioners this was to achieve a safe environment and described them as the most important actors for climate action.
The essay competition had Chukwuebuka Onyia as the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of N250,000, Chinaza Arinze was the first runner up and was given a cash prize of N150,000, while Cynthia Ani took the third position and went home with a cash prize of N100,000.
