In a significant move towards addressing the pressing issue of climate change, the Abia State Ministry of Environment says it will be hosting a Two-Day Stakeholder Engagement Summit on climate change.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, announced during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in his office in Umuahia, the state capital that the Summit’s theme is “Towards Abia Climate Governance and Policy Framework: Widening Participation for Sustainable Growth”.

He further disclosed that the summit aims to set the stage for a comprehensive and inclusive climate change strategy for the State.

During a briefing with newsmen in his Umuahia office, Hon. Ogbonna revealed that the summit would feature distinguished speakers, including Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change, alongside other prominent experts in the field. This high-profile gathering is expected to catalyze the development of a robust climate change policy for Abia State, as well as outline actionable strategies to mitigate the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

“The story of climate change is vast and all-encompassing,” Mr. Ogbonna emphasized.

“It’s not just an environmental issue; it has profound social, economic, and security implications. This summit is a call for collective action because the efforts of individuals alone won’t be sufficient to tackle this global crisis.”

Mr. Ogbonna highlighted the critical need for a guiding action plan that involves all stakeholders.

“We aim to develop a comprehensive climate change action plan for Abia State, bringing in experts from every sector affected by climate change,” he said.

Notably, Abia State currently ranks eighth in climate change governance among Nigerian states, a position Mr. Ogbonna attributes to the proactive measures taken by the current administration.

Describing the upcoming event as a historic first for the state, Mr. Ogbonna also disclosed that the Ministry has established a fully functional Department of Climate Change, a significant milestone achieved at the close of 2023.

“Before the current administration, climate change was a non-issue in Abia State—from 2017 to May 2023, it wasn’t even domesticated here despite global recognition of its importance.

“Recognizing this gap, we swiftly established the Department of Climate Change, and since then, Abia has been actively involved in climate change initiatives,” Ogbonna stated.

As Abia State gears up for this pioneering summit, the event promises to mark a new era in the state’s approach to climate change governance, fostering sustainable growth and positioning Abia as a leader in climate resilience in Nigeria.