By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
As the World Commemorate this year’s Environment Day, Kogi State Government has identified about three hundred life threatening environmental challenges sites and is set to tackle them.
Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engineer Joseph Oluwasegun made this known at an event to mark this year’s World Environment Day in Lokoja.
The World Environment Day which was championed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held on June fifth every year since 1973, is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach, celebrated by millions of people across the world.
The celebration in Lokoja, the State Capital started with a road walk led by the Environment and Ecological Management Commissioner from the Ministry through Government House Junction and Ganaja Junction to sensitise the people on the importance of protecting the environment.
After the Road walk, Staff of the Ministry as well as that of National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission N-HYPPADEC gathered at the Ministry for an evening to commemorate the Day.
The Commissioner while speaking at the Programme said the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is addressing issues of environmental degradation head on.
According to him, the State is currently sourcing for funds through the Kogi State Climate Change Agency to address the already identified threatening environmental challenges which include: erosion, flood, environmental degredation, deforestation among others.
He called on the people to see protection of the environment as a collective responsibility which the government alone cannot shoulder.
Engineer Oluwasegun noted that with the warning of impending flooding in the State this year, it is important for those living around water channels to relocate to safe lives.
On his part, the acting State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, said human activities such as tree planting is crucial to reducing the impact of Climate Change, affirming the commitment of the Commission to protection of environment in the State with adequate collaboration.
The Director General of Kogi State Climate Change Agency, Michael Onimisi Ajibade pointed out that the State government is developing an Environmental Green Policy.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Inspired by Nature, for Change, four our Future: Building Resilient Communities for a Sustainable Future.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings