Business
THE Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has lauded the Niger Government for blazing the trail in investing in the green economy in the country.
Mohammed gave the commendation in Minna, at the first ever green economy summit hosted by Gov Mohammed Bago and the Niger State Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the summit which began on Tuesday is expected to end on Wednesday.
She noted that the days of oil driven energy growth were numbered, adding that there was the need to end the addiction to fossil fuels.
The UN Deputy Secretary General said that Nigeria must set a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind, by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources.
She said that Niger state had the potential to be the trailblazer on this path as investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for the youths.
She commended the government for launching the green economy blueprint, adding that the summit arrived at a reflection point not only for Nigeria but also for Africa.
The UN deputy chief said because country in particular and the continent at large was currently facing cascade of challenges including rising cost of living, food insecurity and climate change.
“These challenges have no boundaries and have numerous cross generational impacts. So as we examine opportunities to build green economic pathways, we need to keep in mind that most of the world’s natural resources are in Africa.
“And in Niger, you are blessed with abundance of mineral resources. Niger is uniquely positioned to be one of the first movers to engaging green growth and to become a leader by investing in energy.
“But these must include bold investments into the state’s strongest assets, which are its people. People are not just the key target of development; they are also the agents of its change.”
Mohammed stressed that this would require leadership, commitment and partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex issues.
She emphasised that the days of oil driven energy growth were numbered, while global progress on meeting the climate emergency was still too slow, and the direction of travel unambiguous.
She noted that there was no long-term future for oil globally, and there was the need to end addiction to fossil fuels, while building baseload and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for everyone.
“Nigeria must therefore set a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources.
“Together we have a unique opportunity to make progress and crucial contributions to our sustainable development goals and agenda 2063.
“Let’s continue this journey together to ensure that people, especially women and planets thrive, building a just and sustainable and resilient world that leaves no one behind. Let us take that journey together,” she said. NAN
A.
-October 25, 2023 @ 11:05 GMT |
Tags: Amina Mohammed UN
