Environment
OXFAM, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Thursday demanded inclusion of African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project objectives in the Nasarawa Government’s programmes to strengthen sustainable climate change activities in the state.
Canny Geyer, Head of International Operations for Oxfam Novib, Netherlands, made the call on Thursday in Lafia during the AACJ project assessment visit to the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oxfam is supporting a five-year AACJ project in Nasarawa State, with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Geyer said this became necessary as the AACJ project and programmes keep declining in the state, expressing Oxfam’s willing to support the state government in this regard.
He urged the state government to provide a mechanism for the community to hold the state and Federal Government accountable for contributions and commitments made to climate change.
“My plea to the Nasarawa government is to incorporate some of the objectives of the AACJ project into government programmes.
“This is because sustainability ultimately is something that comes from the government,” he said.
Geyer recalled that his team comprising the country lead for the AACJ project in Nigeria, Dr Kenneth Akpan and implementing partners had earlier visited the Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Mr Mohammed Omadefu.
He added that the visit was to see the commitment of the House Committee on Environment towards climate change activities at the state level.
He said: “I am always very encouraged to see the level of participation this project gets from the community level.
“From the interaction we had right now, you can hear appreciation the community had shown towards both YMCA and Oxfam.
“I think it is really important also for Oxfam to be able to show our appreciation to the community too, ultimately, this project was a recommendation from the community.’’
Speaking, Mr Ango Adamu, Executive Secretary, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Mada Hills, Lafia, said the visit enabled the Oxfam team to interact with the beneficiaries of the AACJ project.
“Farmers from different communities, who are into briquette production, community nursery establishment, community development plan and all sorts of advocacy are here today to interact with one another,” he said.
Earlier, Omadefu, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, assured the team that the climate change bill would soon be passed by the State House of Assembly.
Omadefu appealed to the government of the Netherlands to shift its attention to erosion-affected areas in Nasarawa State as the programme winds down.
During an interactive session with the team, some beneficiaries of the AACJ projects including Mrs Justina Bala and Mr Emmanuel Envoh, said the projects had positive impact their lives and communities.
(NAN)
Photo Caption: Oxfam team in a group picture with the benefiting community members.
23rd January, 2025.
C.E.
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