The wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has advocated the adoption of a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritise environmental protection and economic growth to address the challenges of climate change.
Mrs Mbah stated this during 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.
Describing climate change as not just an environmental issue but a multifaceted challenge that affects people’s health, economy, and livelihoods, Mrs Mbah, 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, noting that by addressing climate change head-on, the state can 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 who said the event would be coming annually, noted that the initiative was aimed at inculcating in the youths, a sense of responsibility that they can contribute to the policies and programmes of the state government especially in the fight against climate change, and 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, while stating that the initiative is part of the awareness campaign and sensitization of the students and youths to become climate activists in order to have a safe environment, described them as the most important actors for climate action, saying climate consciousness has been made part of the school curriculum and educational system.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Enugu South Rural Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, Dr. Mara Huber, and Dr Maxwell Ngene of the Department of Mass Ommunication, ESUT, who spoke on the devastating impact of climate change around the world, commended the governor for his giant strides in the development of the state as well as his efforts in combating the menace of the climate change.
The essay competition had Chukwuebuka Onyia as the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of 250,000 Naira, Chinaza Arinze was the first runner up and was given a cash prize of 150,000 Naira, while Cynthia Ani took the third position and went home with a cash prize of 100,000 Naira.
They commended the organisers especially the state government for the transparent manner in which the competition was conducted as they emerged winners without the influence of any politician which according to them, has shown that the governor is a father of all irrespective social status.