North East Climate Summit 2024: Shettima, stakeholders unite in Gombe to address climate change
…Seek partnerships to enhance North East’s climate adaptation
Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the North East state governments and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) have converged in Gombe to discuss devastating effects of climate change on the region, charting a path to a resilient North East.
The North East Climate Summit 2024 tagged ‘Setting the Course for Sustained Climate Action in the North East’, stakeholders was organised to proffer preventive measures on effects of climate change.
Speaking on Wednesday, Shettima said that the Nation has watched in grief as lives, livelihoods and communities have come under attack by climatic conditions which it does not have control over but could have minimal effect if proactive measures are taken.
He said, “As part of our nation, all of us must rise up to the challenge of the moment. In this context, this summit could not have come at a better time than now, we are in a more critical time, we cannot pretend that we do not see how climate change is rapidly shaping the world.”
The VP who was represented by the Special Adviser, Special Duties to the President Moddibo Aliyu, said that, “The crux of the matter is that the weather is alarming, there is fluctuation of water bodies and the inability or instability of our weather conditions.”
He also stated that, “It remains clear that none of us is immune to this existential threat to our ecosystem, this is why the bold step taken by the North-East Development Commission in organising this summit signals an awakening that is long overdue.
“With you, Nigeria’s commitment to the global search for solutions to the devastations of climate change has never been in doubt. In Dubai last year, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was there to stress Nigeria’s commitment,” he said.
The Managing Director (MD) of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali said that the gathering was to address the immediate challenges facing the nation and set the stage for long-term resilience and growth in the North-East region.
According to him, NEDC was established to bring hope, stability, and development to a subregion that has endured many hardships. “While we have made significant strides in rebuilding our communities and restoring livelihoods, the evolving climate crisis presents a new set of challenges. From desertification and water scarcity to land degradation and loss of biodiversity, the impacts of climate change are felt deeply across our communities.
“These effects, if left unchecked, threaten not only our environment but also the very foundation of our economy, security, and social well-being,” he added.
The NEDC boss further stated that the summit was to explore innovative solutions, share knowledge, and build partnerships that will ensure that the North-East adapts to the effects of climate change and becomes a model of climate resilience for other regions.
The Summit was attended by representatives of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states who made commitments to support the Commission’s efforts to reduce impacts of climate change.
