Presidential Envoy, Ajuri Ngelale canvasses for stronger partnership in Green industrialization
… As Care International launches New strategy plans on leading locally, connecting global impact
By Matthew Denis
The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale has called for enhanced partnership to grow green economy for a greater impact to people at the grassroots in the country.
Chief Ngelale who is also the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity made the disclosure on Thursday during the launch of new country strategy 2024 to 2030 by Care International at Transcrop Hilton in Abuja.
He said “We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world.”
“I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country. One step at a time. The ties of mutually fruitful cooperation between the international donors and the Federal Republic will extend deeply into Nigeria’s realisable ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next ten years.”
According to him President Tinubu’s approach to green industrialization risk management which is key to Africa’s transition to clean energy and avoiding climate change mitigation measures
“Partnerships are needed for a new green economy noting that the president has launched the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative at COP28 by joining the African Carbon Market Initiative
“Nigeria is committed to developing blue and green hydrogen capacity for international export as the country is seeking to mobilize private capital with support from initiatives like the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative
“Nigeria is diversifying its economy by engaging in friendly competition with Russia in the supply of energy to European markets
Chief Ngelale emphasized that the government is investing in both natural gas and green energy as the goal is to make Nigeria the pioneering frontier of green manufacturing and industrialization.
He landed the effort of Care International in playing a vital roles in localizing their activities thereby impacting positively on the people at grassroots.
The Country Director of Care International, Dr. Husaini Abdu revealed that they have reached approximately 2.5 million people which 70 percent are women and children .
He stressed that the historic launch of our first country strategy in Nigeria for 2024-2030, themed “Leading Locally and Connecting Globally for Impact is targeted at building of a channel of partnership with other organizations in realizing the targeted goals.
Reflecting on our journey since 2017, From our humble beginnings in Yobe and Borno, where we responded to the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast, we have expanded our efforts to integrate humanitarian aid with development initiatives across more than nine states.
“Our ambitious goal is to extend our reach to 20 states in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by 2030.Since our inception, we have reached approximately 2.5 million people, 70% of them being women and children.
“We have piloted and scaled innovative approaches in humanitarian and development sectors and forged strong partnerships with state and federal governments, donors, peer and local organisations, and academic and research institutions. Together, we have pioneered and expanded proven innovations, significantly impacting the lives of those we serve.
The country Director noted that these achievements should make us all proud and inspire us to continue our work with even greater dedication.
Dr. Abdul reiterated that the need for our work has never been more critical as Nigeria faces significant challenges exacerbated by climate change and violent conflicts.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, severely impact livelihoods, food security, and access to clean water. These environmental challenges are compounded by violent conflicts, which displace communities, disrupt social cohesion, and hinder development efforts.
“In particular, the growing but underreported humanitarian situation in the Northwest and North Central regions is dire. These areas are plagued by violent conflicts, including farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and communal violence, leading to significant displacement of people.
“The Northwest region, in particular, has seen a surge in armed banditry and kidnappings, causing widespread fear and insecurity, further exacerbating the food security and nutrition crises in the region. The North Central region also grapples with communal conflicts and ethno-religious tensions that disrupt the lives and livelihood of many.
“These crises result in massive displacement, loss of livelihoods, and severe food insecurity. Many families have lost their homes and means of income, pushing them further into poverty. Children, women, and other vulnerable groups bear the brunt of these crises, facing malnutrition, lack of access to education, and increased risks of exploitation and abuse.
“I want to use the opportunity of today’s event to draw the attention of the government (federal and state), donors, and my colleagues further to these realities that require more than passing attention.
He stressed that the 2024-2030 strategy we are launching today results from two years of dedicated work. It has been shaped by an in-depth analysis of our six-year presence in Nigeria and extensive consultations with local and international partners and key stakeholders, many of whom are here with us today.
The highlights of the Programme was a panel session which all the discussants agreed on calling international donors like Usain, UN to focus more on the activities of local partners in terms of sponsorship.
