From TCNEWS
The Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has said that his administration is vigorously protecting over fifteen forest reserves in the state as a means of mitigating climate change, protecting against erosion, conserving biodiversity and sustaining the livelihood of many communities.
Pix: Gov. Otti’s representative, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, disclosed this at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU in the ongoing 2024 second International Conference of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management CNREM.
He decried that the reality of climate change and its effects are becoming more apparent as exemplified by more frequent floods, droughts, worsening erosion, heat waves and storms.
While stressing the need for all to support governments efforts in finding adaptation and mitigation solutions to addressing the additional challenge of climate change, Gov. otti, described the theme of the conference, “Nature Solutions for Supporting Natural Resources and Empowering the People”, as apt, pointing out that his administration is partnering the organizers of the conference based on his commitment towards the promotion of sound economic growth founded on sustainable environment that will guarantee healthy development for future generation.
He also added that his administration is mindful of the Memorable of Understanding it signed with MOUAU and will ensure that the goal of that framework is fully realized.
Furthermore, he charged the participants to come up with practical solutions to environmental and climate change problems.
Delivering a lecture which centered on the theme of the event, “Nature Solutions for Supporting Natural Resources and Empowering the People”, the keynote speaker and Conservator General, Nigeria National Park Services Abuja, Dr Ibrahim Goni, identified the establishment of national parks, reforestation and afforestation, sustainable land management, wetland, marine and coastal conservation, sustainable Agricultural practices, water recycling and reuse, renewable energy technologies among others as part of natural climate based solutions that can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
Declaring the conference open, the MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe said the university has attained significant milestones in its bid to position itself among the centres of excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
Pix: Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe.
According to him, the aim of the Institution was to provide a knowledge base for achieving food security and to revolutionize agriculture through training, extensive and adequate research at all levels of learning.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, MOUAU, Prof. Princewill Ogbonna who welcomed all to the conference, disclosed that nature-based solutions emphasized the maximization of natural processes and natural resources to manage environmental challenges with minimal costs.
Also in a brief remark, the chairman, local organizing committee of CNREM’24 second International Conference, Prof. E. C Nzegbule said the conference seeks to explore scientific findings with focus on nature-based solutions to many of the environmental and development related challenges, and appreciated the state government and the university for partnering the college in executing the conference.
The conference which featured paper presentations, goodwill messages, exhibition at the CNREM college premises, attracted the presence of the permanent secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Izuchukwu Onwughara, his Environment counterpart, Lady Joy Maduka among other notable personalities.