The Enugu state government says it is on the verge of securing an N100m grant from the African Climate Foundation to tackle climate change issues in the state.
This was made known by Gov. Peter Mbah during his first anniversary speech in Enugu on Wednesday.
Mbah said he was delighted about the grant, adding that it would be instrumental in developing a ground-breaking and innovative science-based climate change policy.
According to him, the pioneering initiative will be the first of its kind across the 36 states of the federation, positioning Enugu as a trailblazer in climate action and sustainable development.
He said, “The climate policy and action plan will be our roadmap to an exciting array of initiatives, including a major climate education and awareness programme, climate finance, and mobilisation.
“A transformative clean cooking programme to protect our women from the health risks of open firewood cooking.
“It shows that our commitment to enthroning effective remedial actions on climate change is not mere lip service,” Mbah said.
The governor said the government was aware of the catastrophic impact of climate change on economic growth and livelihoods and recognised the urgent need for a robust climate policy that would pave the way for a clean energy transition.
Mbah said that modalities were in place to handle them.
He said that a grand tree-planting exercise would rejuvenate the degraded ecosystems, sequester carbon, and beautify Enugu State, setting the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future.
“The beauty and orderliness we see in Western capitals and cities were not wished into existence.
“Behind those qualities, lay diligent planning, respect for laws, and sacrifice.
“Suffice it to say that development is sometimes akin to the early stages of road construction.
“There might be some slight discomfort; but the end is often redeeming,” he pledged.
According to him, Enugu New City is envisioned to be the premier investment destination in Nigeria.
“The city will sit on a corridor that connects the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.
“It will take a mere 15-minute drive from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to the Enugu New City, which signals the birth of a new world of opportunities.
“This vibrant, integrated metropolis driven by manufacturing, commerce, and tourism will boost facilities comparable to the standards in globally renowned cities, from theme parks to industrial parks.
“During the campaigns, I lamented the fact that Enugu had all but lost its enviable reputation as the preferred location for Nollywood movie productions, and expressed the desire to change that narrative,” Mbah stressed.
“We have invested much in our darling Rangers International FC, improving their welfare, and bringing in the right management team.
“Of course, this reflects in the fact the club is currently top of the NPFL table,” the governor said.
NAN
