Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development through efforts to strengthen the state’s capacity to access climate finance.
Ododo said this on Thursday at the opening of the Climate Finance Readiness Assessment (CFRA) Technical Assistance Programme in Lokoja.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salifu, the governor said climate change posed significant challenges to agriculture, water resources, the environment and residents’ livelihoods.
He said addressing these challenges required practical measures and collective action by the government and other stakeholders.
Ododo said the establishment of the Kogi Climate Change Agency provided an institutional framework for coordinating climate policies and programmes across the state.
He added that the government was developing a state-specific climate change policy and strengthening partnerships with national and international organisations to promote environmental sustainability and attract investments.
According to him, the assessment would identify institutional and technical gaps, strengthen relevant structures and help the state develop credible projects capable of attracting climate finance.
The governor commended the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) for providing technical assistance at no cost to the state.
He described the partnership as an important step towards addressing climate-related challenges and improving the state’s access to funding.
Ododo assured that his administration would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at environmental protection, sustainable development and improving residents’ quality of life.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Kogi Climate Change Agency, Mr Ajibade Onimisi, said the assessment would identify gaps and improve the state’s readiness to access climate finance.
Onimisi commended the governor for supporting climate action and environmental sustainability and thanked PACE for partnering with the state on the exercise.
He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders, to support the assessment and ensure its recommendations translated into tangible benefits for residents.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Mr Joseph Stephen, commended the governor for his commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
Stephen said the state was strengthening climate governance through the establishment of the Climate Change Agency, the development of a climate change policy and collaboration among government ministries and agencies.
He said the assessment would help identify gaps, improve the state’s preparedness to access climate finance and attract investments for climate-related projects.
