Ilorin: Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has pledged his administration’s commitment to collaborate with relevant organisations to address climate change and encourage community acceptance of adopted solutions.
The Governor, represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alh. Sa’adu Salau made this known on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ engagement on climate change policy and action plan in Ilorin.
According to him, the reality of climate change, although global, has become an integral part of daily life and livelihood.
He warned that unchecked human interference, such as tree felling and charcoal production, worsens greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage.
“Refuse burning and indiscriminate dumping of waste into water channels and drainages are also major causes,” he said.
The governor noted that many people do not realise that the consequences of climate change extend beyond poor sanitation, which spreads diseases and hinders progress in several sectors.
He added that mismanagement of the environment also undermines crop yields, food production, food security, and overall well-being due to erratic rainfall and unpredictable weather conditions.
“For these reasons, our government has approved proposals designed to mitigate both immediate and long-term effects of climate change,” he said.
He recalled that Kwara supports clean energy initiatives, particularly compressed natural gas.
He added that the state paid counterpart funds to participate in the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) Project, which combats deforestation and supports eco-friendly development.
AbdulRazaq said the engagement aimed at aligning Kwara with Goal 13 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
He assured that his administration remained committed to improving communities, infrastructure, and the welfare of residents.
Commissioner for Environment, Ms Nafisat Buge, said the programme was part of the ministry’s concluding phase of public engagement with groups connected to environmental management in the state.
She noted that population growth, particularly in the metropolis, required deliberate actions, effective planning, and strategies to address both current and future challenges.
“There is a need for stakeholders to be more responsible on issues like waste management, noise control, proper water channelisation, and increased tree planting,” Buge said.
Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a climate change specialist at the University of Lagos, stated that biodiversity loss has a direct impact on ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services.
He blamed the crisis on human activities, including land-use change, pollution, and deforestation, which reduce plant and animal diversity and destroy natural habitats.
“Meaningful economic growth and environmental degradation must be addressed simultaneously within a clear state agenda linked to global and national frameworks,” Oladipo stated.