Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Dr. Kefas Agbu has attributed the climate change been experience in Taraba State to as a result of large influx of immigrants.
The Governor represented by the Deputy Alhaji Aminu Alkali disclose this disclose this during the Nigeria climate change awareness road march in Jalingo, the state capital.
He said that the day is significant considering the importance that the current administration places on climate change.
“The influx of immigrants from other parts of the country and beyond, have impacted climate change in the state.
“They have suffer climate change in other parts of the country and beyond and brought it to us in Taraba State and have affected the state.
According to him, the influx have given birth to farmers and hearder crisis in the state which have been a source of concern to the present administration.
He said that the present administration has establish the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to effectively tackle climate change in the state.
“This program is aimed at educating Tarabans especially the Royal Fathers on the dangers of climate change.
“Climate Change is cause by human activities such as cutting of trees, Mining and Agricultural practices
“If people would go strictly by the advice of the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, it will change their way of living.
He call on the citizens to avoid any activities that can cause climate change.
“You could be recall that this administration have ban the activities of falling down of trees and Mining. This administration is serious about it – said.
“If need be for one to cut one tree, then he should plan five trees to replace it. When all trees are cut down, animals are death – he added.
In her speech, the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat Barde, describe the program as the first ever Taraba state Environment and Climate Change Awareness Campaign.
“I am deeply pleased to stand before you as we gather to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is no longer news that Climate Change is a reality that has come to stay.
“It is the desire of His Excellency, the governor of Taraba state to, Dr. Agbu Kefas to protect the environment and safeguard its people as evidence in banning of illegal mining and logging of wood that causes negative impacts.
“The environment is not a distant entity; it is our shared home, and so it is our collective responsibility.
“The impacts of climate change are evident across the globe, and we, at the sub-national level, have a crucial role to play in mitigating and adapting to these changes.
Today, we come together as a community committed to preserving our environment and combating climate change.
According to her, as Tarabans, all efforts are integral in driving global change, as it is often at this level that the most tangible and impactful actions are taken.
“We must recognize that the environment and climate change do not discriminate.
“It affect every corner of our society, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
She said that the campaign aims to be inclusive and equitable, ensuring that all voices are heard and all perspectives are considered in the state solutions.
“As we embark on this journey of awareness and action, let us reflect on the following key principles:
Education and Awareness: as we are aware, knowledge is the foundation of change. We must educate ourselves and our communities about the science of climate change, its impacts, and the actions we can take. It is only through understanding that we can inspire meaningful action.
Sustainable Practices: Transitioning to sustainable practices is not just a choice; it’s an imperative. We must promote sustainable agriculture, energy, transportation, and waste management within our state territories. These choices have far-reaching consequences for our environment and future generations.
Community Engagement: Change starts at home. We will engage our Tarabans in discussions about climate change and involve them in local initiatives. We will encourage dialogue and collaboration to find innovative solutions tailored to our unique sub-national contexts.
Policy: The Ministry will develop for strong environmental policies at the state level, will support legislation that promotes renewable energy, conservation, reforestation, afforestation and sustainable development. Be the voice of change in our state and local governments.
Resilience and Adaptation: Climate change is already impacting our communities. Let us build resilience by preparing for extreme weather events, protecting vulnerable populations, and adapting to a changing climate.
Global Solidarity: Remember, we are not alone in this fight. Our state actions contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Let us collaborate with neighboring regions, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
She urge Tarabans to embrace the campaign with unwavering determination.
“Our actions today will shape the world our children and grandchildren inherit. We have a moral obligation to protect our planet, and by working together, we can be a force for positive change – she said.
Hajiya Aishat Barde, thank people for their commitment to the cause, and call on them to embark on this journey of environmental stewardship together.
“Resilience and Adaptation: Climate change is already impacting our communities. Let us build resilience by preparing for extreme weather events, protecting vulnerable populations, and adapting to a changing climate.
“Global Solidarity: Remember, we are not alone in this fight. Our state actions contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Let us collaborate with neighboring regions, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
She urge Tarabans to embrace the campaign with unwavering determination.
“Our actions today will shape the world our children and grandchildren inherit. We have a moral obligation to protect our planet, and by working together, we can be a force for positive change – she concluded.
On his part, the Chairman, Taraba State Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation,
Retired General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa said,
“Immediately after swearing in of Governor Kefas Agbu as the Governor of the state, he issue executive order no 3, 5 and set up a committee, headed by myself. The committee comprises of all the security agencies in Taraba State.
According to him, it takes a visionary leader to with critical thinking to come out with a good idea that will restore the environment.
“What we saw in the bush, is disheartening, destructive in nature and impact in our environmental protection and public safety.
“We have seen how miners destroyed Taraba State, you wouldn’t believe it. One day I will carry all of you there, so that you will see for yourself, so that by the time you come back, you will realy report what you see.
“The destruction is not only to the land but even to the trees. In Taraba State, Rosewood, a.k.a Madrid, was the business of the day, but now no more. They cut down trees and no provision to re – plant another trees.
“We are only after the benefit that we will get, not minding the impact to our environment. We are just destructive in nature – he said.
“If care is not taking, from the way things are going, desert encroachment is in Taraba State.
He said that the Tasks force have given it’s recommendation, which include the planting of trees in the sixteen local governments of the state.
“5,000 trees would be planted across the state. People should be discharge from failing down our trees – he added.