CSDevNet Nigeria Launches 'Green Growth' Initiative in Kogi to Combat Climate Change and Empower Communities
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria has launched the ‘Green Growth’ initiative to address the severe impacts of climate change in Kogi State.
The initiative kicked off with a one-day workshop at Federal University Lokoja (FUL), organized by CSDevNet Nigeria in collaboration with Green-for-Life Initiative. The event, themed “Building the Capacity of Women and Youth on Environmental Rights Accountability, and Policy Development for Green Growth in Kogi State,” aims to encourage tree planting and environmental stewardship.
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of FUL, who inaugurated the initiative, praised CSDevNet, Green-for-Life Initiative, and other sponsors for choosing FUL for the event. He emphasized the importance of embracing tree planting to beautify surroundings, control erosion, maintain a healthy environment, and provide shade for relaxation.
“Today’s workshop is designed to empower women and youths with knowledge that can lead to economic empowerment,” Akinwumi said. “When our livelihoods are secure, we can focus on culture, recreation, and research. By understanding biodiversity, the economic benefits of green growth, and flood prevention, we can transform our values and beliefs. Let us contribute by donating or nurturing plants in our community.”
He urged participants to become ambassadors of the green growth initiative, committed to preserving the environment for future generations. He assured donor partners that the university community would diligently maintain the green growth initiatives.
Stephen Abu, National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, highlighted the importance of reviving tree planting and tree growing in Kogi. He noted that CSDevNet is a network of over 300 organizations promoting climate-friendly and sustainable development across Nigeria.
“Kogi State faces significant annual flooding, causing fatalities, destruction of livelihoods, and infrastructure damage,” Abu explained. “Lokoja, located at the confluence of the Benue and Niger rivers, is particularly affected. Additionally, unsustainable resource exploitation, especially coal, has caused severe environmental damage and health risks.”
The workshop aims to enhance community resilience through capacity building, early warning systems, and environmental conservation via tree planting. It also seeks to integrate green growth principles into policy frameworks at national and sub-national levels.
Prof. Duda Tanko, Founder of Green-for-Life Initiative and Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Ecology, expressed concern over the high rate of desertification in Nigeria due to climate change. He linked the massive migration of herders from the North to the South to desertification and stressed the need to support the green growth initiative to mitigate climate change effects and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
The event concluded with symbolic tree planting by the VC and other stakeholders in strategic areas within the university campus.
