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By Muinat Usman
Kwara State Government has been commended for organizing stakeholder meetings aimed at formulating policies to tackle climate change in the state.
A retired Professor of Climatology from the University of Lagos, Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, made the commendation while speaking at the meeting in Ilorin.
Professor Oladipo praised the state government for recognizing the enormous impact of climate change and the need to address it by engaging relevant stakeholders.
He noted that such engagements would help build consensus and ensure that the policies reflect the realities of local communities and the environment.
Professor Oladipo explained that the policies developed during the meetings, if well implemented, would go a long way in addressing climate change challenges not only in Kwara State but across the country.
Also speaking, the Head of Climate Change and Environmental Assessment in Kwara State, Mr. Illias Abdulganiy, noted that the stakeholders identified key solutions, including the review of existing environmental policies.
According to him, the revised policy document will be forwarded to the governor for approval before implementation.
Mr. Abdulganiy stated that during the deliberations, attention was also given to tackling deforestation and one of the solutions proposed was the introduction of smokeless charcoal, which offers a safer alternative to traditional firewood and helps protect public health.
He added that sensitization campaigns and community involvement would be central to ensure success of the new measures, especially in rural areas where dependence on firewood remains high.
Present at the event were representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Red Cross, civil society organizations, market leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Edited by Abdullahi Ahmed
