Shettima urges collective action against climate change in N’East

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged for collective action to mitigate the challenges of climate change in the North-East, especially flooding and other challenges.

Arewa PUNCH reports that Shettima, who was represented by Aliyu Modibbo, the Special Adviser General Duties, made the call in Gombe at the North-East climate change summit organised by the North-East Development Commission.

He lauded NEDC for the concerted moves towards protecting the region, adding that there was the need for a swift tackle of the menace.

Arewa PUNCH reports further that the theme of the 2024 summit, which is, ‘’Setting the course for sustained climate action in the North-East,’’ attracted participants from the six states of the region.

Shettima said, “The past few days have been a tragic reminder of the harsh realities of climate change. We have watched in grief as lives, livelihoods, and communities have come under attack. None of us is immune to this existential threat to our ecosystem.

“Our 2024 flood outlook is a stark reminder of why climate change must not be taken lightly. While specialists and policymakers have developed contingency plans, it is clear that we need innovative solutions, such as those discussed at this summit, to strengthen climate resilience.

“The country’s efforts under the Great Green Wall initiative were also cited as a crucial part of its strategy to combat desertification and land degradation,” Shettima noted.

The vice president also acknowledged the resilience of communities in the North-East, particularly those affected by environmental and conflict-related challenges, saying, “As we work towards mitigating the effects of climate change, we must protect our nation from repeated cycles of floods, food crises, erratic power generation, and unstable water bodies.

“The North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan is key to securing the future of this region.”

Also, the Chairman of the North-East Development Commission, Major General Paul Tarfa (retd.), noted that environmental degradation is devastating following the location of the region, saying that the commission is making efforts to mitigate further consequences.

He disclosed that the retreat is an essential milestone for the NEDC to reflect, strategise, and set the course for the effective implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan.

Tarfa maintained, “Our work here over the next two days will define not just the operational efficiency of the Commission but also the future well-being of millions of people who call this region home.

“As we gather, let us acknowledge the profound challenges we face: the lingering impacts of the Boko Haram insurgency, the devastating effects of climate change, and the socio-economic hardships that continue to strain the North-East. These challenges, though daunting but surmountable if we ingeniously harnessed the opportunities. Achieving the set goals in the NESDMP requires us to innovate, collaborate, and implement sustainable solutions that will transform this region.”

While urging participants to give their best towards getting the desired results for the region, Tarfa added, “As we reflect on the strategic intent of this retreat, let us recall that the NEDC was established with a clear mandate to rebuild, stabilise, and accelerate the development of the North-East. However, the success of this mission depends on our ability to work together.”

On his part, the Managing Director of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, said the summit would not only address immediate challenges but also set the stage for long-term resilience and growth in the North-East region.

Alkali stressed, “Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as you may all recall, the North-East Development Commission was established to bring hope, stability, and development to a region that has endured many hardships. Yet, while we have made significant strides in rebuilding our communities and restoring livelihoods, the evolving climate crisis presents a new set of challenges.

“From desertification and water scarcity to land degradation and loss of biodiversity, the impacts of climate change are felt deeply across our communities. These effects, if left unchecked, threaten not only our environment but also the very foundation of our economy, security, and social well-being.”

While explaining the objectives, Alkali added, “Our objectives are clear; to increase awareness about the impact of our natural assets, strengthening climate resilience, identifying gaps associated with policy and governance, and most importantly, set a direction for a coordinated response to these environmental challenges. At NEDC, we remain committed to fostering sustainable development in line with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan, which ensures that climate action is central to our programs. The Protected Environment pillar is a testament to our vision of creating a region where both people and nature thrive together.”