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Olabode Adaramola
Niger State Government has come up with a Blueprint for a Green Economy to demonstrate its resolve on safeguarding the environment for a prosperous future.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated this in his opening remarks at the opening of the Maiden Green Economy Summit held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna,Niger State capital on Tuesday at the instance of the state government.
He explained that the Blueprint spans across vital sectors, encompassing renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, inclusivity, and tourism among others adding that collective action is needed by government, private sectors and civil societies to achieve the desired objectives.
The Governor who explained further that the state is blessed with enormous natural resources that are under threat due to the devastating effect of climate change and environmental degradation, said the Summit was to find ways of addressing them.
“We firmly believe that local communities are not just beneficiaries; they are the architects of change in the transition towards a green economy. We aim to equip them with the necessary skills and resources to partake in eco-friendly ventures and reap the benefits of green initiatives”,said the Governor .
Governor Umaru Bago used the forum to reiterate that the State will create an avenue where its citizens enjoy access to fundamental social amenities and infrastructure that enhance the quality of life.
The President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was the Special guest of honour, said his administration is committed to harnessing the potential of a green economy,adding that the Federal Executive Council( FEC) has recently approved a solid mineral development policy which pointed out, will align with the objectives of the green economy.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi said the new policy will remove all forms of illegalities that were destroying the environment and bring about the principle of efficient resource use among others which he said will be of great benefit to the Niger state.
In her keynote address, the Deputy Secretary-General, of the United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed who spoke virtually described the Summit as a reflection point to squarely address the global challenges of Climate change bearing in mind the huge natural resources endowed in Africa.
She commended Niger State Governor for the foresight in putting together the Summit saying, “the State is uniquely positioned to be the first movers to engage in green growth and by extension be a leader in energy investment”.
She thereby advocated leadership, partnership and commitment to helping in the identification of Integrated solutions and responding to complex issues.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, further hilighting that the days of oil-driven economic growth were numbered, while global progress on meeting climate emergency is too slow, stressing the need to end addiction to fossil fuels while expanding access to reliable and affordable energy for everyone.
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In their separate goodwill messages, a former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and an erstwhile Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu acknowledged that the Summit was timely, saying, “the green economy is the way to go as desertification has negatively impacted on the environment, especially the Northern region”.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman noted that the green economy initiative is capable of transforming the state and beyond and urged participants to engage in insightful discussions and exchange knowledge for a better society.
The first Niger State Green Economy Summit has the Theme: “Sustainable future: Harnessing green assets and innovation for Niger State’s prosperity.
Governor Umaru Bago led dignitaries around the exhibition stands where they were shown various locally manufactured products.
