Gov. Otti reels out measures adopted to mitigate the challenges of climate change in Abia.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has said that his administration stepped up supervisory activities around the State’s water bodies to stem the tide of pollution and also mitigate threats arising from the activities of economic adventurers.

Presenting a keynote address in the ongoing 2-day stakeholders engagement session on climate change put together by the State Ministry of Environment at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Gov. Otti, also announced that the forest reserves in the state are now better managed as his administration is poised to expanding the layers of environmental buffers around the State.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, also announced that his administration made substantial provisions to finance climate actions in the 2024 fiscal year.

“Recall that one of the earliest decisions we took on assumption of office was the setting up of a Climate Change Department in the State Ministry of Environment to coordinate our response to changes in the climatic conditions as they affect our local Communities. I am glad that the department hit the ground running almost immediately, mobilizing community leaders and other stakeholders to rise to the demand of mitigating the impact of climate change in the state.

“As most people know, every plan and programme we have for the future is dependent on our ability to preserve our natural environment. This involves the development of a new template, through relevant institutional structures, to manage how we interact with nature in our day-to-day activities as farmers, manufacturers, traders or regular domestic and industrial energy consumers”, Gov. Otti explained further.

The Governor who also disclosed that he has directed the State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to engage with the management of the Abia State University to develop an alternative energy framework to address the perennial power problems in the school, also revealed that the State is developing a robust policy framework for off-grid energy solutions to support economic and social activities, especially in the rural areas.

Earlier in his address, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, stated that the government of Gov. Otti has not only demonstrated a strong political will to deal with climate change by robustly funding the budgets of the Department of Climate Change but has ensured that the state is fully represented at all national activities addressing environmental issues.

Ogbonna who espoused and expounded the theme of the event, “Towards Abia State Governance Policy Framework: Widening Participation for Sustainable Growth”, said the stakeholders engagement was primarily aimed at drawing-in relevant stakeholders to support Abia State in generating actions to address Climate Change; appraise vulnerability factors and priorities mitigation and adaptation approaches for the state, and at the same time establish effective partnerships that will enable the State develop structures and policy frameworks to achieve sustainable and climate resilient development.

In his message, the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment assured that House will remain partners in progress and would continue to make laws that will bring a positive change in the state.