Report by Paul Gwumapan Joseph
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) held a one-day training workshop in Kogi State on August 5, 2024, in partnership with Green for Life Initiative (GLI).
The workshop aimed to educate stakeholders on the principles and benefits of green growth and develop actionable policies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
Participants included a diverse group of stakeholders—women and youth, government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and experts.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Steve Abuh, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, highlighted that the workshop aimed to address environmental challenges by developing policies that integrate green growth principles into national and sub-national policy frameworks.
“Green growth is a step towards reviving the culture of tree planting and tree growing in Kogi,” he said.
Mr. Abuh emphasized the challenges posed by the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, especially coal, which has caused severe environmental damage and health risks due to illegal mining in the state.
He noted, “To address these challenges, CSDevNet and its partner, Green for Life Initiative, are organizing a one-day training workshop for women and youth on policy development for transitioning to green growth in Kogi State.”
In his welcome address, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, underscored the importance of embracing tree planting and supporting green growth initiatives to combat climate change.
He stressed the need for everyone to adopt the culture of tree planting, nurturing, and supporting green growth initiatives to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
He said, “By enhancing our understanding of biodiversity, the economic benefits of green growth, and early warning systems for flood prevention, we can transform our values and beliefs. When economic development secures our livelihoods, it allows us to focus on culture, recreation, and research.”
During the event, Prof. Akinwumi made two significant announcements: “It is now mandatory for all students admitted to the university to plant a tree upon matriculation and nurture it throughout their academic years as a requirement for graduation.”
He also added, “Tree planting will henceforth be a criterion for Faculty awards. Faculty greening efforts will be considered.” This commitment demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to integrating environmental consciousness into educational institutions.
Participatory sessions led by experts provided participants with valuable knowledge on transitioning to green growth and developing effective policies. The workshop also highlighted the need for policies on an early flood warning system tailored to the unique challenges of Kogi State, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities.
In conclusion, the workshop increased awareness and understanding of green growth principles among stakeholders.
It resulted in the development of actionable policy recommendations for transitioning to green growth in Kogi State, a roadmap for integrating green growth principles into national and sub-national policies, and strengthened collaboration between government, academia, civil society, and local communities.
The draft communiqué will be shared with participants for feedback, ensuring that the workshop’s outcomes and recommendations are refined and actionable.