By Mariam Idris
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Samuel Onuigbo, who represents the South-East on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission and is the sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, has been named the Nigerian Patron of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet).
This occurred on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, during the “Post-COP28: Multi-Stakeholders National Consultative Dialogue” at the Dennis Hotel in Abuja.
Hon. Sam Onuigbo Accepted Patronage of CSDevNet and Pledges Commitment to Collaborative Climate Action. Onuigbo called for an end to working in silos in the climate space. And also, pledged to continue championing the cause of climate justice.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Onuigbo expressed his honor at the appointment and pledged to work collaboratively with the organisation to address climate change.
“This appointment is an honor to me,” Onuigbo said. “Working in silos has created a huge gap in the climate space. It is an honor to be part of this organisation that eliminates it. I am proud to be part of this and thank you for having me worthy.” he added.
Hon. Sam Onuigbo emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling climate change. “Every COP process should provide us with a chance to provide an edifice to chart the cause of climate change,” he said.
In his speech “I have witnessed firsthand the cruel bite of climate change, the once-life-giving springs drying up, the legendary gully erosion gnawing at our very foundation. The memory of those parched fields and gaping wounds fueled my resolve when, at the GLOBE COP21 Legislators Summit, a call to arms echoed through the chambers of the French Parliament. We were urged to return home, to champion the cause of sustainability, and to translate global aspirations into local realities. And so, the arduous journey towards the Climate Change Act began, with each legislative hurdle scaled in the name of a greener tomorrow.”
He encouraged participants to work together and remain committed to the fight against climate change. “Indeed, it is an honor for us to consider this collaborative effort to build a climate resilient in Nigeria,” Onuigbo said. “We pledge our continuous support for the climate and environment we live in as we continue to champion the cause of climate justice.”
Hon. Sam Onuigbo’s appointment and acceptance speech highlight the growing recognition of the need for collaboration in addressing climate change.
CSDevNet is a network of organizations and individuals working on climate change and sustainable development issues in Nigeria. The organization’s goal is to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and action on climate change in Nigeria.
Onuigbo’s commitment to climate justice is well-known. He has been a vocal advocate for climate action in Nigeria and has worked to raise awareness of the issue both domestically and internationally.
His appointment as the Patron of CSDevNet is a significant step forward for the organisation and for the climate movement in Nigeria. With Onuigbo’s leadership, CSDevNet is well-positioned to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.