Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has identified climate change as one of the greatest development challenges confronting the present generation, warning that its effects continue to threaten livelihoods through desertification, land degradation, recurrent flooding and declining agricultural productivity.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Jigawa State governance structure for the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, as well as the launch of Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions and Environmental Clubs in schools, held in Dutse.
The event was officially inaugurated by the Second Lady of Nigeria, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, who represented the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Governor Namadi noted that Jigawa’s location within Nigeria’s semi-arid region and along the Great Green Wall corridor has made the state particularly susceptible to environmental challenges.
He explained that, as one of the frontline states in the Great Green Wall initiative, Jigawa has experienced the severe impacts of ecological degradation, including shrinking arable land and changing environmental conditions that threaten the livelihoods of its people.
“Our communities have endured the harsh realities of environmental degradation for many years. Despite these challenges, our people have remained resilient and committed to preserving and protecting the environment,” the governor said.
He stated that his administration has placed environmental sustainability and climate resilience at the centre of its development agenda through deliberate policies and strategic investments aimed at protecting ecosystems, improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic
