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 growth.
He added that the inauguration of the state governance structure for the Green Nigeria Challenge aligns with the state’s development priorities and the recently approved Jigawa State Climate Change Policy.
According to him, the initiative complements ongoing efforts to advance environmental sustainability, strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable agriculture and ensure the responsible management of natural resources.
The governor further stressed that building resilience against climate change requires the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, whom he described as the future custodians of the environment.
He also commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for introducing the Green Nigeria Challenge under the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the programme as a timely intervention that supports states’ efforts to tackle climate change and environmental degradation.
In her remarks, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima praised the Jigawa State Government for its commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
She explained that the Green Nigeria Challenge is a national environmental campaign aimed at mobilising households, schools, tertiary institutions, communities and state governments to embrace tree planting, environmental sanitation and climate-conscious development practices.
The Second Lady observed that Jigawa occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s climate action efforts due to its vulnerability to desertification. She therefore encouraged residents to plant drought-resistant trees such as neem (Dogonyaro), moringa, date palm, mango and guava.
She also urged Environmental Clubs and Societies across the state to champion biodiversity conservation and promote environmental awareness within their communities.
