Community Dialogue on Climate Action: A Step Towards Resilient Communities in Nigeria
In an important initiative to combat the pressing challenges of climate change in Nigeria, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) hosted a pivotal Community Dialogue in Akure. This event was part of the “Empowering Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria” project, also recognized as the #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija initiative, proudly sponsored by the Nigeria Youth Sustainable Development Goals Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) and supported by the German Embassy in Nigeria.
The Community Dialogue convened a diverse group of stakeholders. Thus, creating a platform for vital discussions aimed at developing local strategies to address climate change. Among the participants were youth groups, people with disabilities, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and key government officials, all coming together to brainstorm actionable solutions to mitigate climate-related impacts.
The event kicked off with opening remarks from our Executive Director, Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye. She highlighted the importance of collective action and urged all attendees to take ownership of the climate dialogue. “This conversation is crucial now more than ever,” she noted. “We must unite to formulate practical action plans that address the environmental challenges we face at the grassroots level.”
Mr. Emmanuel Adamolekun, the project lead for empowering civil society, offered a sobering overview of Nigeria’s current climate situation. He highlighted significant issues such as erratic weather patterns, increased flooding, and the threat these changes pose to food security. “The impacts of climate change are not hypothetical; they are affecting us now. If we fail to act decisively, we risk exacerbating the already severe consequences for our communities,” he stated.
A key feature of the dialogue involved breaking participants into working groups. Here, Each group engaged in analyzing existing national climate policies, generating potential solutions, and crafting localized action plans. This collaborative effort fostered meaningful discussions on how to tailor climate policies to better meet the needs of specific communities in Ondo State.
The event was graced by a goodwill message from Senior High Chief Adegbonmire, representing the Deji of Akure Kingdom. He praised the initiative as both timely and essential, emphasizing the importance of rapid action to address climate change. Furthermore, Mrs. Folorunsho Adegoke, the Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, commended the dialogue as a commendable effort to tackle climate threats such as food insecurity and health risks.
Religious leaders, including Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Sheik Yayi Akorede from Akure Kingdom, reinforced the necessity of communal engagement in addressing environmental issues. Also, they stressed that protecting our environment requires collective will and action from all sectors of society.
Moving Forward: A Shared Commitment to Climate Action
As the event drew to a close, all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to implement the solutions. Action plans were also developed during the discussions. This dialogue was not just an event; it was a vital step forward in climate action. It showcased the significance of collaboration among government, civil society, religious institutions, and local communities.
Through this Community Dialogue, we believe that the insights gained and the plans created will lay the foundation for ongoing climate action in Nigeria, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for our communities. Together, we can forge a path toward a healthier environment for generations to come.
