By Abiola Olawale
The Immediate-past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has canvassed the implementation of innovative solutions to tackle the realities of climate change as Nigeria targets reducing emissions by 20 per cent by 2030.
Omo-Agege, the 2023 governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, emphasized that Nigeria is facing increasing risks from climate change, including desertification from the North, flooding and erosion in the south.
The former Deputy President of the Senate and Delta State APC governorship Candidate, Omo-Agege pointed out that the political leaders across all levels in the country need to step up to develop and implement robust strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
Omo-Agege made this known during a keynote address he delivered in Abuja weekend at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development bi-annual leadership lecture, where he was the special guest of honour.
This was also contained in a statement issued by Omo-Agege’s Media Adviser, Sir Sunny Areh.
Omo-Agege maintained that in the quest to combat climate change, quality and effective understanding of the dynamics and issues at play with climate change is imperative.
He said: “There is no doubt that quality leadership is indispensable in every society because everything, as they say, rises and falls on leadership. No organisation or society can rise above the level of its leadership.
“As we now well know, the earth’s climate is undergoing unprecedented changes primarily due to human activities and the resultant increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
“From science, we know that the consequences are far-reaching – affecting our environment, economies, health and social fabric of societies in fundamental ways.”
Encapsulated in the 2021 policy dubbed the National Determined Contributions (NDCs), the federal government policy set a target of reducing emissions by 20 per cent by 2030 with a conditional target of 45 per cent reduction contingent on international support, the former Deputy Senate President stated.
He said that under the NDCs policy, there are several other initiatives in the renewable energy master plan, including afforestation and reforestation programmes and others in agriculture.
He added: “As we continue to confront the realities of climate change, let us remain committed to sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and inclusive policies. Let us lead by example, inspire others, and work collectively towards a resilient and sustainable future for all.”
