By Dare Akogun
Stakeholders have called for development of priorities based on local peculiarities to tackle the menace of climate change in Nigeria.
The call was made at a one day Interactive session tagged Post cop 27: Reflecting on Promises , Negotiation and the Way Forward, organised by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, BBYDI, in Ilorin the Kwara State capital.
The program was tailored around discussion that evaluate the impacts of COP 27 and what needs to be done at government and individual level to tackle the effect climate change.
The Global Director BBYDI, Olasupo Abideen in his opening remarks called for concerted efforts by policy makers to establish a student focused research and establishment of climate education in the grassroots.
Abideen maintained that the the best way to tackle climate change is need for intensive climate education especially in the grassroots which will introduced the younger generations to climate issues at a very tender age, and as well use of technologies to solve climate issues.
Sobi FM’s Dare Akogun who is a panelist at the event harped on the need for collaboration by different segment of stakeholders in the society with the media, to generate more discussion around climate issues.
He also called for individual actions by engaging in acts that keeps the environment clean and also enlighten everyone around on the need to take actions.
Earlier in her presentation Tolulope Gbenro, a climate activist spoke extensively on the impact of climate change and the need for young people to act big while starting small and take up leadership roles, actively participate in climate leadership and negotiations.
Her presentation began with a basic overview of climate change and its extensive area on energy, water and gender. She further explained UNFCCC processes and the importance of loss and damage as a thematic areas adopted during the COP 27.
According to her “Fight for a seat at the table! You can not allow people that will not be here few years from now to solely make decisions that will affect your future and that of your children,” she charged.
Another panelist Micheal Olayemi who is a climate smart agripreneur harped on the need for change of approach towards the fight against the menace of climate change by advocating reduction in greenhouse emissions using proven methods in the way we process our foods.
The project lead Babatunde Qodri, in his remarks said the event was put together with aim of educating participants and young people within Kwara State on issues related to climate change and environmental sustainability.
Participants include young climate activists, climate focused non profit , academicians, students and government agencies.
