Ministry of Environment partners “Spaces for Change” to remedy Climate Change in Imo

Alex Ibeh
As part of moves to tackle the effect of climate Change in Imo State, the Ministry of Environment has Inaugurated a technical Committee to bring a framework to address the menace.

Inaugurating the 16-man technical Committee on Friday, 18th October, 2024 at the State Secretariat, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Barr. Major Emenike acknowledged that there was no law guiding the climate change in the state but expressed optimism that with the setting up of the Committee, the legal framework would be established and the Government ensure speedy domestication.

He pointed out that the State Government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to check the problems of environmental hazards.

In his speech, the technical committee for Environmental Sustainability in collaboration with the “Spaces for Change”, the Commissioner declared that “the Ministry of Environment is fully committed to tackling the climatic variations.

In a chat with our Correspondent after the Inauguration, the Chairman of the Committee who is also the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Chukwuma Iheanacho regretted that over the years, Imo State had no law or policy that aims to build a climatic resilient environment.

He however averred that in the nick of time, the draft would go through the legislative process to have a legal framework on Climate Change.

He stressed that the situation is a global issue, adding that Companies and Multinationals have continued to map out funds to ameliorate the challenges.

“Due to lack of funds to check the disturbing development, the Ministry saw the need to collaborate with “Spaces for Change” to finance the exercise.”

“We brought in experts and other stakeholders both the Traditional rulers, Town Unions, the Legislature because of its direct impact to the society

Iheanacho further recounted how the circumstances has impacted negatively to the biodiversity.

“In recent time, the effect of climatic Change has become a threat to the society. People globally are affected by it.”

“The rise in temperature Nigerians experienced from last two years has an incremental effect and next year, it will be hotter.”

“The ongoing process has affected the Agriculture, ecosystem and human health and one of the major threats to economic development goals and food security.”

“Rainfall variation continues to increase producing large flooding in some parts of the Country and Imo State in particular. No one knows when it’s going to rain”

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri who was represented at the event by the Senior legal officer Barr. Chetachi Ude said the Primary objective of the initiative was to develop and domesticate a comprehensive climate change policy tailored for Imo State which she said would address the State climate vulnerabilities.

while aligning the initiatives, environmental strategies with national and global standards, she said in couple of months to come, the technical committee would be entrusted with several key responsibilities such as strategic oversight that provides for the development and stakeholders engagement that shows readiness for the policy implementation and public awareness to educate citizens about climate change.

According to her, it is important to highlight that other states such as Lagos, Delta and Rivers have already established legal framework to guide their climate change action.

Imo State cannot afford to be left behind. Especially given the present climate change challenges today with increasing environmental concern across the State.

It is imperative that we act now to ensure that Imo State is equipped with the necessary Legislative tool to address this issue effectively and obtainably.

Members of the Committee included the House Committee Chairman on Environment Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie,
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Electricity, Mr.Ifeanyi Okoli, a Traditional ruler from Owerri Municipal Council HRH Eze Clinton Ugwoegbulem, among others.