Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, with plans to strengthen the state’s capacity to attract climate finance.
Ododo stated this on Thursday at the opening of the Climate Finance Readiness Assessment (CFRA) Technical Assistance Program in Lokoja.
Represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salifu, the governor said climate change posed serious challenges to agriculture, water resources, the environment and the livelihoods of residents.
He stressed that addressing these challenges required practical interventions and collective action by government and other stakeholders.
Ododo said the establishment of the Kogi Climate Change Agency had provided an institutional framework for coordinating climate policies and programs across the state.
He added that the government was developing a state-specific climate change policy and strengthening partnerships with national and international organizations to promote environmental sustainability and attract investments.
According to him, the assessment would identify institutional and technical gaps, strengthen relevant structures and help the state develop credible projects capable of attracting climate finance.
The governor commended the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) for providing technical assistance to the state at no cost.
He described the partnership as a significant step towards tackling climate-related challenges and improving Kogi’s access to climate funding.
Ododo assured that his administration would sustain support for policies and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development and improving residents’ quality of life.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Kogi Climate Change Agency, Mr Ajibade Onimisi, said the assessment would identify existing gaps and improve the state’s preparedness to access climate finance.
Onimisi commended the governor for supporting climate action and environmental sustainability and appreciated PACE for partnering with the state on the initiative.
He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside other stakeholders, to actively participate in the assessment and ensure that its recommendations translate into tangible benefits for residents.
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Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Mr Joseph Stephen, praised the governor’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
Stephen said the state was strengthening climate governance through the establishment of the Climate Change Agency, the development of a climate change policy and improved collaboration among government ministries and agencies.
He added that the assessment would help identify institutional and technical gaps, strengthen the state’s readiness to access climate finance, and attract investment in climate-related projects.
