By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
Taraba State has launched its Climate Change Policy and Action Plan as a landmark move to strengthen environmental governance, protect ecosystems, and build resilience against climate shock.
Governor Agbu Kefas while launching the program at the C2C Event Centre in Jalingo, declared that climate change is no longer abstract, it’s a daily reality for Tarabans, adding that it ruining crops and threatening farmers’ survival.
He emphasised that implementation begins immediately, with stakeholders expected to work together to translate the policy into practical action across the state.
“This policy is about practical solutions, not theories,” he affirmed.
He said the policy will serve as a roadmap for addressing climate-related challenges while promoting sustainable development across the state.
“As part of the implementation strategy, the government has directed that all 16 Local Government Areas of the state be actively involved in the climate action programme, stressing that the Ministry of Environment alone cannot do it alone. He urge Ministries of Agriculture, Water, and Energy to
all step in.
He also highlighted the need to safeguard forests and wildlife as critical assets for posterity.
According to him, environmental considerations must henceforth be incorporated into government planning, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to achieve the objectives of the policy.
He disclosed that the policy provides opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, environmental protection and infrastructure, while strengthening the state’s response to climate related challenges.
“I urged the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to position Taraba State to benefit from the emerging carbon market, stressing that climate resilience must become an integral part of the state’s planning systems,” he said.
The Governor directed the ministry to develop a clear implementation framework and timeline to ensure the full implementation of the policy.
He also directed that local government areas be incorporated into the implementation process, while urging the ministry to liaise with relevant development partners to attract funding and investors that would support the state’s climate and environmental initiatives.
“I called on residents of the state to contribute to the success of the policy by observing responsible environmental practices and complying with measures aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change”.
Governor Agbu Kefas said that while climate change may sound technical when discussed at international conferences, its effects are already being felt in the daily lives of people across the state.
He noted that changing rainfall patterns are affecting farmers and their livelihoods, explaining that when rains come too early or too late, farmers can experience crop failures and the destruction of farmlands.
According to him, the newly launched policy is not about theories but about addressing the realities faced by the people.
Governor Kefas explained that the policy will ensure environmental considerations become an integral part of government planning and decision-making.
“The policy would contribute to protecting the state’s forests and wildlife, describing them as valuable economic assets that must be preserved for future generations – he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Aishat Barde described the policy as a product of deep consultations and technical assessments.
She expressed confidence that it will deliver coordinated, sustainable development while tackling climate challenges head on.
According to her, the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening climate governance, protecting ecosystems, building resilience and unlocking opportunities that would support sustainable development in Taraba State.
She explained that the policy was developed through extensive consultations, technical assessments and collaboration involving ministries, experts and civil society organisations.
The commissioner expressed optimism that its implementation will provide a coordinated approach to addressing climate-related challenges while promoting sustainable development across the state.
A presentation on climate change was also delivered by Dr. Eugene Ituwa, who described the policy as an indication of Taraba State’s commitment to tackling climate change and implementing practical actions to address its effects.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, the Member representing Kurmi at the Taraba State House of Assembly, and Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Professor Mahmoud Abdullahi; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Oladipo Emmanuel; and Dr. Vincent Ndukka Ojeh of Taraba State University.
The stakeholders commended the state government for developing the policy and called for effective implementation to ensure that its objectives translate into tangible environmental, economic and social benefits for the people of Taraba State.
With the launching of the program, Taraba is now charting a new course for the environment, for the people, for the future.