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Tag: Climate Change

  • FG, development partners chart climate-resilient path for Nigeria’s WASH sector

    FG, development partners chart climate-resilient path for Nigeria’s WASH sector


    WASH

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has announced partnership with development partners to chart a climate-resilient path for the country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that experts at a three-day national workshop gathered to develop the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the sector on Wednesday in Abuja. 

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the sector’s role in promoting dignified lives and sustainable development amid climate change challenges.

    Utsev, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said climate change presents a significant threat to humanity, impacting WASH services globally.

    He noted that the hazards of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in WASH facilities, leading to social and economic risks.

    He added that “in Nigeria, only 10 per cent of households have access to basic WASH services, while 23 per cent lack basic water supply, according to the 2021 WASHNORM report.

    “These include increased household medical expenses, reduced agricultural productivity and higher incidences of civil unrest.”

    These figures, he added, underscored the urgency to address climate-related risks in the sector.

    He cited recent cholera outbreaks as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust WASH services in the country.

    According to him, the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges head-on, providing comprehensive framework for assessing climate impacts across geopolitical zones.”

    Utsev urged participants to prioritise behavioural change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement for climate-resilient WASH services.

    “This plan is about long-term solutions to ensure climate resilience in WASH infrastructure and practices to benefit future generations.

    “Education on climate-resilient practices is essential for both children and adults to foster sustainable habits,” he said.

    While calling on stakeholders to play active roles in the initiative, the minister assured the ministry’s resolve to continue to allocate resources and create an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.

    Earlier, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, highlighted the critical impact of flooding in Nigeria, affecting 34 out of 36 states.

    He explained that “as of November 2022, the situation had a devastating impact on 3.2 million people, resulting in 600 deaths and displacing 1.1 million individuals.

    “Erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels are increasingly challenging the maintenance of Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure, particularly during floods and droughts.

    “Flooding causes severe damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, and it can also harm water and sanitation facilities.

    “This pollution of water sources and damage to sanitation systems increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.

    “Drought, on the other hand, reduces the availability of safe drinking water for households.

    “This scarcity makes it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices during climate crises.”

    Babarinde emphasised that the situation not only poses immediate health risks to families but has far-reaching impacts on education and the economy.

    He noted that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan assesses Nigeria’s current climate conditions across geopolitical zones and proposes innovative solutions to enhance WASH services.

    On his part, UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranjibi Tirawi, said climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity today, impacting every sector, including water services.

    He explained that majority of hhouseholdsin the country already face challenges with limited access to quality water services, underscoring the timeliness of collaborative efforts to change the narrative.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WaterAid, state water agencies and the Ministerial Advisory Council, urging collective action to protect those most affected, particularly at the grassroots. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • NGO hosts inter-school debate to inspire youth action on environment

    NGO hosts inter-school debate to inspire youth on environment

    Environment

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The C-Circle Research Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, an NGO, has conducted an inter-school debate competition to promote environmental sustainability and awareness among young people.

    The founder of the NGO, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, stated that the event was part of activities commemorating the 2024 World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”

    The event, which held in Abuja on Friday was in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and other partners.

    Ohajinwa said that 10 schools participated, engaging in discussions on climate change, environmental impacts, policy solutions, and sustainable practices.

    According to her, the debate competition is a way to broaden children’s knowledge about the environment, climate change, and their impacts.

    “The debate also aims to improve public speaking and critical thinking skills in the students.

    “The competition is planned to be held three times a year, with other topics organised for debate.

    “From the presentations, tree planting is used to control erosion, prevent deforestation, and mitigate other natural disasters.”

    Ohajinwa explained that the second discussion concluded that both infrastructure and public awareness were important for effective waste management.

    He further said that the event would educate participants, raise awareness, and inspire proactive measures among the younger generation.

    On his part, Oritsejolomi Ayomike, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Rotary is a humanitarian organisation that collaborates with the government and educational institutions.

    According to him, the club works to create public awareness about harmful environmental practices and their health implications, such as open defecation and deforestation.

    Ayomike emphasised that the goal was not to determine the best school but to raise awareness and educate students about environmental maintenance and its health implications.

    “Our focus areas are the environment and basic education, which led to bringing students from different schools to debate environmental issues,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 schools were invited, but nine participated in the competition.

    The debate topics were “Tree Planting Improves Restoration and Reduces Desertification” and “Is the biggest challenge to effective waste management in Nigeria as a result of lack of infrastructure or lack of Public Awareness”.

    Regina Pacis College Garki, Abuja won first place, followed by Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, in second place.

    Bristol Academy, Karu, took third place, and Government Secondary School, Life-Camp, secured fourth place.

    The schools received drought-resistance trees donated by Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives.

    The trees would be planted in the schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.

    It would be monitored by C-Circle Research, a sister organisation to C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment.

    NAN also reports that World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, encourages awareness and action for environmental protection.

    It is supported by numerous non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day for the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru