Stakeholders Call For More Sensitisation On Climate Change Mitigation
Mr Samuel Udefi, the Head of Works Department in Awka South Local Government Council in Anambra has called for a greater enlightenment campaign on climate change crisis, adaptation and migration at the grassroots level.
Udefi made the call after receiving a special award on Environmental Safeguard from the Department of Geography and Meteorology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka at the weekend.
The theme of the event which was to mark the 2026 World Meteorological Day was “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow”
Udefi is a former Chairman of Umuezeanya Youth Association, current Chairman of Umuoba Anam Development Council, Awka Branch and the President General of Igwebuike Anam Age Grade.
Reacting to the lecture of the occasion Udefi said there was a need for proactive measures towards mitigating adverse environmental conditions occasioned by climate change.
He said the people of Anam in the Omambala area faced environmental problems including annual flooding and changing weather conditions which affected their farming activities.
He urged the people to take advantage of technological advancement in weather predictions as well as modern farming techniques,
“The guest lecturer really nailed it because it was as if he was talking to the people of Anam. What would be the solution to what we are passing through in our area?
“It is now possible to predict accurately when the rainfall will come, when there will be severe heat and other variations in weather conditions and also flooding.
“With such knowledge and application of modern farming techniques our people will overcome the challenges posed by climate change.
“We need to be mindful of how we treat our environment, minimize pollution and felling of trees, these things contribute significantly to climate change.
If we keep building houses anyhow, clearing our bushes and forests in the name of urbanisation without a proper regeneration plan, we will pay dearly for it in no time,” he said .
Also speaking, Dr Anselm Onuora, a former Caretaker Chairman of Anambra East Council, said residents, especially those in the riverine areas which are prone to climate change induced problems need to key into the solutions suggested at the event.
Onuora who also received an award said he was inspired by the solutions proffered by the guest lecturer.
He said there was a need for their partnership and expertise in tackling these challenges.
“While we claim local knowledge of the environment, we still need their expert assistance, from every indication, they are willing to help. I appreciate it so much,” he said.
Other recipient of the awards were Chief Anthony Nnaemeka, Dr Ojukwu Obakasi, Mr Stan-Izoba Nwattah, Dr Bobmanuel Okonmah.
