By Femi Bolaji
JALINGO — GOVERNOR Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Friday, launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, calling for collective action across all sectors to build an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient state.
Unveiling the policy document in Jalingo, Governor Kefas stated that the framework represents a critical step in determining the state’s environmental future, particularly the preservation of its forests, rivers, and rich natural resources.
He warned that climate change is already taking a toll on agriculture and local communities through unpredictable rainfall and drying water bodies, stressing that any climate framework failing to support farmers would fail.
Kefas said: “We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba. We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing.
“The success of this policy will no longer be measured by the number of conferences or workshops organised, but by tangible changes in our communities.”
The governor directed local government councils to take a central role in implementation to effectively tackle grassroots environmental challenges such as flooding and bush burning.
He also called on the Federal Government, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), and international partners to support the state’s green initiatives.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat B. Barde, described the launch as the beginning of a coordinated, measurable climate action era in Taraba.
Barde noted that the cross-cutting policy spans health, education, and infrastructure, urging ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), traditional institutions, the private sector, and community groups to take ownership of the initiative.
She also commended the Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet and Prosperity, and the African Climate Foundation for providing technical and financial support toward formulating the policy.
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