Niger State is set to host the first-ever sub-national Green Economy Summit from the 24th to 25th of October 2023, Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has said.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Governor Bago said the two-day summit is in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions.
He said the theme of the summit which will hold in Minna, the Niger State capital, is “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity”, adding that the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint will be unveiled at the event.
The governor said “It will coincide with the United Nations Day as well as the climate advocacy group, 350.org’s, International Day (of advocacy) for Climate Action, on the 24th of October each year.
“The choice of the date is to underscore the resolve to partake in achieving collective global goals through responsible local action, as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between Nov. 30th and Dec. 12th, 2023.”
It will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context, Bago said.
“This is in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy. The Summit will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Subsequently, the summit will also emphasize the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development while empowering them with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.
“Similarly, through panel discussions, and presentations, the summit shall increase public awareness and knowledge about green technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental issues,” he said, asding that the theme of the summit “encapsulates our central vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative”.
Speaking further, Bago said “The target is to unlock the states’ green economy potential to achieve prosperity for all its residents. By adopting this theme, the Niger State Green Economy Summit aims to inspire collaboration, knowledge sharing, and concrete actions that will lead to a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the state and its people.”
He said about 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds are expected to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonizing Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, EcoTourism and Community Development.
“Other issues to be discussed include; Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development, Innovative Solutions for Water Management, Smart Cities, Sustainable Urbanization, Women and Youth Engagement.
“The event will have Keynote Speakers, lead speakers, panelists, presenters, and other contributors which include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Ministers, heads of pertinent Agencies, State Governors, representatives of multilateral and bilateral international organizations, development partners and development finance institutions, captains of industry, local and international experts on the theme and sub-themes, members of the academia, community leaders, youth and women group representatives, civil society organizations, etc” he said.
Bago says Niger State is strategically located in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with 76,363km2 of arable land.
He listed the state’s diverse natural resources to include abundant carbon assets, freshwater bodies, rich mineral deposits including lithium, gold, tin, talc, kaolin, granite, marble, copper, and lead, among others, and scenic landscapes.
