By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called for stronger collaboration between the Executive and Legislature to tackle the state’s growing climate challenges and harness opportunities in the green economy.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, at a one-day Climate Change Training for members of the State House of Assembly on Monday in Abuja, Alia said the theme of the workshop directly addressed “one of the most critical challenges of our time.”
He outlined steps already taken by the government, including the establishment of the State Council on Climate Change, development of a Climate Policy and Action Plan, strengthened early warning systems, flood-control projects, deployment of solar streetlights, and promotion of climate-smart agriculture.
Despite these efforts, he noted that Benue remains highly vulnerable, citing recurrent floods in Makurdi, Agatu, Guma, Logo and Katsina-Ala; erratic rainfall; rising temperatures; forest degradation; and threats to livelihoods in the agriculture-dependent state.
Alia urged lawmakers to strengthen legal frameworks, pass and update climate laws, support carbon budgeting, ensure strict oversight of climate-related funds, and champion constituency sensitization on sustainable practices.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, pledged proactive legislative action, stressing that climate change affects development, health, and security.
International Alert Country Director, Dr. Kingsley Udoh, said the training, under the Irish Aid funded Powering Peace through Climate Action Project, aims to enhance climate governance and support peaceful responses to climate-related risks.
Director-General of the State Climate Council, Hon. Aondofa Daniel Mailumo, and the Secretary to the State Government’s representative, Mrs. Ngufan Ahenjir, also reaffirmed commitments to building a climate-resilient Benue.
All members of the Assembly attended the training.
