Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in driving climate change initiatives across the state. This was disclosed during a meeting with a delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change (FCDO-PACE) at the Government House in Umuahia.
Governor Otti emphasized the importance of engaging with expert bodies like FCDO-PACE to develop practical solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. He stated that his administration would take a strategic approach by studying available frameworks and implementing solutions grounded in research and sustainability.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to disciplined and measurable governance, Otti highlighted the challenges Nigeria has faced due to a lack of consistent policy implementation despite having intelligent minds and sound strategies dating as far back as the 1960s. He underscored the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy with thoughtful planning and cautioned against the unchecked environmental impact of private sector activities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, praised the governor’s proactive stance, citing the creation of a Climate Change Department and the execution of statewide climate engagements. He revealed that Abia is currently ranked 8th among Nigeria’s 36 states in climate change initiatives and has been selected by UNIDO for a circular economy award. He also noted Abia’s participation in international climate forums, including an upcoming event in Germany.
Earlier, FCDO-PACE’s National Team Lead, Mr. Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, affirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting Abia in areas such as climate finance readiness, green budgeting, and policy alignment. He lauded Governor Otti’s transparent governance style and alignment with global climate action standards, describing the collaboration as part of the UK-Nigeria bilateral relationship that has spanned over two decades.
The Governor’s Special Assistant on Climate Change and Sustainability, Ms. Esther Chioma Ajah, was also present at the meeting and received commendation for her role in advancing the state’s environmental agenda.
