Climate change: Akinwumi asks for collective responsibility, inaugurates i3cfe in full

The vice-chalkiere, Lokoja Federal University (Full), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, asked for collective responsibility to develop innovative solutions and policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in Nigeria.

Speaking during the inauguration of the International Center for the climate change of the Lokoja Federal University, the floods and environmental sustainability (I3Cfesto) held on the Felele campus of the institution on Thursday, Professor Akinwumi, the capital of Nigeria had suffered from Lokoja to Lokoja had suffered from Lokoja

devastating consequences of recurring floods and environmental challenges.

According to him, “these realities force us not only to study climate change, but to pioneer sustainable solutions that will sail lives, means of subsistence and the future of the generations, but not yet born.

“This center is therefore more than a research center, it is a lighthouse of hope, innovation and resilience. It will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, collaboration and sharing of knowledge, promoting a deeper understanding of these complex issues.

“It will also provide research based on evidence, political direction and interventions focused on the community to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce the vulnerability of floods and promote sustainable development in Nigeria, Africa and beyond”.

“As we inaugurate this center, we let it be an invitation to action, government, academic world, civil society and the private sector, that the time to act is now. Climate change does not respect the boundaries and our response must be urgent, collaborative and invading”

While recognizing the effort and commitment of the emeritus professor Jimmy Adegoke towards the construction of the center, the deputy chancellor described him as a man of vision and an unwavering dedication to advance climatic research.

“I also recognize our partners, the interested parties and every individual whose vision, commitment and contributions has made this center a reality. Together, we are building not only a learning institution but a center of solutions that will influence policies, enhance communities and inspire global conversations”, said the VC.

In his speech, the director of the Center, the emeritus professor Jimmy Adegoke, declared that the goal of the center is to understand how to use the best that the university has in terms of intellectual resources, research ability to deal with the economic potential of the region from an environmental point of view in facing flooding issues and climate change.

Professor Adegoke a climate scientist said: “We believe that the state of Kogi and Lokoja can be the machine room of a new Nigeria that will substantially exploit the potential of the entire region of the media belt belt and will help to start and give birth to a new potential for the whole country.

“ICCCHIFFI is built on the vision and mandate of the Federal University Lokoja, acting as HUB of academic excellence dedicated to making the knowledge, research and service to the community advance, while dealing with national and global critical challenges”.

He thanked the deputy chancellor professor Akinwumi for having constantly indicated them the uniqueness of Lokoja and the abundant potential in the locality.

Also in his message of goodwill, the executive director of the Chachavivi Women and Girl Child Development Foundation, Halima Oiza Sadiq praised the university for having made bold steps to face the urgent challenges of climate change, flood and environmental sustainability.

“We recognize that climate changes are disproportionately affecting women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is essential that we give priority to their voices, needs and prospects in our collective efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“I urge the center to continue to support inclusive and sensitive approaches to the genre to the action of the climate, ensuring that women and girls are authorized to become climate leader and change in their communities,” he said.