Katsina inaugurates climate change council, prioritizes green jobs, food security

Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, inaugurated the state’s Climate Change Council (SCCC) today at the Katsina Government House. The council’s mission is to spearhead efforts to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future for Katsina.

While emphasizing the council’s critical role, Governor Radda stated, “The time is now for us to join the global fight against climate change.”
He pledged full support to the council and highlighted the urgency of enacting new policies, conducting feasibility studies, and securing funding from both national and international sources.

Following the inauguration, Professor Mohammad Al Amin, Special Envoy on Climate Change, outlined the council’s four main areas of focus to include: empowering Katsina’s youth by fostering climate-friendly employment opportunities; tripling the state’s agricultural productivity for food security; addressing water scarcity challenges; and enhancing rural communities’ well-being while safeguarding the environment.

Professor Al Amin also identified the council’s two-pronged strategy as climate adaptation and climate mitigation. Through these two, he said the council will implement programs to help communities adjust to climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental health.

While acknowledging the project’s long-term nature, Professor Al Amin highlighted securing international funding as critical for success. He expressed confidence that positive environmental, economic, and social changes will be evident within the next 20 months.

Governor Radda will chair the SCCC, with the Commissioner for Environment serving as the vice-chair. The council will also include representatives from various ministries, including Water Resources, Agriculture, Health, Housing & Transport, Women Affairs, Budget & Economic Planning, Justice, Higher & Vocational Education, and Basic & Secondary Education.

Additional members include the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) Director-General, Bureau of Statistics Director-General, Commissioner for Lands & Physical Planning, and the Erosion and Water Shield Agency representative.

The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, highlighted the council’s commitment to public engagement. This includes intensive public awareness campaigns utilizing media outlets, community engagement initiatives, and promoting collective action. He stressed that the designed work plan will be rigorously implemented to achieve the set objectives, ensuring a sustainable future for Katsina.