Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State on Friday beckoned on foreign and domestic Investors to explore abounding opportunities in the areas of agriculture, solid minerals and alternative energy across the state.
Governor Bago gave the clarion call in Minna, Niger State while flagging off the 2023 retreat for House of Representatives Press Corps, with the theme: ‘Role of the Media in mainstreaming climate change Policies’.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Governor said: “Since my assumption of office, we have raised the ante of informing the public about preventive measures to save lives and reduce damage to property and infrastructure.
“We are willing to collaborate with the media to drive this advocacy as well as work out strategies to put climate change issues on the front burner.
“I have deep regard for the media because I believe that it is indispensable in the institution of the rule of law and good governance in the society. Without the media, the desired checks and balances in government will be a mirage.
“Without the media, democracy cannot thrive because the people’s voices will be gagged. Although the Legislature carries out the oversight function, the media plays a dual role in oversight and reporting to the public.
“I want to urge you that after this retreat you can stay behind to be our guests in the forthcoming economic summit because we cannot speak to ourselves, we want to speak to the world and I believe you are the activists, the vanguards for accomplishing this communication to the world. So, I urge you to please have the interest of Niger State and Nigeria, because the information/commutation will not be only for Nigeria but even the people out there abroad.
“We need investors to come in, we need friends in Diaspora to come in, ensure that the adverse effects of our climate are being understood and taken decisively because when I say climate effects, most of us here understand it in economic parlance. But in terms of chemical reactions, if you know the effects of climate not only on the economy, also on your health, it has multiplying effects because without health you can not even go for the economic activities, you cannot go for educational activities to progress the nation.
“So, the issue of climate change is beyond economy alone. Let’s look at it from the angle of health, you cannot get it right.
“Climate change is one of the biggest problems confronting nations today. In Nigeria, it is a matter of concern to governments and experts because it is happening at a very frightening level.
“We have problems of flood, desertification, environmental pollution, etc and despite efforts being made, the devastating effects of climate change are recorded yearly. Even part of the insecurity we face today is attributed to climate change, which deserves priority attention.
“Unfortunately, it seems some of these disasters are even underreported. Perhaps, the media is not adequately equipped to handle this. I believe that as Journalists who report from the Parliament, where laws are enacted, it is essential that you acquire the necessary skills and tools to mainstream climate change.
“This can enable you to set an agenda for the Legislature and indeed the Executive. I hope that at the end of this retreat, you will all be better positioned to inform, educate and enlighten society on the implications of climate change.
“I, therefore, invite you to show more interest in issues of climate change. Do not concentrate on reporting politics alone but also pay due attention to climate change because it directly affects human welfare and condition of living,” the Governor urged.
On his part, Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo assured that the State has been taking steps to address the issues of climate change and has launched a two-day programme to discuss issues of the Green Economy.
Chairman, House of Representatives Press Corps, Grace Ike applauded Governor Bago for the series of initiatives rolled out so far since he assumed office as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
While noting that the retreat was scheduled ahead of the forthcoming maiden Green Economy Summit scheduled for Saturday, 20th October 2023, Ike described him as an achiever.
She said: “we have followed your trajectory right from the House of Representatives. You have been the friend of the media; you have been a performer and an achiever; we have followed your spirit of resilience and your obsession for excellence and we believe the people of Niger State never made a mistake in electing you as their Governor. In the few months you have been on the saddle the difference is clear. You have charted a new course for the state and we urge you not to give up.
“Being a transformative leader, you have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and in a few days you will be hosting the first summit on the Green Economy. This is indeed novel in this part of the world and it is an indication that you are at home with contemporary developmental issues because climate change is a huge issue today globally.
“As we are all aware, climate change has impacted our lives in different ways. This has altered our environment and ecosystem. Interestingly, the government is also coming up with various policies to mitigate the effects of climate change not just for Niger State but globally. It is therefore our responsibility as Reporters to communicate and properly disseminate this information. By so doing, we will all be on the same page.
“The Niger State’s Green Economy is here while other States are lamenting the effects of climate change, you have taken a landscape step to position Niger State.
“Your innovative ideas in the area of economy and security have caught our attention and it is in view of this that in the course of this programme, we shall be conferring on you the honour of the Most Innovative Governor in economy and security Issues,” she said.
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