Kogi Begins Climate Finance Readiness Assessment With PACE

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi says his administration is strengthening the state's capacity to access climate finance as part of its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

 

The governor spoke at Government House, Lokoja, at the opening of the Climate Finance Readiness Assessment (CFRA) Technical Assistance Programme. He was represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salifu.

 

Ododo said climate change posed serious challenges to agriculture, water resources, the environment and the livelihoods of residents.

 

He said tackling these challenges required practical measures and collective action by government and other stakeholders.

 

According to the governor, the creation of the Kogi Climate Change Agency has given the state an institutional framework for coordinating climate policies and programmes.

 

He said the government was also developing a state-specific climate change policy and strengthening partnerships with national and international organisations to promote environmental sustainability and attract investment.

 

 

Ododo said the assessment would identify institutional and technical gaps, strengthen relevant structures and help the state develop credible projects capable of attracting climate finance.

 

He commended the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) for providing the technical assistance at no cost to the state.

 

The governor described the partnership as an important step towards addressing climate-related challenges and improving Kogi's access to funding.

 

He assured residents that his administration would continue to back policies and initiatives aimed at environmental protection, sustainable development and a better quality of life.

 

Earlier, the Director-General of the Kogi Climate Change Agency, Mr Ajibade Onimisi, said the exercise would identify gaps and improve the state's readiness to access climate finance.

 

Onimisi commended the governor for supporting climate action and environmental sustainability, and thanked PACE for partnering with the state on the assessment.

 

He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders to support the exercise and ensure that its recommendations deliver tangible benefits to residents.

 

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Mr Joseph Stephen, praised the governor's commitment to environmental protection and climate action.

 

Stephen said the state was strengthening climate governance through the Climate Change Agency, the development of a climate change policy and collaboration among government ministries and agencies.

 

He said the assessment would help identify gaps, improve Kogi's preparedness to access climate finance and attract investment for climate-related projects.