By Juliet Ekwenugo
Kaduna
Stakeholders in the fight against climate change have emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs), the media, religious leaders, scientists and government officials to achieve meaningful impact, rather than working in isolation.
The call was made on Friday at the monthly Climate Hangout organised by the African Climate Reporters, held at the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna.
The event, themed ‘Strengthening Local CSOs for Partnership with Local Government and Local Business for On-the-Ground Climate Resilience’, featured a panel of discussants, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Yusuf Idris Amoke, Rev. James Wuye, and social workers Immanuel Bonnet and Rashidat Abiola Niyi.
Participants underscored the critical role of CSOs and other stakeholders in partnering with government, describing public institutions as potential allies in addressing climate-related challenges.
They urged stakeholders to engage communities more proactively, attract external support through visible initiatives, and involve community leaders and associations, particularly in activities such as tree planting, rather than relying solely on government intervention.
The gathering was described as a demonstration of the strength of a “one voice” approach in driving meaningful action against climate change in the State.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for information, Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted the Kaduna State Government’s decarbonisation efforts, including the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in the state capital.
He noted that the initiative has significantly reduced the number of high-emission vehicles on the roads, contributing to cleaner air compared to other major commercial cities.
Maiyaki also stressed the importance of proactive risk-reduction measures such as tree planting, urging residents and organisations not to wait for regulatory enforcement before taking action.
Earlier, an issue-based partnership specialist with the UK-FCDO Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Abdulraham Mohammed advocated stronger collaboration among CSOs, businesses, government and academia to ensure a coordinated approach to climate action.
He cautioned against isolated projects, calling instead for a holistic framework that integrates mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.
Citing recent flash floods in Chikun Local Government Area and erratic rainfall affecting farmlands across the State, Mohammed described climate change as an immediate threat and urged individuals, communities and businesses to take practical steps to reduce risks.
Also speaking, a member of the African Climate Reporters, Mayen Etim, highlighted the organisation’s achievements, including the training of over 100 journalists in Kaduna on accurate and solutions-focused climate reporting.
She said the initiative has helped build networks among journalists, scientists, research institutions and government ministries, thereby strengthening collaborative journalism and public awareness of environmental issues.
The event was widely commended as evidence of growing awareness and commitment to collective action in addressing climate challenges in Kaduna State.
