BY SULEIMAN ABUBAKAR RIMI UKU LAFIA
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Isaac Danladi, has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to tackling climate change, pledging technical and institutional support to youth-led environmental initiatives.
The commissioner made this known on Monday when he received a delegation of young climate advocates and volunteers, led by Saratu Aboki, who visited the ministry to congratulate him on his appointment and explore areas of partnership on climate action.
While addressing the delegation, Hon. Danladi described their visit as timely, noting that the ministry had just concluded a high-level retreat in Abuja, where key government officials were re-energized with new mandates, including intensified engagement with MDAs, the private sector, NGOs, and international partners on environmental matters.
"I must commend your passion and assure you that you're in the right place," the commissioner said.
"The issue of climate change is a cankerworm eating deep into our ecosystem. We must work together to mitigate its impact."
He commended the initiative, particularly its endorsement by the International Federation of Red Cross, describing it as commendable and promising full backing from the ministry in areas such as technical assistance and provision of tree seedlings.
Highlighting the urgency of reforestation, Hon. Danladi pointed to the visible lack of green cover in parts of Lafia, stressing the need for proactive efforts to restore forested areas and mitigate the harsh effects of climate change.
"We are flagging off a tree-planting campaign in collaboration with the Road Safety Corps today.
I encourage you to be part of it and see firsthand how we’re moving forward," he added.
He further lamented that up to 45% of Nasarawa’s forest reserves have been affected by illegal logging and environmental degradation, calling for public enlightenment to curb destructive activities and promote sustainable practices.
The Commissioner then handed the delegation over to the Permanent Secretary for further engagement and coordination of partnership efforts.
Earlier, delegation leader Saratu Aboki expressed their readiness to work closely with the ministry, congratulating Hon. Danladi on his appointment and reiterating their organization’s commitment to environmental advocacy across Lafia, Nasarawa Eggon, and other parts of the state.
