By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
International Alert, a global peacebuilding charity organization, has announced its commitment to mount pressure on Benue State lawmakers to pass legislation on climate change.
This move comes as the state grapples with increasing environmental and economic challenges linked to climate-related issues.
A Senior Project Officer at International Alert, Mr. Kengkeng Ati, made this declaration during the inauguration of the Benue State Project Steering Committee on Climate Action and Peace Building in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in North Central Nigeria.
He highlighted that the initiative, supported by the Irish Government, aims to address conflicts arising from climate-induced resource scarcity.
"We are not simply urging communities to cease hostilities; we are investing in climate-smart solutions that offer livelihood options and alleviate tensions," Mr. Ati emphasized.
In his address to the State Steering Committee members, Mr. Ati urged them to diligently tackle the dual challenges of climate stress and conflicts across the state.
He takes the committee to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and recommendations for implementing the Powering Peace through Climate Action project.
Highlighting the climate challenges faced by Benue State, Mr. Ati mentioned issues such as reduced rainfall, drying water sources, declining soil fertility, and abnormal weather patterns as indicators.
He underlined the urgent need to address these issues to prevent further disputes over land and resources.
He added that as part of measures to mitigate tensions, climate hubs have been set up in Fiidi and Agatu, offering services like weather monitoring, biogas production, briquette- making, fish drying, and solar-powered water supply.
He said, additionally, fish ponds in Fiidi and Agatu were being revitalized to enhance food security and income.
The project which he said is being implemented in collaboration with the Benue State Council on Climate Change, aims to empower local Communities and ensure the sustainability of climate hubs beyond the project's one-year duration.
The inaugurated multi-stakeholder Steering Committee includes representatives from government ministries, Department, agencies, and the private sector.
Mr. Ati highlighted the project's objectives, which include raising awareness about climate change, developing local peace and adaptation plans, influencing government policies and funding, and providing sustainable livelihoods to reduce conflict triggers.
He encouraged Benue Communities to embrace new technologies and transition from conflict-prone systems to a more prosperous future.
In a presentation titled "Powering Peace Through Climate Action Project Phase II," Mr. Ati shared insights from the project's initial phase, which he confirmed successfully united communities and resolved resource-related conflicts through a climate-conflict analysis.
He said the project's second phase will focus on sustaining conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation efforts to engage diverse stakeholders.
Mr. Ati emphasized the importance of collaboration among international stakeholders, government bodies, INGOs, and Community groups to harness climate adaptation for stakeholder empowerment.
It would be recalled that the International Alert, was established in 1986, with a mission to foster dialogue, research, advocacy, and outreach activities promoting peace and sustainable development.
