A look at Delta State green strategy
THE phrase ‘Going Green’ may be a cliché, but, and this is the key part, it has become as well a fundamental part of our existence for those who take the pains to understand its ramification and can take advantage of it. And this is where policy makers have a critical role to play.
Poor understanding of the impact of climate change, poor design of mitigation and adaption strategies is an open invitation to the inevitability of economic and social crisis.
Slightly over four years, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan announced his vision of “building Delta without oil” anchored on his three point agenda of “peace and security, human capital and infrastructure development”. The idea is that the administration must design sustainable policies and programmes that would prepare the state and her dynamic people for a new economic structure not based on oil revenue. The thinking was that at a broad level, the government must undertake gigantic infrastructure projects that will act as economic triggers in ensuring sustainable development of the state, in the short, medium and long term—but mostly in the long term.
It is in this light that the airport in Asaba was initiated, as well as the expansion of Osubi Airport runway, the Ughelli-Asaba dualisation, the IPP at Ogharefe, the Warri Industrial Park, the Koko Free Trade zone, the Youth Empower through agriculture, YETA, which is specifically designed to encourage new generation of farmers. This vision took account of the geographical location of Delta which is considered strategic and could make the state an economic hub—a nerve centre that straddles the Western and Southern part of the country in a value chain of development.
In undertaking these investments the intention of government is to use proceeds from oil to jumpstart a development that will spiral, anticipating the inevitable decline of oil as the most prized international commodity, such that if it were to happen in future, it would not adversely affect the fortunes of the state and her people.
That is one aspect of the thinking. The other is that in designing his programme for the people of the state, Governor Uduaghan was fully conscious of opportunities in sustainable resources that have not been exploited at all. To harness these opportunities you have to popularise the technology, build new skill sets and create awareness of its significance to stimulate buy-in by all.
That’s not all, he was also unhappy with the harm reckless oil exploration has done to the environment. Being from an oil-producing community, he could tell first-hand the damage inflicted on the local economy of the communities. As chief executive involved in managing crisis in the state during the difficult days of Niger Delta agitation, he was aware of how much damage to the environment was responsible for the violence that erupted.
The often overlooked factor in that crisis is that beyond the justifiable reason to agitate due to lack of development in the oil-bearing communities, the fragile oil infrastructure vulnerable to slippages either due to age or third party interferences left a legacy of destruction and poverty. The violation of the environment meant that the way of life of the communities anchored on agriculture varnished and without alternative, life was grim and with that violence.
Armed with these experiences it was easy for the administration to quickly articulate a roadmap on green economy. Although still work in progress, Governor Uduaghan has taken significant steps towards actualizing his vision for the state that would tap into alternative energy that is environmentally sustainable and friendly. Governor Uduaghan has since embracing alternative energy, sought partnership wherever possible, either locally or at international level. His passion and interest has literally made him a climate change ambassador, respected and highly regarded for his understanding of issues.
His involvement in the international arena has increased the level of awareness of the dimension of the challenges that we face and, just as well, opened opportunities of assistance for the state. The point being made is that since 2008 Governor Uduaghan has been actively involved in global dialogue on combating climate change and building consensus on green issues. Governor Uduaghan joined the Global Governor’s summit on climate change then led by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, which has morphed to R 20 regions of climate action. R 20 is a group of sub-national governments committed to combating climate change, building climate resilient projects and reduction of global emissions to 1990 levels by year 2020.
In November 2010, 60 parties—academic institutions, NGOs, corporations, international financial institutions, sub-regional governments—signed R 20 summit declaration committing themselves to work together and to support each to promote green economy, create green jobs and combat climate change.
Actually one of the core aims of R20 is that its members understand that across the world there are different levels of developments, challenges and opportunities in tackling climate change and promoting green economy, hence the necessity for a more collaborative approach which encourages cooperation and support in building capacity and promoting investments between the more advanced sub-national economies and the emerging ones.
Delta as one of the emerging economies stands to benefit from these initiatives and engagements. And so far, there are talks in that direction to secure as much support as possible towards building a solid green economy in the state. Governor Uduaghan as Vice Chairman Africa and Middle East is not slow in seeking partnerships that can help the state build its green economy profile and opportunities.
Being text of speech delivered by Mr Paul Odili, Project Leader, Delta State, Green Economy Initiative, at a Niger Delta Youth Small Business Conference
