By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

A health and environmental expert, Dr. Obi Anyadiegwu, has urged financial institutions to support the implementation of sustainable environmental practices, emphasizing that protecting Nigeria’s environment is a collective responsibility.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, during a training session on “Climate Financing”, organized as part of the GEF-UNIDO Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Project Nigeria Workshop, Anyadiegwu highlighted the crucial role of financial institutions in driving environmental sustainability.

He described climate financing as resources mobilized to fund initiatives that mitigate and adapt to climate change, including public climate finance commitments by developed countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“The IEE and RECP initiative requires financing mechanisms that support industries in adopting sustainable practices,” he explained.

“Protecting our environment is everyone’s business. Financial institutions must play their part by supporting the implementation of environmental best practices.

“By working together with other stakeholders, we can secure a sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and future generations. If we truly want progress, we must take a greater interest in our health and environment.”

Addressing journalists after his presentation, Anyadiegwu commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its environmental protection efforts, particularly acknowledging the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“The government is already doing a lot in environmental management. Recently, it established the National Council on Climate Change, an agency under the presidency to address climate change issues nationwide.

“However, there is still more to be done.” He also highlighted the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in helping Nigeria improve industrial efficiency, resource management, and emissions reduction.

Expressing deep concern over the rising trend of Nigerian youths seeking opportunities abroad under dire conditions, Anyadiegwu described the situation as humiliating.

“Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, with over 60% under the age of 35. We must create jobs for them.

“We cannot continue sending our young ones out of the country to become slaves in foreign lands.

“During the first wave of slavery, we were taken by force. In this second wave, we are begging to be enslaved. This is even more humiliating than the first. Many of us never imagined we would witness this in our lifetime.”

Stressing the country’s vast potential, he stated: “We have world-class engineers, doctors, scientists, and professionals. What we lack is quality leadership—and I say this with all seriousness.”

Anyadiegwu’s remarks underscored the urgent need for strong leadership, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunities to secure a sustainable future for Nigeria.