By Caleb Ayansina

The National Orientation Agency, NOA has called for responsible action from all Nigerians toward protecting the environment and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Mike-Omeri

The Director General of NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri made the call during a strategic meeting with the Climate Change Advisor, Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, NIAF, Mrs. Chintal Barot in Abuja.

Omeri identified the need for massive sensitisation of Nigerians on the meaning, effects and prevention of climate change, pointing out that positive behaviour change is the surest way to stem the ugly side of climate change.

He urged Nigerians to always keep their environment clean and avoid dumping of refuse in drainages and water ways, as such negative habits contribute significantly to environmental degradation and climate change.

The NOA boss also canvassed the utilisation of solar energy as an environment friendly energy source. According to him, the Agency has assisted in providing some rural communities in the country with solar energy under its Orientation with Benefits model.

In her remarks, the NIAF Climate Change Advisor, Mrs. Chintal Barot observed that very little of the global climate change financing comes to Nigeria hence the meeting was part of several on-going consultations with relevant Nigerian bodies to facilitate Nigeria’s access to the funds.

She said her organisation is committed to supporting Nigerian institutions toward achieving global climate change mitigation objectives, part of which is helping them access the global Adaptation Fund. She explained that with the relevant support, Nigeria would meet the Sustainable Development Goals on climate change.