From Abdullahi Idris,Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi, has reiterated Jigawa State’s commitment to confronting the growing challenges of climate change through practical environmental policies, ecological restoration and community-driven climate action.
The Governor made the commitment during the inauguration of the Jigawa State Governance Structure for the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge, alongside the inauguration of Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions and School Environmental Clubs, held at the Dutse Township Stadium.
The programme was officially inaugurated by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
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Addressing participants, Governor Namadi described climate change as one of the defining development challenges of the present generation, noting that Jigawa, located within Nigeria’s fragile semi-arid belt and along the Great Green Wall corridor, remains particularly vulnerable to desertification, land degradation, recurrent flooding and declining agricultural productivity.
“As a frontline state in the Great Green Wall, our people have long felt the harsh realities of ecological threats. We know the weight of degraded lands, the anxiety of shifting landscapes, and the quiet struggle of communities working to protect the soil on which so much depends. Yet we all remain resilient and committed to positive causes that protect the environment.”
He said his administration has therefore, placed climate resilience and environmental sustainability at the heart of its development agenda through deliberate policies and strategic investments aimed at protecting ecosystems, securing livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic growth.
“As we inaugurate the State Governance Structure for the Green Nigeria Challenge, I wish to reaffirm that this initiative aligns perfectly with our strategic development priorities and the recently approved Jigawa State Climate Change Policy. It complements our efforts to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and responsible natural resource management,” Governor Namadi stated.
The Governor explained that the initiative also reinforces the environmental and agricultural priorities contained in his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, water resource management, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
He noted that climate action in Jigawa has gone beyond policy pronouncements to practical interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens.
Governor Namadi highlighted the ongoing implementation of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, under which the state has executed major ecological restoration projects, including the Danmasara–Yalwawa Gully Erosion and Flood Mitigation schemes that have reclaimed over 400 hectares of degraded land through integrated erosion control, drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation measures.
He further recalled the recent distribution of specialised aquatic weed management equipment to fifteen Community-Based Organisations operating in riverine communities as part of the state’s broader strategy to improve waterway management, reduce flood risks and strengthen community participation in environmental protection.
According to the Governor, building climate resilience requires active participation by citizens, particularly young people, whom he described as the custodians of the state’s environmental future.
He disclosed that nearly 3,000 students have already been mobilised into conservation teams across senior secondary schools, while six Environmental Societies have been established in tertiary institutions to champion tree planting, biodiversity conservation, environmental sanitation, recycling and erosion control.
To further encourage innovation and grassroots participation, Governor Namadi announced a ₦50 million grand prize to reward outstanding Environmental Societies and youth organisations participating in the Green Nigeria Challenge.
The Governor also directed State and Local Government Marshals, to provide mentorship and technical support to the newly established Environmental Clubs and Environmental Societies, adding that programme implementation would be monitored using geo-tagging technology and the Survival Rate Index (SRI) to ensure accountability and measurable environmental outcomes.
Governor Namadi expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for initiating the Green Nigeria Challenge under the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that complements sub-national efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
He expressed confidence that the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge would deepen public ownership of environmental protection and accelerate the state’s journey towards a greener, healthier and climate-resilient Jigawa
Earlier, Hajiya Shettima, had formally inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge in Jigawa State and commended Governor Namadi’s administration for its proactive approach to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
She explained that the Green Nigeria Challenge is a flagship national environmental campaign designed to mobilise households, schools, tertiary institutions, communities and state governments towards tree planting, environmental sanitation and climate-conscious development.
She observed that Jigawa occupies a strategic position in the national climate action agenda because of its vulnerability to desertification and urged residents to plant drought-resistant tree species such as Neem (Dogonyaro), Moringa, Date Palm, Mango and Guava while encouraging Environmental Clubs and Societies to champion biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness across their communities.
