In its efforts to tackle the rising challenges of climate change across the world, the Osun state government has expressed its readiness to partner with Non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that are based in Osun to collaborate and discuss environmental protection across the state.
During an interactive session with different NGOs on Thursday in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, the Consultant to the State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku proferred practical steps to enhance their productivity and contributions to Climate Change related matters.
While speaking, Prof. Obuaku explained that government cannot do Climate action alone without collaborating with NGOs, and the goal is not to dominate but to back up, bring up advocacy and sensitization among citizens.
She, also stated that the meeting is just an acknowledgement meeting because she believes there are still many people out there who will eventually develop interest in environmental sustainability but they do not have access to the knowledge yet.
The Consultant, however urged all NGOs to adopt personal contribution and partnership with the state government, international Bodies and other NGOs.
She said, “The goal for us in Osun State is such that when somebody drops something on the floor, the next person pick it up,even we don’t need to have a security officer or anything, that’s the essence, but it has started from here now.
“And the goal, and that’s also where your own role comes into, Governments cannot do it on their own. We need to ramp up advocacy, we have to sensitize. Now, we’re going to have more meetings beyond this.
“We may think that we are the only ones who are interested in environmental sustainability, but soon you’ll see that there is another person and there’s another person. Now, the goal is not to try to dominate, the goal is to sign the giants, the goal is to mainstream our activities so that we stick with one voice. And the thing is, if this office is backing you up and you have government agencies backing you up, it doesn’t end there. It then means that you have the right to go into the community and carry out your advocacy, while we back you up.
“And we’re not just backing you up by saying, you have our support. We’re willing to govern as well, We’re willing, to throw our weight behind so you can get funding”, She assured.
After listening to presentations from different NGOs on their contributions to Climate action and environmental protection, Prof Obuaku encouraged each NGOs to register with the state government, while assuring them of full assistance in any area.
In an interview with newsmen, Project Manager for one of the NGOs – Community Action Against Plastics Pollution, Mr Joseph Adeboye described the meeting as enlightening and inspiring.
According to him, all the NGOs present are truly happy to part of this collaborative effort from the state government, adding that Prof. Chinwe’s energy and expertise were contagious.
“The meeting with Professor Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant to the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, was truly enlightening and inspiring. It was amazing to see the Osun State Government’s efforts to tackle climate change head-on. Professor Chinwe’s energy and expertise were contagious, and I’m happy to be part of this collaborative effort among young change makers
“We hope to achieve several key objectives through our collaboration with the Osun State Government, which include; Enhanced Climate Change Mitigation, Renewable Energy Development, Community Engagement, Policy Development and possible areas of partnership” he explained.
