Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf has lamented over the effects of climate change on Lokoja, the state capital.
The Speaker noted this while contributing to a motion of Urgent Public Importance on the floor of the Assembly by the member representing Kabba/Bunu State Constituency, Hon. Seyi Bello on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to the Speaker, the practice of indiscriminate falling of trees and other human activities in the guise of development have contributed to depleting the ozone layer, distorting the town’s masterplan and contributed to the rising temperature in the town.
Presenting his motion, Hon. Bello said Kogi State hosts two major Rivers; Benue and Niger, noting that the heat generated from these rivers create unfriendly weather condition and necessitated the motion.
The lawmaker believes that a motion on the issue was long overdue, saying that the pressing issue of ecological challenges in the State, particularly in Lokoja, has been exacerbated by its rocky terrain and limited green spaces.
This, the lawmaker said, poses significant health risks to residents, especially the elderly and the young children.
“As we are aware, Section 20 of 1999 Nigerian Constitution emphasises the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development”, adding that the Kogi State Government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing environmental concerns through initiatives like tree planting programmes in a bid to address the ecological issues in Lokoja.
The lawmaker prayed the House to prevail on the state government to increase green spaces, mandate relevant ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Kogi Agricultural Development Project to plant more trees and shrubs in parks, streets, and open areas.
He also prayed the government to implement sustainable practices by directing the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to utilise water features, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce high temperatures and improve air quality.
The lawmaker further suggested that government should promote community engagement by educating residents about the benefits of planting trees, implementing energy-efficient practices, and raising awareness about heat-related health risks through community initiatives and campaigns.
In their contributions, the lawmakers, including members representing Lokoja I State Constituency, Hon Bin-Ebaiya Tijjani and Ajaokuta state constituency, Hon Jibril Abu aligned themselves with the letters of the motion, describing it as timely.
The House therefore appealed to the State Government to adopt global practices in remediation of global climate change and reduce the rising temperature.
