The European Union (EU) has begun an interventionist project aimed at protecting residents of coastal towns in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region from the severe consequences of climate change.
The Security Component Coordinator of the project known as “Coping with Climate Change as a Cause of Conflict in Coastal Communities of West Africa (C7-West Africa),” Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, announced this during a two-day Inception/Ceremony and Cooperative Planning Event in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Explaining further, Air Commodore Abdullahi promised that the EU will render support to the affected area in the best possible approach, just as it will get commitments from state and non-state actors regarding the project.
The Governor of Bayelsa state, Sen. Douye Diri, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Gideon Ekeuwei, called on the European Union, to intensify their support approach in helping coastal communities from negative effects as a result of climate change.
Ekeuwei also thanked the Italian Shipping Academy for appointing the Nigeria Maritime University as the local implementing partner, adding that the state government is ready to partner with the EU to ensure the success of the project.
Fielding questions from journalists, leaders of coastal communities expressed optimism of better days ahead for their people who suffer negative impacts, as well as, conflicts that are induced by climate change.
Also present at the event are Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Director-General of the National Environmental Standards, Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council who applauded a train the trainers’ workshops scheduled to hold in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River States soon.