Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has restated his administration’s readiness to partner the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in meeting the objectives of the multilateral environment agreements that the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) serves.
Governor Otti who stated this in Government House Umuahia when he received a delegation from the UNDP, who are in the state for the Global Environmental Facility – Small Grant Program, stressed the need to preserve the environment from any form of degradation.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while describing the environment as central to development, noted that his administration has established a department in the Ministry of Environment to Carter for climate change as well as remained committed to opening up the hinter lands in order to drive massive economic development.
The State Chief Executive pointed out that Abia is today one of the states that has remained focused since the inception of his administration in May 29th 2023, adding that his administration has continued to touch lives meaningfully in alignment with the vision of the UNDP which points to the reduction in poverty and ensuring that Abians live in a crisis free environment.
He further commended the United Nations Development Program for always being at the forefront of driving the process and making sure that all the states in the nation and within the sub-sahara region appreciate the relevance of keeping their environment clean and free from natural disasters also assured that whatever grants made available will be judiciously utilized.
Also, speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna disclosed that this is the first time Abia is getting grant from the UNDP Global Environmental Facility – Small Grants Program and appreciated the UNDP for partnering with the state government in providing financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods.
In her address earlier, the leader of the delegation and National Coordinator, UNDP Global Environmental Facility – Small Grants Program, Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, said the program is a funding initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations and civil society organizations to address global environmental issues.
Mrs Olubamise while commending Governor Alex Otti for his Infrastructural and transformative strides across the state, explained that the program which is implemented by UNDP and funded by the Global Environmental Facility, with co-financing from various sources including government and communities, aims to empower local communities and Civil Society Organizations by providing financial and technical support for projects that conserve the environment, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.
In a vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru applauded the UNDP delegation on their successful tour and program in the state and assured that the state government will continue to ensure social inclusion and local stakeholder involvement in initiatives that promote multi-sectoral and integrated solutions to environmental challenges.
Our correspondent reports that the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change, Esther Ajah, her Lands and Housing counterpart, Pastor Okorougo Aji among other top government officials were present during the meeting.
