By Mariam Adams.
Following it series of strategic engagemens, the ACRES Group facilitated a focus group session with selected community-based organizations (CBOs) in Lokoja aimed at eliciting expert insights on climate action strategies by gathering locally driven recommendations to inform the state’s climate change policy.
The session convened representatives from grassroots advocacy groups, environmental NGOs, women-led associations, vulnerable groups and youth-focused initiatives comprising a cross section of community voices critical to shaping an inclusive and locally relevant climate policy.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Hon. Michael Onimisi Ajibade, commended the active participation of the community-based organizations and emphasized their indispensable role in shaping a policy that is both inclusive and action-oriented.
He noted that the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to placing local communities at the heart of climate governance in Kogi State.
Hon. Ajibade further encouraged the participants to be open and honest in their submissions, stressing that their contributions, through both the discussions and survey responses, would significantly influence the final framework of the climate change policy.
Speaking during the session, ACRES Lead Consultant, Prof. Jimmy Adegoke, explained that community-based organizations (CBOs) play a pivotal role as frontline actors in the climate change discourse.
He emphasized that their involvement bridges the gap between government policy and real community action, bringing both technical depth and practical relevance to the policy development process.
He further explained that, to enrich the consultation, participants were given access to a structured questionnaire shared via an online link, allowing for convenient and broader participation.
According to him, the survey was designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights on climate-related challenges, as well as practical recommendations adding that, the data gathered from this process will form a critical part of the evidence base for crafting an inclusive and responsive climate policy for Kogi State.
In their various areas of expertise, participants shared valuable perspectives on climate-induced flooding, land degradation, deforestation, and food insecurity.
They proposed practical, community-driven solutions such as early warning systems, tree planting campaigns, and the promotion of clean energy.Emphasing inclusive representation, particularly of women and vulnerable groups in the planning and implementation of climate initiatives, to guarantee that policy outcomes address the needs of all segments of society.
In response, ACRES Group assured the participants that the feedback from both the discussions and survey responses would directly inform the policy development process. The team reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with civil society actors throughout the policy drafting and implementation stages.
