The Governor of Niger state, Muhammad Bago has revealed that President Bola Tinubu, governors, ministers and about 500 participants will take part in the forthcoming Niger State’s First Subnational Green Economy Summit.
Bago while addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja said the state was hosting the first ever subnational Green Economy Summit in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions.
The governor added that the summit with the theme, “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity”, would encapsulates hisl vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative.
He stressed that he would also unveil the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide state developmental choice of actions.
Bago stated: “The Summit will be a two-day (hybrid) event on the 24th and 25th of October 2023, to be held in Minna, the Niger State capital.
“It will coincide with the United Nations Day as well as the climate advocacy group, 350.org’s, International Day (of advocacy) for Climate Action, on the 24th of October each year.
“The choice of the date is to underscore the resolve to partake in achieving collective global goals through responsible local action, as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between Nov. 30th and Dec.”
The governor noted that in view of the above, the Summit would attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context.
Bago pointed out that this was in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy.
He emphasised that the summit would help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bago added: “We are expecting about 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonising Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, Eco-Tourism and Community Development.
“The event will have Keynote Speakers, lead speakers, panelists, presenters, and other contributors which include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable Ministers, heads of pertinent Agencies, State Governors, representatives of multilateral and bilateral international organizations, development partners and development finance institutions, captains of industry.”