Taraba State Launches Climate Change Policy and Action Plan

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has launched the state's Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to secure the region's environmental future. Unveiling the document in Jalingo, Kefas described it as a critical step for preserving Taraba's forests, rivers, and natural resources.

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We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba. We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing.

He highlighted the current toll of climate change on agriculture and local communities, citing unpredictable rainfall and drying water bodies. "Any climate framework failing to support farmers would fail," Kefas stated, underscoring the policy's focus on agricultural resilience. He stressed that the policy's success would be measured by tangible community changes, not just conferences.

The governor directed local government councils to play a central role in implementing the plan to address grassroots environmental issues like flooding and bush burning. He also appealed for support from the Federal Government, the National Council on Climate Change, and international partners for Taraba's green initiatives.

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The success of this policy will no longer be measured by the number of conferences or workshops organised, but by tangible changes in our communities.

Hajiya Aishat B. Barde, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, called the launch the start of a coordinated climate action era for Taraba. She noted the policy's broad scope, covering health, education, and infrastructure, and urged all sectors to embrace it. Support from the Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet and Prosperity, and the African Climate Foundation was also acknowledged.

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Any climate framework failing to support farmers would fail.