Kingsley Adegboye and Michael Eboh
1 December 2008
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has raised an alarm on the danger of climate change in the country declaring that climate change and global warming threatens national security.
Speaking at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Annual Dinner and Award Night held in Lagos last week, Dr. Jonathan called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the Nigerian economy to tackle the menace of global warming and prevent the occurrence of a national disaster in the country.
He said, "The danger posed by climate change and its consequential global warming, ravaging erosion, soil depletion, desertification and sea level rise is a matter of national concern."
In the defense of the environment and its many endowments, there cannot be any dichotomy or unwarranted prevarications. Governments and non governmental organisations, individuals and corporate bodies, communities and constituencies must now come together and work in common accord."
"As science continues to provide more evidence to compel us into action, it is important that we bear in mind the need to do the right thing in the various capacities we may find ourselves whether as political leaders, policy makers, scientists, campaigners, conservationists and head of families," he continued.
He disclosed that the effort to stem the tide of the negative advances of the depleted environment should employ strategies meant to empower the livelihoods of majority of Nigerians and fight poverty.
"The struggle to protect and defend nature while at the same time ensuring that we advance our peoples aspiration for a better well being is an enterprise that will continue to challenge this generation and the many that will follow. The time has come for us to collectively insist that nature must be defended within the limits of sustainability," he noted.
Jonathan stressed that a foundation has been built by conservation stakeholders across the country on which greater efforts of support to the environment can be developed. In this manner, he commended individuals and institutions that have served the country towards the promotion of the sustainable use of plant and animal resources.
"These individuals has ensured the progressive impact and spread of conservation efforts dedicated their time, energy and resources to nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.," he stated.
Among those commended by the Vice President included the Nigerian Field Society, Mr. A. P. Leventis, Professor David Okali, Chief Newton Jibunoh, Dr. Mukhtar Aminu-Kano, Dr. Pius Anadu,Professor Kay Williamson, Mr. Nick Ashton Jones, Dr. Ako Amadi amongst others.
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