A’Ibom Holds First Climate Change and Clean Energy Summit

Anayo Okolie

Akwa Ibom State Government announced on Friday that it had concluded plans to hold the first Akwa Ibom Climate Change and Clean Energy Summit/Expo in Uyo, the state capital. The summit, with the theme, ‘Charting a roadmap for sustainable environment and creation of green jobs,’ will take place from July 26 to 28. This was announced during a media chat in Lagos.

In his address at the event, Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien, said the state’s geographical location and some human factors had exposed the state to various forms of environmental degradation. Iniobong, who was represented by the special representative to the governor in Lagos, Mr. Samuel Bassey, said the coastal and riverine communities of the state were worst hit by the effects of climate change, and some of them had been forced to relocate to other areas due to sea level rise and excessive flooding.

Underscoring the economic importance of the summit, which is meant to proffer solutions to the various environmental challenges facing the state, Iniobong said, “It is a fact that a conducive environment is a major driver of industrialisation.”

Among those present at the event were the representative of Covenant University, Ota, a major partner in the Akwa Ibom green project, Prof. Samuel Wara, and a consultant, Dr. Victor Fodeke.