FUL Launches International Centre for Climate Change to Tackle Natural Disasters

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

In its bid to contribute towards tackling global natural disasters, the Federal University, Lokoja, on Thursday, inaugurated the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods and Environmental Sustainability. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi while performing the ceremony at the institution’s Permanent Site, Felele, in Lokoja, said that the establishment of the Centre is aimed at providing solutions on how people could effectively adapt to climate change, floods mitigation, environmental sustainability and challenges.

“The University would not relent in pioneering sustainable solutions that would safeguard life through mitigation of the impacts of climate change” the VC said

According to the Vice Chancellor the university’s core objectives for the establishment of the Centre includes;

“Conduct cutting-edge research on climate change, floods, and ecosystems

“Provide technical services: flood mapping, climate analytics, risk reduction

“Deliver capacity building & training (certificates, diplomas, postgraduate & professional courses)

“Serve as a policy advocacy hub, producing briefs, dialogues and advisories

“Support green enterprises & eco-innovation for youth and women

“Operate a real-time flood early warning system for the Niger-Benue basin”

Professor Akinwumi also noted that the Centre has high expected impacts in partnership with international donor agencies such as real-time flood monitoring & early warning, policy-relevant research, technical reports, and advocacy briefs, climate education, youth bootcamps, and grassroots awareness, enhanced resilience of local communities and national visibility of the Federal University, Lokoja.

He expressed optimism that by 2030, the Centre seeks to “Become Excellence in climate change management, flood resilience, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria and West Africa

“Offering knowledge-based, policy-focussed, and community-responsive solutions to climate and environmental challenges, while leveraging on Lokoja’s strategic location at the Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue

“Contribute to national and global commitments including the Paris Agreement, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

“Strengthen Federal University, Lokoja’s role as a national leader and international partner in climate action, green economy transition, sustainable development

“Integrate scientific innovation with teaching, learning, and capacity building to equip the next generation of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners”

The VC disclosed that flood prone communities across Nigeria especially Kogi & Niger-Benue basins, researchers, students, academics and international partners and donor agencies are key beneficiaries.

Earlier, the Director of the Centre, Professor Jimmy Adegoke expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his vissionary leadership since assumption of office.

He commended the VC for his tremendous capacity to move the university to its academic greatness.

He also lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the priority accorded climate change concerns through appointment and creation of relevant agencies in this regard.

Professor Adegoke promised to live above board in running the affairs of the Centre and stressed his commitment to give the best he can.