From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
As part of an ongoing week-long climate change engagement, the Kogi State Government, in collaboration with ACRES Group, paid a courtesy visit to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, to strengthen traditional stakeholder involvement in formulating the state’s climate change policy.
The visit marked Day 3 of a series of strategic consultations aimed at building a people-centered and inclusive climate change framework for Kogi State.
Led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Hon. Michael Onimisi, who represented the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, the delegation emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in driving climate awareness and grassroots mobilization.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the climate policy formulation process is inclusive and truly reflects the voices of indigenous institutions and local communities.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is fully committed to a participatory and community-driven approach in addressing climate change. This policy process is not just about drafting a document — it’s about creating a framework that truly represents the concerns, knowledge, and aspirations of our people,” Onimisi stated.
The Managing Partner and Lead Consultant of ACRES Group, Prof. Jimmy Adegoke, presented an overview of the ongoing stakeholder activities and highlighted the importance of aligning indigenous knowledge systems with scientific strategies to address environmental vulnerabilities across the state.
He explained that ACRES is facilitating a series of consultations and field assessments aimed at informing Kogi State’s first-ever climate change policy.
“Our traditional leaders are trusted custodians of both culture and community. Engaging them in this climate change process ensures that the policy we develop reflects the realities, values, and aspirations of Kogites,” Prof. Adegoke said.
As part of the engagement, the ACRES team conducted an in-depth interview with the Maigari, using a structured questionnaire designed to gather traditional insights on environmental changes, local adaptation practices, and the role of cultural leadership in community resilience. The interactive session provided valuable data to inform the development of a context-specific climate policy for the state.
In his remarks, the Maigari of Lokoja, represented by the Mayaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Lawal Aliu Jiya, welcomed the delegation and commended the Kogi State Government for adopting an inclusive approach to climate policy development.
He acknowledged the urgency of climate action, noting that local communities are already experiencing the adverse effects of environmental degradation.
Alhaji Jiya emphasized that traditional rulers, as custodians of cultural values and environmental knowledge, have a critical role in mobilizing grassroots support and reinforcing sustainable practices.
He pledged the full cooperation of the traditional council in supporting the state’s efforts and expressed readiness to assist in creating awareness and mobilizing communities to actively participate in climate resilience initiatives.
