By Mustapha Salisu
Suleiman Ribadu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor on Climate Change, passionately called for global support to enhance Katsina’s climate resilience at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, held annually, serves as the world’s multilateral forum for climate action, bringing together world leaders, climate experts, and policymakers to strengthen collective global efforts.
Addressing the distinguished audience, Ribadu highlighted the devastating effects of desertification, drought, and extreme weather events on Katsina state. “Climate change is severely impacting agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods in Katsina,” he emphasized, pointing to the state’s increasing vulnerability.
Ribadu urged the international community to prioritize adaptation and mitigation measures for regions like Katsina, which bear the brunt of climate change.
His engagement led to commitments for Enhanced Climate Finance to support critical projects, such as sustainable water management, reforestation, and resilient agricultural practices, while advocating for equitable access to global climate funds to meet the state’s needs.
He also stressed the importance of Technology Transfer, urging access to innovations like renewable energy systems, efficient irrigation technologies, and early warning systems for extreme weather events to reduce Katsina’s climate risks.
Ribadu further emphasized the need for Capacity Building, advocating for investments in local skills and education to empower communities and stakeholders in Katsina. He stressed the value of training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to equip local farmers, youth, and government agencies to effectively combat climate change.
Ribadu’s advocacy at COP29 has positioned Katsina as a crucial player in the global climate dialogue, presenting actionable solutions to ensure a sustainable future for the state. His efforts have brought Katsina’s challenges to the forefront, securing its place on the global climate agenda.
