BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
As Nigeria joined the global community for #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action Campaign, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) alongside Oxfam have demanded an end to climate injustice and poverty taunting livelihoods especially in vulnerable communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Conveners, the Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. Michael Terungwa David said the essence of the campaign was to draw the line against the use of public funds to support destructive industries that fuel floods, fires, heatwaves, hunger, and poverty.
Instead, he requested that public money should be invested in building a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.
News Rider reports that September was set aside annually for the #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action Campaign against climate injustice, poverty, environmental destruction, and the silent genocide facing vulnerable communities.
David called for increased adaptation financing to protect vulnerable communities, while seeking people and community-led solutions to climate risks.
He said: "As climate impacts escalate, we urgently call for debt cancellation for climate, enabling African countries like Nigeria to channel resources toward resilience and sustainability."
The GIFSEP boss pleaded with the National Assembly to expedite action on the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Bill currently before the House of Representatives, describing it as a key step toward protecting people and planet.
ESHIA bill is a landmark piece of legislation designed to replace the outdated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 2004.
David enjoined Nigerians to rise up and demand accountability from elected officials and all those entrusted with power.
"Our future cannot be mortgaged to the profits of industries that destroy lives and livelihoods. Only active citizens can reclaim our future and ensure justice for generations yet unborn.
"Together, we march. Together, we demand. Together, we draw the line.
"Environment First, Politics Later," he added.
Aside climate action, the campaign also highlighted the need to address gender justice globally.
The Country Director of Oxfam, John Makina said that his organisation backed the campaign to end poverty and climate injustice.
"We are backing this campaign to also lend our voice to end poverty, to end injustice when it comes to climate and also highlight gender justice, which is one aspect that is always very silent when it comes to dealing with climate issues," he added.
Oxfam is an independent non-governmental organization committed to ending poverty and inequality worldwide, promotes sustainable livelihoods and empowers women worldwide.
Represented by Dr Kenneth Akpan, Oxfam called on state governments to create own state policies for tackling climate injustice and inequality.
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