Benue Rallies Stakeholders for Climate Action as Urbanisation Threatens Environmental Sustainability

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

The Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, in partnership with Civil Society Organizations and development partners, commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a strong call for climate-smart urban development and the creation of resilient cities capable of withstanding environmental challenges.

The event, held in Makurdi under the theme, “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future,” and featured an environmental awareness walk, technical presentations, symbolic tree planting and the distribution of improved seedlings.

 Stakeholders used the occasion to advocate sustainable development strategies that balance urban growth with environmental protection.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, noted that while urbanisation has contributed significantly to economic growth, it has also worsened environmental problems such as flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, shrinking green spaces and increased exposure to climate-related disasters.

 He stressed the need for deliberate urban planning, climate-smart infrastructure and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address these challenges.

Earlier, the Director of Climate Change in the ministry, Mary Ugboho, said the government remains committed to promoting sustainable environmental development and raising awareness on measures needed to build climate-resilient communities across Benue State.

She described climate change as the most pressing environmental threat facing society today, citing rising temperatures, recurrent flooding and extreme heat conditions as growing concerns.

Ugboho emphasized that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government alone, urging citizens to play active roles through proper waste disposal, tree planting, adoption of renewable energy sources and the use of clean cooking technologies.

 According to her, individual actions can collectively make a significant impact in creating a healthier and more resilient environment.

Delivering the lead paper, Town Planner Dr. Jesse Nor observed that urban expansion in Makurdi has stretched beyond the city’s traditional boundaries and is increasingly affecting neighbouring local government areas. He advocated a regional planning framework that incorporates green infrastructure, landscape management and climate resilience measures.

Dr. Nor further stressed that sustainable urban development must be people-centred, encouraging active community participation and increased investment in environmental education and tree planting initiatives to safeguard the future.

Also speaking, Becky Banka of the Network of Women in Climate Change Leadership said the celebration was aimed at increasing public awareness of the growing dangers posed by climate change.

She noted that environmental challenges such as deforestation, flooding and ecosystem degradation have become more visible, making public sensitisation more important than ever.

Banka urged residents to replace trees whenever they are cut down, stressing that preserving the ecosystem is essential for maintaining environmental balance.

 She warned that the continuous loss of trees, particularly in Makurdi, is gradually reducing the quality of the environment and making it less conducive for human habitation.

According to her, changing weather patterns, rapid population growth and the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture and other human activities are accelerating environmental degradation.

She added that insecurity and food shortages remain some of the most severe consequences of climate change, as declining soil fertility continues to reduce agricultural productivity and drive up food prices.

Chairman of the 2026 World Environment Day Planning Committee and member of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Benue Chapter, Michael Agada, described the annual celebration as one of the most significant events for environmental professionals.

He said the theme aligns with the vision of promoting climate action across the state under the slogan, “Benue for Climate Action 2026.”

Agada disclosed that about 40 civil society organisations participated in the event and commended the support provided by the state government through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

 He said stakeholders envision a future where climate-smart cities, sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible urban development become the norm in Benue State.

Goodwill messages were also received from development partners, including ACReSAL, which reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and climate action across the state.