Kogi Climate Finance: Ododo Reaffirms Commitment »

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development as the state begins a Climate Finance Readiness Assessment to strengthen its capacity to attract funding for climate-related projects.

Ododo stated this on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the opening of the Climate Finance Readiness Assessment (CFRA) Technical Assistance Programme at the Government House in Lokoja, where he was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu.

The governor said climate change posed significant challenges to agriculture, water resources, the environment and the livelihoods of residents, stressing the need for practical and collective action to address its effects.

He noted that the establishment of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency had provided an institutional framework for coordinating climate policies and programmes across the state.

Ododo also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a state-specific climate change policy and strengthen partnerships with national and international organisations to promote environmental sustainability and attract investment.

According to him, the Climate Finance Readiness Assessment will help identify institutional and operational gaps, strengthen relevant institutions and develop credible projects capable of attracting funding from local and international partners.

The governor commended the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) for providing technical assistance for the assessment at no cost to the state, describing the partnership as an important step towards addressing climate challenges.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life across Kogi State.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, Hon. Ajibade Onimisi, said the assessment would help the state identify gaps in its climate finance systems and improve its prospects of accessing available funding.

Onimisi commended the governor for supporting climate action and environmental sustainability, while appreciating PACE for partnering with the state on the exercise.

He urged ministries, departments and agencies, as well as other stakeholders, to support the assessment and ensure that its recommendations translate into tangible benefits for residents.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Stephen, commended the governor’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action.

Stephen said the state was strengthening climate governance through the establishment of the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, the implementation of its climate change policy and collaboration among government ministries and agencies.

He added that the assessment would help identify gaps, improve Kogi State’s readiness to access climate finance and attract investments for climate-related projects.

The assessment is expected to provide a basis for strengthening the state’s institutional capacity and developing projects that can attract climate funding from domestic and international partners.