A stakeholders’ meeting of representatives from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held on Thursday at the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat, Rumuodomaya, to address pressing issues relating to climate change and environmental sustainability.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Gift Worlu, emphasized the importance of environmental preservation, warning that negligence toward the ecosystem poses grave dangers to humanity.
“The issue of climate is one that nobody can afford to take lightly because if we destroy the environment, we destroy ourselves,” he stated.
Dr. Gift Worlu noted that the visible effects of climate change are direct consequences of human activities. He stressed that all efforts aimed at reversing the trend deserve full support, particularly from the government at all levels.
“I’m happy that you are here in Obio/Akpor for the pilot phase. We believe that the experiences we will gain here will help us when we begin to scale up to other local governments,” he added.
The council boss assured the UN team of the local government’s full cooperation, describing Obio/Akpor as a peaceful and progressive area open to development partnerships.
“Our Vice Chairman, whom I have asked to work closely with you, is very capable and will assist you in every possible way while keeping me informed. I encourage you to carry out your assignment with utmost professionalism. Let us first understand this problem deeply before we begin to solve it,” he advised.
Dr. Gift Worlu further noted that as engagements expand to include more stakeholders, awareness will deepen regarding the attitudinal and behavioral changes required to move from discussions to concrete environmental actions.
“At the end of the day, we will have a safer environment for us to live, work, and play. With the support of the state and federal governments, I believe this United Nations initiative will yield positive results in our country,” he concluded.
Earlier in his presentation, Dr. Chamberlain Amadi, Developer and Ambassador for the UNFCCC, explained that the project proposal submitted to the UN involves the installation of a biogas-capturing plant at the Obio/Akpor landfill. The initiative aims to collect waste from the environment while distributing one million clean cookstoves to women in the area.
“By doing so, we will reduce the rate at which trees are being destroyed for firewood, which is commonly used as cooking energy,” Dr. Amadi said.
He added that the project will reduce respiratory-related health problems, lower infant mortality rates, and create employment opportunities, as the biogas generated will be sold at subsidized rates, used to produce electricity, and supplied to industries for heat generation.
“This initiative will attract compensation from the United Nations due to its environmental impact and the incentives associated with biogas removal,” he explained.
Dr. Amadi further stated that the primary objective of the landfill biogas-capturing project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate clean energy, and promote environmental sustainability, while empowering women and local residents. He also mentioned that The Gold Standard, an agency contracted by the United Nations, will monitor and certify all projects to ensure compliance with global standards.
In her remarks, Dr. Nimi Elele, Desk Officer of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, described the project as a welcome development, stressing that climate change has already caused devastating effects such as torrential rains and flooding in the state.
“Any project that addresses these concerns is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Dr. Elele appealed for an increase in the number of clean cookstoves to be distributed, suggesting that at least five million units would make a more meaningful impact considering the state’s population of about 20 million people.
The meeting ended with an interactive session where stakeholders shared valuable contributions toward the success of the project.
Among those in attendance were Hon. Dr. Mrs. Joyce Gloria Nyeche, Vice Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA; Ngozi S. Nwaokazi from the Ministry of Women Affairs; Dr. John Okolie; and Hon. Dr. Felix Amadi.
Signed:
Obio/Akpor Press Unit
November 6, 2025
