Osun State has been selected as a pilot site for the Carbon Investment Project, a collaborative effort between the National Council on Climate Change, the Presidency, and Dryada/Noblesse Green Energy to support the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan and the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
The project aims to provide technical and financial assistance to the state to develop and implement low-carbon and climate-resilient strategies in key sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and energy. It will also focus on rejuvenating the Ago-Owu Forest Reserve and providing livelihood support to communities around the reserve.
In a statement released Tuesday by Olubunmi Badiora, Information Officer, Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, it stated that the project is expected to generate opportunities for the state to participate in carbon trading and improve the socio-economic status of people living around the Ago-Owu Forest Reserve. It will also contribute to Nigeria’s overall efforts to combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future.
“Earlier, the team lead from the NCCC had stated that the nomination of Osun state by the Federal Government was done after thorough considerations and final approval from the Paris headquarters of the “Dryada/Noblesse Green Energy (NGE) Company” in conjunction with the NCCC and the the Presidency on the project.
“Part of activities of the project include the rejuvenation of the Ago-Owu Forest Reserve and Livelihood support to communities around the forest reserve. This will ultimately transform into opportunities for the State to be involved in “Carbon Trading” while the socio-economics status of people in the area will be improved. Mr. Nwajuba stated that the interactive meeting which will also followed by a physical visit to the project site is part of the preparation preceding Nigeria attendance at this year’s “International Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP28) that is billed to come up in the United Arab Emirates by the end of this year, 2023,” the statement read
Osun State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, described the project as a significant opportunity for the state to showcase its leadership and innovation in addressing climate change and enhancing sustainable development. He expressed gratitude to the NCCC and NGE for selecting Osun State as a pilot site and pledged the state government’s full support for the project’s success.
The NCCC team also stated that they will work closely with the Osun State team to address issues of safe relocation of farmers within the Forest Reserve in a harmonious manner that will ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
