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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue State Government through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, in collaboration with relevant Civil Society Organizations and partners have commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day (WED) with a call for sustainable urban development and climate resilienct cities.
The event themed “Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.” held in Makurdi featuring an environmental awareness walk, technical presentations, symbolic tree planting, and the distribution of improved seedlings.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, said rapid urbanization, though beneficial for economic growth, has intensified environmental challenges such as flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, loss of green spaces, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
He stressed the need for deliberate planning, climate-smart infrastructure, and stronger stakeholder collaboration to build resilient cities and communities.
Earlier, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Climate Change, Mary Ugboho, explained that the ministry is not only committed but a leader in promoting sustainable environmental development and educating residents on actions needed to build climate-resilient cities and communities across Benue State.
According to her, climate change remains the greatest environmental threat, with rising temperatures, flooding and intense heat becoming increasingly common challenges that require urgent attention and sustainable solutions to protect present and future generations.
While she noted that environmental sustainability and climate resilience are not solely the responsibility of government but require collective action from all citizens, Ugboho encouraged residents to adopt simple but effective measures such as proper waste disposal, tree planting, the use of renewable energy and clean cooking technologies, stressing that individual actions can contribute significantly to creating a cleaner, healthier and more resilient environment.
Presenting the lead paper, Town Planner, Dr. Jesse Nor observed that urbanization in Makurdi has expanded beyond the city’s traditional boundaries, impacting neighbouring local government areas.
He called for a regional planning framework that integrates green infrastructure, landscape planning, and climate resilience measures stressing that sustainable development must be people-centred, with active community participation and greater investment in tree planting and environmental education.
In her remarks, a member of Network of Women in Climate Change Leadership, Becky Banka, said this year’s World Environment Day celebration is aimed at creating awareness and sensitizing people on the growing challenges posed by climate change.
According to her, environmental issues such as deforestation, flooding and other climate-related concerns are becoming more evident every day, making it necessary to educate communities on the need to protect the environment. She stressed that whenever trees are cut down, they should be replaced in order to preserve the ecosystem and maintain environmental balance.
Banka noted that a green environment is both beautiful and healthy for human habitation, warning that the increasing loss of trees in places like Makurdi is gradually making the environment less conducive for residents.
She added that the changing weather patterns, rapid population growth and the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture and other human activities are contributing to environmental degradation and worsening climate conditions.
The the purpose of the awareness walk, she explained is to encourage people to become more conscious of their surroundings and to actively participate in environmental protection through tree planting. She identified insecurity and food shortages as the biggest threats associated with climate change, explaining that declining soil fertility has reduced agricultural productivity and contributed to the rising cost of food across communities.
Member, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) Benue Chapter and Chairman, 2026 World Environment Day Planning Committee, Mr Michael Agada, described the annual event as one of the most important occasions for environmental professionals, comparing its significance to Christmas for Christians and Sallah for Muslims.
He noted that this year’s themed “Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future” is apt adding that the core message is “Benue for Climate Action 2026.”
He explained that stakeholders envision a Benue where climate-smart cities are developed, climate-smart agriculture is widely practiced and sustainable environmental principles are integrated into urban development saying such measures would ensure that ongoing development projects do not negatively impact the climate or the wellbeing of residents.
Agada who noted that about 40 civil society organizations participated in the programme, said the 2026 edition received strong support from the government through the Ministry of Water Resources Environment, describing the collaboration as a successful partnership that contributed to smooth planning and execution of the event.
Goodwill messages were received from development partners and other stakeholders, including the Agro-Climatic Resilience and Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, who expressed their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action in Benue State.
