…highlights the urgent need for climate change mitigation strategies in Anambra.
AWKA, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that climate change mitigation has taken centre stage in Anambra State as the Head of Works Department and Town Engineer for Awka South Local Government Area, Engr. Samuel Udefi, called for intensified grassroots awareness campaigns on climate change crisis, adaptation and migration.
Udefi made the call shortly after receiving a Special Award on Environmental Safeguard from the Department of Geography and Meteorology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The award was presented during activities marking the 2026 World Meteorological Day themed “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” a global event focused on climate observation and environmental protection.
Engr. Udefi received the recognition alongside Chief Sir Anthony Nnaemeka, Dr. Anselm C. Onuorah, Sir Ojukwu Obakasi, Bar. Stan Izoba Nwattah and Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah at a brief but symbolic ceremony that highlighted the urgent need for climate change mitigation strategies in Anambra State.
Speaking after the lecture session, the Awka South council official stressed that climate change mitigation must go beyond academic discussions and policy documents to reach rural and riverine communities directly affected by environmental challenges.
Reacting to the theme of the 2026 World Meteorological Day, Udefi, a civil engineer, emphasised the importance of environmental consciousness and proactive measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities.
He noted that communities in Anam are increasingly confronted with environmental problems such as annual flooding and unpredictable weather conditions that significantly disrupt farming activities and livelihoods.
According to him, the guest lecturer at the event provided practical insights that resonated strongly with the realities faced by riverine communities.
“Ndị Anam are faced with environmental problems such as annual flooding and changing weather conditions that affect their farming activities. During the lecture, I was nodding my head because it was as if he was speaking directly about what we are passing through in our area,” he said.
Udefi, who also serves as President General of Igwebuike Anam Age Grade, urged residents to embrace technological advancements in weather forecasting as part of broader climate change mitigation efforts.
He explained that modern meteorological tools now make it possible to accurately predict rainfall patterns, severe heat conditions and other weather variations, including potential flooding.
“It is now possible to predict accurately when the rain will come, when there will be severe heat and other variations in weather patterns, as well as flooding. With such knowledge and the application of modern farming techniques, our people can overcome the challenges posed by climate change,” he added.
The council engineer further called for stricter environmental safeguards, warning against unchecked urbanisation and deforestation, which he described as major contributors to climate change impacts in Anambra communities.
“We need to be mindful of how we treat our environment. We must minimise pollution and the indiscriminate felling of trees because these activities contribute significantly to climate change. If we keep building houses indiscriminately, clearing bushes and forests in the name of urbanisation without a proper regeneration plan, we will pay dearly for it in no distant time,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Anselm Onuorah, stressed that residents of flood-prone and riverine communities must actively embrace expert guidance and scientific solutions to address climate-related challenges.
He expressed satisfaction with the lecture delivered at the event, particularly the practical recommendations offered to tackle flooding and environmental degradation.
“I feel glad listening to the guest lecturer, especially the solutions he proffered. I believe it is something our people need urgently. We need their partnership and expertise in tackling these challenges,” Onuorah stated.
He acknowledged that while local communities possess indigenous knowledge about their environment, collaboration with environmental experts and meteorological professionals remains essential for sustainable climate change mitigation.
“Even though we claim local knowledge of our environment, we still need expert assistance. From every indication, they are willing to help, and for me, that is something I truly appreciate,” he added.
The renewed call for climate change mitigation awareness comes amid growing concerns over flooding, erosion and shifting weather patterns across parts of Anambra State, particularly in riverine communities.
Environmental stakeholders believe that sustained grassroots sensitisation, improved policy implementation and responsible land-use practices will play a critical role in strengthening resilience against climate change impacts.
As Anambra joins the global community in marking the 2026 World Meteorological Day, attention is increasingly shifting toward practical solutions that combine scientific innovation, community participation and government support to safeguard vulnerable populations.
For Engr. Udefi and other stakeholders, climate change mitigation is no longer a distant environmental concept but an urgent local reality demanding immediate and coordinated action.
