GIFSEP Trains 68 Young People On Climate Action In Benue

By Eric Ojo

In line with its operational mandate, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), has trained 68 young men and women on climate action and environmental sustainability in Benue State.

GIFSEP is a non-profit organization founded on the ideals of environment education, climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy and sustainable development. Its mission is to mobilize communities to build resilience to a changing climate, to conserve and protect the environment.

The five-day event, which is the first Summer School on Environment in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, was held from September 5th to 9^th. It was put together as part of activities to mark this year’s Season of creation in the light of Laudato Si.

The inaugural summer school on Laudato Si was jointly organized by GIFSEP, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi’s Resource and Planning Commission (RPC), Citizens Climate International Nigeria, Gender and Environment Risk Reduction Initiative, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation and Gender Advocacy for Justice Initiative.

It began with an opening mass led by the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, who emphasized the importance of humanity’s stewardship of the mother earth and all its resources

The bishop echoed d Pope Francis’ idea of caring for our common home, which he articulated and elaborated on in his second encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’.

He therefore, called on all to ecological conservation and charged all especially policy makers and business men and women to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and embark on actions and policies that will protect the earth and the world’s poor. 

He also announced that the Diocese of Makurdi will embark on massive Tree planting in the diocese.

“In Laudato Si, Pope Francis writes, instead of perceiving mankind as having “dominion” over the environment, we must recognize that everything is interconnected and that all of creation is a ‘kind of universal family’.

“Nature cannot be viewed as something separate from people or as solely the environment in which we live. Our social and environmental challenges are intertwined and must be addressed holistically”, he said.

The young people who participated in the training were drawn from 25 parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi. They were exposed to the concept of environmental sustainability and climate change.

Notably, they were equipped with practical skills to formulate and advocate for climate solutions in their parishes, communities, and the state. The training modules at the summer school cover, among other things, an overview of environmental issues; understanding climate change; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and waste recycling.

Executive Director of GIFSEP, David Michael Terungwa expressed confidence that participants will go on to become Laudato Si animators in their local parishes, arousing both individual and communal environmental stewardship.

Similarly, the chairman of RPC, Barrister Mike Utsaha said he was impressed with the quality of facilitation and the diversity of participants at the summer school.

Moreover, the participants and organizers were satisfied with the summer school’s impact on the youth and the domino effect it will have on society in raising environmental consciousness and stewardship in the people.

In his closing remarks, the Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Richard Ujege, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mrs Beatrice Tsavmbu congratulated the participants and urged  them to put to action all that they have learnt and pledged the support of the ministry.