As world leaders convene for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29), Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges demand urgent attention. The plight of the Ogunpa River in Ibadan, Oyo State, highlights the devastating impact of climate change and the critical need for collective action.
Climate change poses severe threats to Nigeria’s ecosystems, economy, and human well-being. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events intensify flooding, droughts, and food insecurity. The Ogunpa River, once a vital watercourse, is now marred by waste pollution, deforestation, and reckless infrastructure projects.
One glaring example is the Oyo State Government and Baywood Infrastructure’s destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve for a private estate. This project disregards environmental concerns and advice from the Minister of Environment, endangering the livelihoods of over 100,000 residents along the Ogunpa Channel.
Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which includes reducing emissions by 25% unassisted and 47% with support, requires bold actions. However, progress remains stymied by poor climate governance, insufficient funding, and limited public awareness.
Nigeria must embrace participatory governance, involving local communities in environmental decision-making processes. Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices should be integrated into climate solutions, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Prioritizing environmental justice is essential to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
We urge the Oyo State Government, Baywood Infrastructure, and other stakeholders to:
1. Immediately halt the destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve.
2. Conduct a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
3. Engage local communities in participatory governance.
4. Prioritize sustainability and environmental justice over private interests.
The future of the Ogunpa River and Nigeria’s climate resilience is at stake. COP 29 offers an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to climate action while balancing economic growth, population demands, and environmental protection. Empowering the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to prevent environmentally harmful projects is crucial.
Join the movement to save the Ogunpa River and Forest Reserve. Together, we can turn small efforts into meaningful progress.
For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative can be contacted via (info@ecogreen.org.ng)
