Clara Omuluzua Madubike | I-Witness News
In line with the United Nations Industrial Organisation’s (UNIDO) vision to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development in developing countries and transition economies like Nigeria, Anambra has been selected as one of the core pioneer states in the country to benefit from this novel scheme as UNIDO has kickstarted plans to advance the state’s green and just transition to Net Zero through circular economy practices
The two-day Assessment visit which had relevant MDA’s like Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Power, Ministry of budget and eonomic planning, budget, ASWAMA, ANSEWCCA in attendance was held at Best Western Meloch Hotel recently.
In his speech, Mr Oluyomi Banjo, UNIDO delegation team lead (National expert team) stated that the objective of the project was to contribute and provide access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and moderate energy for all.
He also stated that it aimed to advance circular economy practices which will combat pollution, climate change and it’s impacts in Anambra state and Nigeria at large.
The Assessment Visit focused on evaluating and assessing the Electronic waste, used batteries and off-grid renewable energy in both our state and private owned companies in Anambra state and falls under the UNIDO Project 220145 Component 2 which will boost the states Green Economy with UNIDO’s provision of technical support, action-oriented research, policy-advisory services and funding by the European union
In his welcome speech, The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr Felix Odimegwu Stated that the visit was a welcome development to the state at large. He stressed that the erosion which had engulfed the state was majorly as a result of climate change impacts.
Odimegwu opined that with advanced circular economy practices that they would be bringing to the state, the, “we will not only transition to net zero which will halt negative Environmental impacts associated with high green house gases GHGs in the atmosphere but will also boost socio-economic development in the state”.
On his part, the Commissioner for power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka stated in his off-grid energy presentation that the state has transitioned from on-grid to off-grid renewable energy since the administration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo in 2022 till date.
Engr. Chukwuemeka maintained that most government offices, health care centers, the judiciary, high court and various pipe born water stations are been powered by solar. He opined that the journey towards renewable energy sustainability in Anambra state is quite encouraging while showing gratitude to the UNIDO team for their timely intervention
The event ended on a good note as the UNIDO National Expert delegation Assessment team pronounced all relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies and various private sectors suitable and certified for the project
Officials present during the event include: ASWAMA M.D, Hon Mike Ozoemena, ANSEWCCA M.D, Prof Phil Eze, Anambra Hydraform and Concrete AgencyM.D, Mrs Tochi Obi, Perm. Sec Min. of Environment, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, Perm. Sec. Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, Perm. Sec. Ministry of youths and sports, Engr. Agili Martin, NGO’s, Private Sectors, Education Institute Personnel, Policy makers and Staff from Mnistry of Environment and Power/Public Utilities respectively among others.
