Benue Marks World Environment Day, Calls for Climate-Smart Cities Amid Urbanisation Challenges

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations and development partners, commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a strong appeal for climate-smart urban development and the creation of resilient cities capable of withstanding environmental challenges.

The event, held in Makurdi under the theme, “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future,” featured an environmental awareness walk, technical presentations, symbolic tree planting, and the distribution of improved seedlings.
Stakeholders used the occasion to promote sustainable development approaches that balance urban expansion with environmental protection.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Ugwu Odoh, stated that although urbanisation has significantly contributed to economic growth, it has also intensified environmental challenges such as flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, shrinking green spaces, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
He stressed the importance of intentional urban planning, climate-smart infrastructure, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues.
Earlier, the Director of Climate Change in the ministry, Mary Ugboho, said the government remains committed to promoting sustainable environmental development and raising awareness about measures required to build climate-resilient communities across Benue State.
She described climate change as the most pressing environmental threat facing society today, citing rising temperatures, recurrent flooding, and extreme heat conditions as major concerns.
Ugboho emphasized that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government efforts alone and urged citizens to contribute through proper waste disposal, tree planting, adoption of renewable energy sources, and the use of clean cooking technologies.
According to her, collective individual actions can make a significant difference in creating a healthier and more resilient environment.
Delivering the lead paper, Town Planner Dr. Jesse Nor observed that urban growth in Makurdi has expanded beyond the city’s traditional boundaries and is increasingly impacting neighbouring local government areas. He advocated the adoption of a regional planning framework that integrates green infrastructure, landscape management, and climate resilience measures.
Dr. Nor further emphasized that sustainable urban development must be people-centred, encouraging active community participation and increased investment in environmental education and tree-planting initiatives to protect the future.
Also speaking, Becky Banka of the Network of Women in Climate Change Leadership said the celebration was designed to increase public awareness of the growing threats posed by climate change.
She noted that environmental challenges such as deforestation, flooding, and ecosystem degradation have become more evident, making public sensitisation more critical than ever.
Banka urged residents to replace trees whenever they are cut down, stressing that preserving the ecosystem is vital for maintaining environmental balance.
She warned that the continued loss of trees, particularly in Makurdi, is gradually reducing environmental quality and making the area less suitable for human habitation.
According to her, changing weather patterns, rapid population growth, and the extensive use of chemicals in agriculture and other human activities are accelerating environmental degradation.
She added that insecurity and food shortages remain among the most serious consequences of climate change, as declining soil fertility continues to reduce agricultural productivity and increase food prices.
Chairman of the 2026 World Environment Day Planning Committee and member of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Benue Chapter, Michael Agada, described the annual celebration as one of the most important events for environmental professionals.
He said the theme aligns with the vision of advancing climate action across the state under the slogan, “Benue for Climate Action 2026.”
Agada disclosed that about 40 civil society organisations participated in the event and commended the support provided by the state government through the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change.
He noted that stakeholders envision a future where climate-smart cities, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally responsible urban development become standard practice across Benue State.
Goodwill messages were also received from development partners, including ACReSAL, which reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and climate action throughout the state.