Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, has said climate change actions are serious environmental issues that require adequate funding.
Mr. Ekedayen, who was a Special Guest of Honour and recipient of the Climate Action Champion Award at the 8th edition of the Delta State Civil Society/Citizens Day Awards, organized by the Office of the SSA to the State Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, stated that such funds could only be appropriated for in the budget under capital expenditure estimates
The Economic Planning Commissioner described the theme of the event, “In Pursuit of the MORE Agenda, Advancing Climate Action through Civic Engagement; What the Citizens, Civic Stakeholders and Civil Society Actors Must Do”, as timely and relevant because the challenges posed by climate change were no longer distant threats, but realities that had impacted every aspect of life.
He emphasized that the Delta State Government was not helpless in the face of the challenges of climate change, pointing out that the state had an extraordinary opportunity to lead by example, to be pioneers of sustainable growth and champions of climate resilience.
Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the state was doing a lounder the Carbon Mosaic Project, in partnership with Eight Versa, Serendib Capital, PIND, and DELSU, which he said aligned with the vision of the MORE Agenda.
According to him, the Carbon Mosaic Project remained one of the most ambitious climate and green economy initiatives in the Niger Delta and indeed across Africa, adding that at its core, it integrated nature-based solutions with cutting-edge technologies, creating a symbiotic balance between environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.
Under the project, he explained, the state was working to restore 270,000 hectares of mangrove forests, which acted as natural carbon sinks, protecting the coastlines from erosion, mitigating flooding, and enhancing biodiversity.
The Commissioner stated that the state was also aiming to revitalize 130,000 hectares of seagrass meadows, essential ecosystems that not only absorbed massive amounts of carbon dioxide, but also supported marine life and bolstered fisheries that provided livelihoods to countless families.
He said government was also cultivating 30,000 hectares of farmland under sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices that could improve soil health, increase yields, and empower local farmers, just as the state was working to produce 180,000 tonnes of biochar annually, a powerful climate solution that could lock carbon in the soil while enhancing agricultural productivity.
On economic and employment opportunities, Mr. Ekedayen noted that the Carbon Mosaic Project was not just an environmental initiative, but also a monumental driver of economic transformation, expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, environmental scientists, technicians, farmers, among others, across the value chain, over the course of its implementation,
” From construction and maintenance roles to research and innovation, every stage of this project will provide employment for Deltans, particularly the youth, women, and marginalized communities, who are often disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
” Beyond job creation, this initiative will stimulate investments in critical infrastructure—roads, energy, and water systems—unlocking new economic corridors across Delta State.
“Additionally, it will provide local businesses with reliable access to sustainable energy through its state-of-the-art biochar facility. During the pyrolysis process, where organic biomass is converted into biochar, excess heat is captured and repurposed to produce electricity via turbines, provide district heating, or power industrial processes.
” By utilizing this heat, the facility enhances efficiency, reduces waste, fosters economic incentives for sustainable practices, and positions Delta State as a global leader in the green economy with a commitment to carbon-neutral energy production.m “, he stated.
The Commissioner said none of the above would be possible without the collective efforts of government, civil society, and citizens, stressing that civic actors had a unique and essential role to play:
He said, ” As we advance the MORE Agenda and expand initiatives like the Carbon Mosaic Project, we must remember that the fight against climate change is a shared responsibility.
” Together, we can turn our challenges into opportunities and our dreams into realities. Let us not see climate action as a burden but as the foundation for a future where Delta State—and indeed Nigeria—thrives economically while preserving its natural heritage for generations to come.
Mr. Ekedayen thanked the organizers for the recognition as a Climate Action Champion, stating that the award was not just for him, but for the leaders, advocates, and citizens tirelessly working to make a difference.
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