By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
A UK funded project of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Programme prioritizes awareness creation on climate change and economic growth for women in Kaduna.
The Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative (WECRI) funded by the Foreign Common Wealth Development Office (FCDO) - a pilot project being led by Bridge That Gap (BTG) Initiative, a non-profit organization based in Kaduna and consortium partner of the PACE Programme says 150 women in Kaduna will benefit from the project’s stratgegic economic growth intervention.
During an advocacy visit to Zazzau Emirate, Zaria on Wednesday, the Program Officer of Bridge That Gap, , Zinta Istifanus, said the purpose was to seek the royal blessings of the traditional head, and to confer on the Emir the title of “Climate Ambassador”, acknowledging his contributions to climate resilience.
Istifanus said the initiative targets 150 women across the three senatorial districts in Kaduna, providing training on governance, advocacy, and Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) to boost economic growth for women.
He added that the project would also distribute 150 energy-efficient cookstoves to reduce deforestation and promote environmental sustainability, with 50 cookstoves allocated to Zaria. Istifanus further stated that part of the project activities is to plant trees across locations in the emirate.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, commended the initiative, saying it would contribute to afforestation efforts and promote environmental sustainability.
He noted that the kingdom has been discussing climate change and destruction of city walls around Zaria city, which was built hundreds of years ago.
He explained that the kingdom's desire is to plant trees to secure the city, beautify the environment, and stop encroachment.
The Emir expressed delight in contributing to afforestation efforts and appreciated the organization's efforts in promoting tree planting and environmental sustainability.
He said the kingdom will discuss with the District Heads to identify strategic areas for the tree planting.
Alhaji Sambo Shehu Idris, Sarkin Kudu, thanked the organization for choosing Zaria.
He said tree planting can become a business if people plant trees to replace those cut down.
Alhaji Sani Aminu, the Wakilin Arewan Zazzau, also commended the initiative, stressing its importance for women and the environment.
He lamented that women are often relegated to the background in development and said the initiative will bring about a better environment.
He therefore said no leader or people can reject such an initiative, which has financial value attached to fighting climate change.
On his part, Ahmed Aminu, the Yandotan Zazzau, said the initiative is a welcome development and urged the organization to add more beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the programme is expected to commence soon, with baseline surveys and training sessions to be conducted.
The organisation would work with 50 women in Zaria, providing training on governance, advocacy, and VSLA, and distributing energy-efficient cookstoves.
Highpoint of the event was the conferment of title on the Emir as a Climate Change Ambassador.
The Emir appreciated the effort, stating that it is his fourth ambassadorial role, restating his commitment to climate sustainable practices in the state and beyond.
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