The Kogi State Government has initiated a strategic partnership with Adonai Climate Resilience and Environmental Solutions Ltd. (ACRES Group), a leading environmental consultancy firm, to develop a comprehensive climate change policy and resilience framework aimed at enhancing the state’s environmental sustainability.
An inaugural meeting held in Lokoja marked the formal commencement of the partnership. The session served as a platform to introduce the consulting team, outline the objectives of the engagement, and chart a roadmap for collaborative work between the government and ACRES Group over the coming weeks.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, described the engagement as a timely and necessary step toward confronting climate-related challenges affecting the state.
He stressed the urgent need for a well-structured climate change policy that integrates resilience into Kogi State’s development agenda and serves as a central framework to coordinate actions, streamline resources, and drive long-term environmental solutions.
“Kogi State is at a critical juncture in dealing with the impacts of climate change, particularly in terms of flooding, land degradation, deforestation, heatwaves and waste management. Without a dedicated and strategic policy framework, our responses may remain fragmented and short-term. This partnership with ACRES Group is a vital step toward developing a robust climate change policy that will enable coordinated action and long-term resilience planning,” the Commissioner stated.
He also commended the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his proactive leadership and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. He noted that the Governor’s development-driven approach has created the enabling environment for transformative policy initiatives and strategic partnerships to flourish.
The Commissioner further urged the consultant and his team to apply their expertise in developing a practical, inclusive, and context-specific climate policy that aligns with the state’s development goals. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and data-driven strategies to ensure the policy delivers lasting benefits for the people of Kogi State.
Responding, Dr. Jimmy Adegoke, Managing Partner and Lead Consultant of ACRES Group, lauded the Kogi State Government for its visionary leadership in initiating the climate policy process. He pledged the Group’s full support in crafting evidence-based policies that are inclusive, actionable, and community-driven.
He disclosed that the engagement would involve a week-long series of activities to gather critical information for policy development. These include stakeholder mapping to identify key actors, inter-ministerial focus group discussions to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, and consultations with traditional governance structures to ensure grassroots inclusion and cultural relevance.
Dr. Adegoke emphasized that these steps are vital for creating a climate framework that reflects the specific needs of Kogi communities while aligning with national priorities and global climate commitments.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Hon.Michael Onimisi commended the synergy between the State Government and ACRES Group.
He praised the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management for his proactive leadership and expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for giving a listening ear to climate-related concerns and prioritizing environmental issues in the state’s development agenda.
He further stressed the need to mainstream climate action across all sectors and reaffirmed the state’s dedication to building a climate-resilient future that protects vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yahaya Farouk, also emphasized the critical link between effective water management and climate resilience, especially given Kogi State’s exposure to recurrent flooding and other water-related threats.
He underscored the importance of aligning water sector policies with the broader climate agenda for long-term impact.
He praised Dr. Adegoke’s depth of knowledge and expressed confidence in the consultancy’s capacity to guide the state toward a sound and responsive climate policy. He assured the Ministry’s full cooperation in integrating water-related concerns into the climate framework.
Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security were also present at the meeting, signaling a multi-sectoral approach to climate resilience planning in Kogi State.
Mariam Adams
Information Officer
Ministry Of Environment and Ecological Management
