The Benue State Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, in collaboration with relevant partners and stakeholders, commemorated World Environment Day 2026 with a strong call for sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
The event, held in Makurdi today, featured an environmental awareness walk, technical presentations, symbolic tree planting, and the distribution of seedlings. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ugwu Odoh, said that rapid urbanization, however beneficial for economic growth, has intensified environmental challenges such as flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, loss of green spaces, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
He stressed the need for deliberate planning, climate-smart infrastructure, and stronger stakeholder collaboration to build resilient cities and communities.
Earlier, the Director of Climate Change, Mrs. Seember Ugboho, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing environmental and climate challenges. She noted that sustainable urban development can only be achieved through collective action involving government, professional bodies, civil society organisations, and local communities.
Presenting the lead paper, Town Planner, Dr. Jesse Nor observed that urbanization in Makurdi has expanded beyond the city’s traditional boundaries, impacting neighbouring local government areas.
He advocated for a regional planning framework that integrates green infrastructure, landscape planning, and climate resilience measures.
He further stressed that sustainable development must be people-centred, with active community participation and greater investment in tree planting and environmental education.
Goodwill messages were received from development partners and other stakeholders, including the Agro-Climatic Resilience and Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, who reaffirmed their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action in Benue State.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Barr. Debbi Amine appreciated all partners, participants, and organisers for contributing to the success of the event. She urged stakeholders to translate the lessons from the celebration into concrete actions that promote environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of key recommendations, symbolic tree planting by dignitaries, dedication of trees to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, and the distribution of seedlings to participants.
