By joshua WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026: KOGITES URGED TO LEARN FROM NATURE, TAKE CLIMATE ACTION — COORDINATOR N-HYPPADEC
…Organizers say forests, rivers, ecosystems hold solutions to climate, flooding, degradation
Participants at the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Kogi have been urged to see nature as the greatest teacher and partner in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
The Kogi State Coordinator, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Dr. Michael Omeiza Ajayi, in his welcome address delivered at the event organized by N-HYPPADEC in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Environment and the Kogi State Climate Change Agency, set the tone for the day with the theme “Inspired by Nature for Climate, for Our Future.”
The address noted that solutions to many environmental challenges already exist in the natural world. “Forests show us resilience, rivers demonstrate renewal, and ecosystems reveal the power of balance and cooperation,” it stated. It emphasized that protecting nature is inseparable from addressing climate change, citing how healthy forests absorb carbon, wetlands reduce flooding, mangroves protect coastlines, and diverse ecosystems strengthen communities against environmental shocks.
N-HYPPADEC stressed that World Environment Day 2026 is not just a day of reflection but a call to action for all stakeholders. Policymakers, educators, business leaders, community members and young people were urged to promote sustainable practices, support conservation efforts, reduce waste, embrace clean energy, and become stewards of the environment.
He concluded his address with a call for renewed commitment and collaboration to build a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient Kogi and Nigeria. He expressed hope that the day’s activities would inspire meaningful dialogue, innovative solutions and lasting commitments for the environment and future generations.
The celebration featured goodwill messages from government officials, climate experts and development partners, and was highlighted by tree planting led by Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and other dignitaries. Similarly as part of the event was road walk across major streets of Lokoja.