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Sen Dickson participated in a panel discussion on Climate Change

Title: The Urgent Need for Climate Action: A Recap of the National Climate Council Panel Discussion In a powerful show of support for climate action, Sen Henry Seriake Dickson had the privilege to deliver a goodwill message and engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion on climate change, hosted by the National Climate Council. With climate change increasingly impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities, the call for immediate, coordinated action is now louder than ever.

The Need for Collaboration and Support

During his address, He emphasized the importance of widespread sensitization, collaboration, and support for the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Established by legislation, the NCCC plays a crucial role in aligning Nigeria’s climate action with global standards and commitments. However, realizing the goals outlined in the Climate Act requires commitment from all stakeholders.

The President’s Role: Activating the Nigerian Climate Fund

In line with the urgency of climate action, we are united in calling for the President to operationalize the Nigerian Climate Fund. This fund is designed to provide critical financial resources to address climate impacts and accelerate initiatives that reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience across Nigeria. Moreover, the activation of the Nigerian Climate Council, which the President will chair, is essential to ensure that climate policy is seamlessly integrated into national governance.

Integrating Climate Policy Across Ministries

Climate action is not limited to one sector; it demands an all-encompassing approach. I urged the President to engage all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in aligning with the NCCC’s mandate. Climate resilience and environmental sustainability must be priorities in each sector’s agenda, from agriculture to infrastructure, ensuring a unified approach to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The Role of the National Assembly

As legislators, the National Assembly is fully committed to doing its part. We are prepared to support and, where necessary, amend legislation to ensure that climate policies and actions are robust and effective. Our collective responsibility as lawmakers extends to monitoring, funding, and facilitating policies that can lead Nigeria toward a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The fight against climate change requires unity, dedication, and immediate action. Through a coordinated effort between the government, private sector, and citizens, we can build a climate-resilient Nigeria that not only addresses environmental challenges but also leverages green opportunities for sustainable growth. Now is the time to act, and I am optimistic that, together, we can make a lasting impact.

Sen Dickson: Building Capacity for Climate Action: Highlights from the Senate and House Joint Committee Workshop on Ecology and Climate Change

Today, Sen Dickson had the honor of chairing a capacity-building workshop for members of the Joint Committee of the Senate and House on Ecology and Climate Change. This event was made possible through the collaboration of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) of the British High Commission. The workshop underscored the urgency of climate issues and provided valuable insights into our role in fostering environmental resilience.

Understanding Climate Change: Insights from Experts

The workshop featured enlightening lectures from renowned experts on the impacts of climate change, helping committee members gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue. These sessions covered various aspects of climate science, from the risks of rising temperatures and extreme weather events to the economic and social consequences for communities across Nigeria. The knowledge shared served as a reminder of our responsibility as lawmakers to champion sustainable policies that mitigate climate risks and prioritize ecological health.

The Importance of Capacity Building in Climate Legislation

As climate challenges grow more complex, capacity building within legislative bodies is essential to drive informed policy-making. Workshops like these equip members with the knowledge and tools necessary to craft effective legislation that addresses climate change, supports ecological resilience, and aligns with global environmental standards. This foundation is key to shaping policies that will guide Nigeria toward a sustainable future and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change.

Strengthening Partnerships for Climate Action

The success of this workshop was due in large part to the collaboration between PLAC, the FCDO, and the Nigerian government. Such partnerships are vital in fostering an environment where knowledge exchange, technical support, and strategic guidance converge to strengthen climate policy efforts. Sen Dickson extend his gratitude to the experts who shared their insights, the members of the joint Senate and House Committee, and other government officials who participated. Their commitment to enhancing their understanding and engagement in climate issues is a positive step forward for Nigeria’s environmental agenda.

Moving Forward: A Commitment to Continued Learning and Action

This workshop marks just the beginning of what Sen Dickson hope will be a series of ongoing educational initiatives. With every session, our capacity to address climate and ecological challenges improves, enabling us to make more substantial contributions toward sustainable development. As policymakers, we have a duty to ensure that our policies not only address immediate climate concerns but also lay the groundwork for a resilient future.

Conclusion

Addressing climate change is a responsibility that requires collaboration, education, and proactive policies. The insights gained in this workshop reaffirm our commitment to enacting impactful legislation and partnerships. With continued capacity-building efforts, we are well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s journey toward environmental sustainability.

Sen Dickson showers thousands of Bayelsans with Christmas gifts

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson distributed gifts to the representatives of various communities in Bayelsa West Senatorial District on Thursday, 28 December 2023, in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Cash, rice, and cooking oil, were distributed to over Ten Thousand of his constituents as part of the 2023 outreach programmes of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation.

The programme that has been on for years was to alleviate the economic hardship of his constituents in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.

“I am aware of how hard the times are. No matter how hard the times, we can help each other participate in the festivities that end the year,” Senator Dickson had said in an interview earlier.

“We have held this programme for years and 2023 would not have been different”.
The items were delivered inclusively, ensuring that a certain number of women, elderly people, youths, and special cases were accommodated in every community.

Chairman of Bayelsa West Youth Congress, BWYC, Comrade Ebide Brown appreciated Senator Dickson’s gesture. “We are happy that our Senator has reached out to his people. He has shown again that he is a father to all and this gesture will go a long way to enable our people in Bayelsa West to join in the celebration,” he said.

While thanking the former Governor for donating the rice and cash to them, the Ekeremor Co-ordinator of BWYC, Alhaji Letugbene prayed God to bless him and restated the people’s commitment to Senator Dickson.

“This gesture by our leader and father brings so much joy and smiles to the faces of our people. Remember that this period is one that we are supposed to show love and Senator Dickson has done just that. The people love him and are grateful to him for remembering them during the yuletide,” he noted.

Making the presentation of the item, and cash, Mr. Jeff Ebimobowei-Amasuomo said Senator Dickson had shown he was aware of the plight of the people and remained committed to assuaging their pains even during the festive period when people ought to be celebrating.
He described Senator Dickson as a father and leader who is dedicated and committed to the welfare and upliftment of his people, saying little wonder he was giving quality representation at the National Assembly.

Receiving the bags of rice and cash gifts on behalf of their communities, Barr. Billy Tobiyei, former Ekeremor Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Awipi Odudu, Hon. Ebiowei Miller, Chairman, Opuokede Creek Rural Development Authority, Hon. Omoku Pena and Mr. Jonah Gede thanked Senator Dickson for extending his benevolence to Bayelsa West.

They emphasised that the philanthropic gesture by Senator Dickson, who they fondly refer to as The Ofuruma Pepe, The Great White Shark, had placed him in their hearts perpetually. At the same time, he called on other individuals from the area and State to emulate him.

Senator Dickson had at different engagements with the people and thanked them for their support for him, the Governor, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the recent elections in the State. “Thank you for standing with us during the elections. The story would have been different without your support,” he had said.

Senator Dickson, whom his successor Governor Douye Diri has praised for his exemplary maturity and leadership that stabilised the politics of the State, as against the succession turmoil in other places, also thanked his constituents for peace in their various communities and asked them to maintain it.