The Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission has taken a significant step towards building the capacity of its staff to address the challenges of climate change.
To this end, a two-day workshop on “Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Production and the Environmental Effects on Human Beings” was recently held in Ado Ekiti..
The chairman of the Commission, Mr. Samuel Adewumi Ajibade, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Training, Mr. Wole Olujobi, emphasised the importance of equipping local government staff with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He noted that climate change poses significant threats to agricultural production, food security, and human health, and that it was essential for the government to take proactive measures to address these challenges.
The workshop, which brought together agricultural and environmental officers from across the state, covered a range of topics, including climate change mitigation strategies, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental protection.
Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and ideas on how to address the challenges posed by climate change.
According to Olujobi, the workshop is part of the state government’s efforts to build the capacity of its staff and enhance their ability to deliver effective services to the people.
“We are committed to empowering our staff with the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges of climate change,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Head of Local Government Administration on Training and Manpower Development Department, Barrister Agbola Emmanuel, expressed appreciation for the governor’s approval that enabled the commission to organise the training.
He emphasised the importance of participants giving their maximum attention and applying the knowledge gained to positively impact the environment.
He further explained that the commission’s goal is for participants to benefit from the wealth of experience of retired experts who have been engaged to share their knowledge.
“By leveraging this expertise, participants can enhance their skills and contribute effectively to addressing environmental challenges,” he said.
In his lecture on “Effects of Bush Burning on Agriculture and the Environment,” a retired Executive Secretary, Prince Williams Adeola, highlighted the devastating impacts of bush burning on the ecosystem.
He emphasized that while bush burning may appear to be a convenient method for land clearing, its long-term consequences are severe and far-reaching.
Adeola noted that bush burning can damage machinery efficiency, degrade soil health, disrupt pest balance, compromise water conservation and harm wildlife.
He stressed that these negative effects outweigh any perceived short-term benefits, making it a practice that should be strongly discouraged.
The expert’s recommendations underscored the need for sustainable land management practices that prioritize environmental conservation and agricultural productivity. By adopting alternative methods, he noted, farmers and landowners can mitigate the adverse effects of bush burning and promote a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Adeola’s lecture provided valuable insights into the importance of responsible land use and management, highlighting the critical role that informed decision-making plays in protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Also, Director of Agriculture and representative of the participants, Mr Adebayo Emmanuel, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Training Department for selecting both the Agricultural and Environmental Departments for the training.
He commended the commission for the initiative, noting that it would have a significant impact on their work.
Emmanuel requested more training opportunities, suggesting that sending participants outside for further training would be beneficial.
He assured the commission that the knowledge and skills gained from the training would be put into practice.
