MAKURDI – Communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State have vowed to abandon harmful environmental practices, including bush burning, deforestation and the use of inorganic chemicals for fishing, as part of renewed efforts to tackle climate change and protect the environment.
The commitment was made during activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day held in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West LGA, where residents, traditional rulers and stakeholders pledged to embrace environmentally friendly practices and promote tree planting.k
The event, themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate, for Our Future,” was organised by International Alert in partnership with Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF).
Participants lamented the growing impact of climate change on their communities, particularly the shortage of potable water, which they said has worsened due to attacks on communities, displacement of residents and increasing pressure on existing water sources.
The 50 participants at the engagement pledged to plant more trees to replace those lost to logging, bush burning and other human activities, while also discouraging practices that degrade the environment.
Speaking during a community dialogue session on climate change and environmental challenges, Senior Project Officer of International Alert, Kengkeng Ati, said the organisation was implementing the Powering Peace through Climate Action (PPCA 2) project to address environmental challenges and conflict linked to climate change.
According to him, many of the problems facing Gwer-West are tied not only to insecurity but also to environmental degradation and climate-related challenges.
Ati explained that International Alert was using peace-building approaches to address conflicts arising from climate pressures and environmental stress.
Also speaking, Head of Office of Jireh Doo Foundation in Benue State, Raphael Shim, said the World Environment Day celebration was aimed at creating awareness and mobilising communities to take action against climate change.
He noted that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and changing weather conditions were clear signs that climate change was already affecting communities across the state.
Shim said the project, funded by Irish Aid, covers Guma, Gwer-West, Agatu and Makurdi local government areas and seeks to empower communities to identify and tackle environmental challenges themselves.
He commended residents for embracing the initiative and pledging to plant trees, reduce bush burning and discourage the use of harmful chemicals for fishing and agricultural activities.
Representing the Ter Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, the Ortar of Mbajinge, Chief Titus Igbanna, praised the organisers for bringing a programme that directly benefits the people.
He assured that traditional rulers would sensitise residents on the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation.
“We have promised to plant the trees given to us and will continue to encourage our people to replace every tree that is cut down. We will also warn youths against the use of chemicals for fishing because of its harmful effects on the environment,” he said.
Other traditional rulers at the event also pledged to take the campaign to their communities and encourage adherence to practices that protect the environment.
Earlier, PPCA 2 Project Lead for JDF in Benue State, Abe Luper, said the increasing changes in weather patterns were largely linked to climate change and human activities that damage the environment.
The Council Secretary of Gwer-West LGA, Julius Iornyagh, assured that the local government would continue to promote environmental awareness among staff and residents.
As part of activities marking the day, the organisations planted 370 trees of different species in Naka and Aondoana communities, reinforcing calls for collective action to combat climate change and restore the environment.
