OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF THE EMERGENCY SUPPORT TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN ANAMBRA STATE SUPPORTED BY THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN and IMPLEMENTED BY UNOPS

Anambra State Government in Collaboration with Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, SEMA, and Embassy of Japan Holds Official Handover of Emergency Climate Change Support Implemented by UNOPS

Awka, Anambra State – [January 30, 2025]

In a significant step toward strengthening climate resilience and emergency preparedness, the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in partnership with the Government and Embassy of Japan, formally received emergency climate change support items in an official handover ceremony. The project was implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The event, which held at Exco Chambers Awka, marks a milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to address the growing impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities frequently affected by flooding, erosion, and other environmental challenges.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, and MD/CEO SEMA expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous support and commitment to environmental sustainability in Nigeria. She also commended UNOPS for the professional implementation of the project, which included the provision of emergency relief materials, early warning equipment, capacity-building initiatives, and technical support for disaster risk reduction.

His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim reiterated the state's commitment to proactive disaster management and climate adaptation strategies. He emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving sustainable development and protecting lives and property from the increasing risks posed by climate change.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, highlighted Japan's dedication to supporting developing countries in building climate resilience. He underscored the long-standing friendship between Japan and Nigeria and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development through targeted humanitarian and climate interventions.

The emergency Support to Anambra State include:

·      10 emergency vehicles (Pickups, SUVs, Cargo Trucks)

·      25 ICT Devices (Laptops, GPS devices, printers) to improve tracking and disaster coordination.

·      2 GPS Flood Detection devices to monitor water levels and provide early warning for at risk areas.

The event concluded with the symbolic presentation of emergency equipment and supplies to SEMA and other frontline responders, with assurances that the items will be deployed strategically across high-risk communities to improve emergency response capacity in the state.

This intervention is expected to enhance Anambra State’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to climate-related emergencies and support its broader climate action goals.