– By Kunle Olatunji.
Dr Yunus Akintunde the Distinguished Senator representing Oyo Central and Chairman House Committee on Environment at the Senate, this morning met with the Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff to discuss issues bordering on the environment and interventions.
According to a release from Kunle Olatunji the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Akintunde, the meeting elaborated on critical issues on the environment and areas of interest on collaborative efforts, legislative impact, and public governance strategies towards tackling environmental challenges.
Senator Akintunde was warmly received at the Canadian High Commission and the High Commissioner James Christoff expressed willingness to work with his office and the Senate House Committee on Environment to achieve deliverables as set out in the various current global interactive initiatives and commitments on issues bothering the environment.
In attendance during the meeting was Mr Micheal Murphy, the Advisor, Political Affairs to the Canadian High Commission. Critical issues raised by James Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner highlighted areas of development support in Nigeria including the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives; Governance and Human Rights; Technical Assistance Programs on climate change, and clean energy for a safer environment.
He further hinted at the urgency for Nigeria to be fully integrated within the global initiatives and programs on the environment.
Senator Akintunde in his response assured that the Nigeria government will tap into the various intervention programmes available under these headings for the benefit of Nigerians. Senator Akintunde accompanied by Hon Mui’ Olagunju his Senior Legislative Aide, further emphasized the realities of prevailing circumstances within the local content and urgent intervention and collaborations on awareness at the grassroots level.
Also, the realities of the economic base of Nigeria with emphasis on crude oil, of course with diversification efforts in other key sectors will be considered in the various collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Canada as well as other countries at the global levels.
He further assured of the readiness of the Nigerian government at all levels of governance and administration to ensure that such collaborative efforts and synergy between Nigeria Canada and other global stakeholders on environmental issues yield positive results.
