By Einstein Chukwu

The Chairman, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST), Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, has urged Nigerians to move from rhetoric to real action on climate change, calling for a “green revolution” in Abia State that begins with tree-lined streets and community-based climate resilience.

Speaking at a round-table meeting in Umuahia on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, convened to mainstream project lessons from community and youth engagements, Nwajiuba challenged stakeholders to act decisively. He emphasised that the wide gap between climate policies and actual change must be urgently bridged.

“We do not have to remain more of talkers and less of doers,” Nwajiuba declared. “It’s time to move beyond words and plant real, visible change—starting with trees along Abia’s newly developed roads.”

The round-table was held under the banner of NEST’s latest initiative: Scaling-up Climate Resilience and Nature Solutions in Communities Through Practice, Strengthening Inclusiveness and Advocacy. The project, according to Nwajiuba, blends theoretical insights with actionable solutions aimed at helping communities adapt to climate disruptions.

Addressing the concept of climate resilience, he explained it as the capacity of ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods to anticipate, withstand, and recover from climate shocks. He warned that climate change is disrupting previously predictable patterns of rainfall and temperature, making it harder for farmers to plan or harvest with confidence.

“As a farmer myself, I’ve observed how rainfall no longer follows the Gregorian calendar. Resilience now requires adaptation, mitigation, and proactive community engagement,” he noted.

NEST’s choice of Abia as a key focus state, Nwajiuba said, is not accidental. Citing a 2024 report by the Development Policy Research Institute (DEPORI), he pointed to Abia’s rising reputation for good governance, transparency, and improved public satisfaction.

“We are encouraged by the level of seriousness in public service delivery. There’s infrastructural progress, educational excellence—as seen in Marist Brothers School, Uturu—and improved worker welfare. That’s why we are here to support and build,” he said.

Nwajiuba expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government, its Ministry of Environment, and the Director of Climate Change for their collaboration. He also acknowledged support from the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (Kenya) and the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (Cameroon) for both technical and financial backing.

Highlighting NEST’s legacy, he reminded attendees that the organisation has existed since 1987 as a true non-governmental body—not a private entity, but a multi-national collaboration of Nigerians and others devoted to environmental action.

“This is not a Non-Governmental Person. It’s a real NGO with tangible results. We invite all serious individuals to join us through our membership portal at www.nestinteractive.org,” he said.

He explained the simple process of becoming a member—from visiting the site, selecting a membership category, to submitting a filled form with proof of payment—stating that those who join can help drive meaningful, grassroots change.

Turning to the subject of “low-hanging fruits,” Nwajiuba made a passionate case for immediate climate-friendly action. He said that planting trees along the many new roads built in Abia could serve as a model for urban climate adaptation across Nigeria.

“There’s no reason our streets shouldn’t be green corridors. The Forestry Research Institute at Ahiaeke is right here with the seedlings. Let us act now,” he urged the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and other state officials.

He insisted that climate action must be urgent, localised, and visible. “We are drowning in climate offices, appointees, and policy documents. But where is the change? It’s time to plant hope, literally,” he said to applause.

Nwajiuba concluded his address with a challenge to all present: “Let’s do more. Let’s act more. Let’s talk less. Climate change is not waiting—and neither should we.”

The round-table closed with renewed commitments from youth representatives, civil society actors, and government stakeholders to embrace local, achievable climate actions while embedding sustainability at the heart of policy execution.