Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, says the state is one of the most affected by climate change in Nigeria over effects of oil exploration in the state.

“Bayelsa State is one of the most affected by climate change in Nigeria. Bayelsa is at the epicentre in terms of climate change. Our people and environment have been affected,” he said. 

Mr Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabra, attributed the development to the high degree of carbon emissions and environmental degradation from oil exploration.

The governor spoke during a report presentation on the state’s participation at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.

He said the world was shifting from oil to cleaner energy sources, and that all concerned should be part of the process so that the state would not be left behind, adding that the state required multi-sectoral approach to mitigate it.

“Recently, we had one of the worst oil spills in the world in Nembe community. That explains what people are suffering in the state. For us, that was an opportunity to take our issues to the world.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on our environmental activists to be part of this process and ensure that we are not left out in this transition we are about to experience.

“Particularly those of us from this state, oil is about to finish and we are transiting to cleaner energy.

“Join hands with the state government and see what Bayelsa will make out of this transition in terms of partnership, technical know-how and attracting the finances out there for our state.” Mr Diri said.

(NAN)