FULOKOJA Takes Giant Strides on Climate Action, Inaugurates Int'l Centre for Climate Change, Floods, and Environmental Sustainability

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has taken another bold step in global climate action with the inauguration of the International Centre for Climate Change, Floods and Environmental Sustainability (I3CFES).

Launched on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Engr. Joseph and Enesi Makoju Memorial Lecture Theatre, the Centre will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and collaboration in addressing climate change and flooding challenges.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, described the establishment of the Centre as “timely and necessary”, given Lokoja’s vulnerability as a flood-prone city at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue. He emphasised that I3CFES would provide evidence-based research, policy direction, and community-focused interventions while serving as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and hope.

The Centre will focus on research and innovation, policy advocacy, and technical services. Among other things, it will address the gap in capacity building and consultancy, ensuring green enterprise incubation, knowledge sharing, and international partnerships

Professor Akinwumi commended the inaugural Director, Emeritus Professor Jimmy O. Adegoke, a globally renowned climate scholar, for accepting to lead the Centre pro bono. He described his vision and expertise as critical to I3CFES’ success.

In his response, Professor Adegoke recalled that the idea for the Centre was first conceived in a conversation with the Vice-Chancellor over four years ago. He commended the University’s leadership for their commitment to sustainability and pledged his full dedication to realising the Centre’s mission. “Climate change is a cross-cutting issue that affects every aspect of life. This Centre will be a beacon of hope in Africa and beyond,” he said, promising to institute a joint annual lecture in honour of the Vice-Chancellor before the end of his tenure in February 2026.

Professor Adegoke specially acknowledged with great admiration the bold initiatives of the Kogi State Government in addressing climate challenges, applauding His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for establishing the first-ever Kogi State Climate Change Agency and appointing a pioneer Director, among other admirable climate actions.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Olarewaju Ifatimehin, stressed that the Centre was not accidental but a necessity, given the environmental realities of Lokoja. He described I3CFES as a platfor.