WITI Seeks Inclusion Of Education, Gender Mainstream In Rivers State Climate Change Bill 2026

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

The Women in Innovation and Tech Initiative, WITI has called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to include gender mainstream into the Rivers State Climate Change Bill with focus on education. 

Executive Director WITI, Deborah Iroegbu while speaking at the sideline of the Stakeholders engagement meeting on ''Incorporating Provision for Education in the Rivers State Climate Change Bill 2026'', said government institutions, CSOs and the media were gathered  together by the organization to brainstorm on the way forward for the educational system in Rivers State.

The WITI Executive Director, explained that Climate issues like flooding  affects the ability of schools  in Rivers State to maintain clean and safe education. 

She noted that there is reduction in attendance to school as students find it difficult to attend schools when flooding occurs.

The Executive Director who seeks the inclusion of the provision for education into the Rivers State climate change Bill, stated that the Bill when passed and implemented will reduce the number of out of school children in the State.

While she decried the deplorable state of schools in the State, enjoined government to fix the schools and factor in gender mainstreaming which has disrupted learning activities.

Earlier in her address, Miss Iroegbu, said climate change is shaping everyday's activities of man, especially the children's ability to access education across the State.

She added that oil spillage, flooding and other climate related disruptions are affecting schools in ways that are often overlooked in broader policy conversations.

The Executive Director also noted that flooding affects access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, creating additional challenges for students in the State, hence the need to include education in the climate change bill.

Miss Iroegbu appreciated the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Civil Society Organizations and the media for gracing the stakeholders engagement.

Also Speaking with our Correspondent, the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Herbert Joseph said the Ministry has Zonal offices and Directors in the 23 local government areas of the State that report directly to the Permanent Secretary in any issues affecting schools and once the report is been made, the Ministry swing into action to ensure there is remedy.

Mr. Joseph lauded the initiative and promised to take all the matters raised back to the Ministry.

The Deputy Director stated that there is need for the inclusion of the provision of education in the climate change bill before the Rivers State House of Assembly, as climate change is also affecting schools across the state.

He explained that when the bill is passed, implementation will take place spontaneously. 

On his part, Chairman House committee on Environment, Honourable Lolo Isaiah Opuende said the initiative is timely as the bill is currently before the house.

The chairman represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Dimabo Ibibo said the idea is a sellable one, as climate hazard is affecting every sector including education.

Honourable Opuende who appreciated WITI for putting up the engagement, said when the bill is finally passed, it will be a huge benefit to Rivers people.

The Chairman urged WITI to continue with the good work for the betterment of society.

The engagement brought together, representatives from the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ministry of Education, Environment, Civil Society Organizations and the media.