Climate Change Campaign: Environmentalists seeks practical laws

An environmentalist  has stressed the importance of campaign for climate change as he prepares to use  games to practicalise and sensitise its  campaigns from.grassroots level.

Mr. Azibaola Robert,  who is the Chief Executive Officer , Azibaola Robert Foundation , spoke to journalists at the end of a  “Thug Of War'”  tournament  he  organised to sensitise climate change during  the  Yuletide
in Kolo Community in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State.

 He said the campaign on climate change at the grassroots level was aimed at keeping them abreast with what  climate change is all about .
According to him,  most rural dwellers don’t know what is climate change and how  it  affects them on the long run.
His words, “Campaigns for climate change  is important because people have to be conscious.

“Most of the  people who went to Dubai for climate change conference really probably  they don’t know why they went there  as it does not  trickle  down to the local communities  as they came back.

READ ALSO: http://We’re ready to help EFCC in its investigation – Dangote

“Climate change must have grassroot support . Those trees that have their roots in the grassroots .So that from the grassroots you build  it up to the national.level”, noted Azibaola who is also the Chief Executive Officer Zeetin Engineering Nigeria limited.

He also explained the importance of the  game ‘Thug of War’ which he organised and pulled large number of spectators  at the weekend.

He noted that the game was another practical way of sensitising the climate change campaigns in his own style .
“I want to use little games to practicalise climate change .This game is used to gather the people and talk to them about climate change” added   Robert who, however, noted that it is a new game especially in Bayelsa State but urged youths in the state to prepare for it as it would eventually become a state and national game where people would earn a living from it.

READ ALSO: http://Gunmen abduct ex-Chair of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers

“It is completely a new game. And  I am thinking   that in future, in five years time  people must plan for the long run,  it will become a national event and the national event can be domiciled in Bayelsa state”.

“If we are able to bring all the youths of nigeria to Bayelsa state for this kind of competition you will  see the multiplier effect , the riple effect , people will stay in all hotels, fed by  all kinds  of foods  , so the economy of the state will grow”.

Robert also explained  the  relationship  of the Thug of War game  with Climate change, stressing that he was prepared to use the game to enhance the campaigns.

According to him, “that is why I have been telling people that human beings need to do practical things .
“The average local  does not understand climate  change . So you must use practical examples to tell them that this is what it means by climate change.

“Nature is pulling and human  beings are also pulling . So if we allow human beings to pull all through, nature will die . When nature dies all of us will die .
“So I want to use little games to practicalise climate.change”, he added.

Robert disclosed that  governor  Douye Diri  was excited when he hinted him about the game he was about introducing  to the state.

“I spoke to the governor about the game  and he was happy what I’m trying to do . And if I can partner with the state in  this  kind of thing, may  be the climate change movement in Nigeria will also be domiciled in Bayelsa state.

“Nobody has thought of this kind of thing ..that you use game to attract people and talk to people and get people’s attention.

People don’t just gather , allow you to talk to them
He, however, disclosed that  even though the  competition has been taken out of the Olympics but it has not been taken out of sports, stressing that  the competition is an intense sports , especially in places like  Canada, and those European Countries.

Robert also harped on the prospects of the new game in Bayelsa  state, saying
“I want you to have a dream , to be able to become a center of focus  in Nigeria and get people from.abroad, out of  the country, hefty men who will come and do Thug of War with Kolo,  Otuegu,Imiringi and other  communities in the state.

“When you get that connection between people of Africa and people of International community  it will no longer be about immigration  or refugees, it is about healthy competition. Healthy competition is what the world is talking about,  is climate change , and.yes, we can do it as a sport that can be more interesting than the Olympics.
He also disclosed his intention to introduce the Archley sport which will enable youths learn the act of precision shooting and also keep their minds  out of immaterial things .

“Yes , another sport I  want to introduce is Archrey.
It is a sport based on pin pointing bow and arrow .
“If we keep  out  minds of the youths ….instead of holding guns , when you put your mind on precision shooting, overtime you can be qualified to go to international Olympics” said Robert, stressing that
“People are mentioned in several ways because of the small things that they are able to achieve.

“If I say every community bring three person each , if I do it within Christmas period like this , the ground will be full , and then we will know who is a precision shooter.

Some of the people who hold guns for government like mobile policemen and soldiers might not be good precision shooters . Through these youths ….you need to develop these talents .

“Instead of spending time in things that are immaterial they should spend time pin pointing things . It is mental building . We can build society through all these things.

“And I’m sure if i introduce Archery to Otakeme community there  is no way I will not get at list 20 people who want to get the zeal to become experts in it.

Robert who is also into expedition says he’s planning to carry out a other in Rivers state  as he has reached out to some community chiefs to use their forests.

“I’m going to plan  for  next year . You know I also do expedition . So I’m planning the next game and .also planning another expedition.

“But I don’t want  Bayelsa to dominate my  activities .So probably the next  expedition will be in Rivers state and I have had several offers from.varios tribes and kings who are willing , based on the result of what we have achieved so far last time.

“They are willing to bring us in, they are willing to partner with us and explore their forests”, he disclosed.

About twenty  communities were represented with 10 able bodied   youths each  that participated  in  the Thug of War game.  Three communities emerged first , second and  third positions  to take home  1000 , 500  and 200 dollars  respectively.

Thousands of community folks gathered to cheer up participants , and appealed for.more of the game to encourage friendliness among communities.