Rep Sam Onuigbo display his Award, Grace Ike besides him, watches


 The National Assembly Press Corps Wednesday presented presented an  'Award of Excellence in Legislation to Rep Sam Onuigbo representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Grace Ike, Chairman House of Representatives Press Corps in her remarks while presenting the award said: 

"We recognize members who have contributed to legislative excellence and Honourable Sam Onuigbo has been found worthy. 

"This award is for his legislative excellence, tenacity and commitment which is evident in the passage of what is known today as the Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act. 

"Signing of the Bill made Nigeria join an elite group of nations

“It is not about the number of bills, but its quality. The Climate Change Bill is one of those Bills that affect each and everyone of us for life. Climate Change is topical. Rep. Onuigbo was dogged and committed throughout the period of fighting for the passage of the Climate Change Bill and has earned my respect for this.  The Climate Change Bill is one that will be a legacy for life and I congratulate him. What he has done is inter-generational", she affirmed

She further applauded the leadership of the House and its Soeaker, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for expediting actions to facilitate passage of the bill and urged both to do more.

 Rep Onuigbo described the award as an  honour coming from a very reputable body like the National Assembly Press Corps. 

"For me, this is an eloquent testimony to the fact that I have done something laudable— the National Assembly Press Corps traditionally, is meant to constantly place a finger on the pulse of the National Assembly and thus their prognosis should matter. This award means a whole lot to me because it is an award earned, and not an award purchased".

Commenting on the titles: 'Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker of the Year' which journalists covering the House uses in referring to him, Onuigbo,  who is the Vice-President, (Africa), Globe International and President, Globe Nigeria, says its  has a certain ring to it, especially the title of “Dean of Bills”. 

"I think that the Climate Change Act is so important that if those who constantly place their fingers on the pulse of our nation’s lawmaking think the sponsor of the Bill that gave birth to the Act deserves that title, then it must be apt. Thank you. I am humbled", he declared.

He enumerated various benefits of the   Climate Change Act, including guiding Nigeria in her decarbonization efforts;  Ensuring that we justly transit to net zero; Bringing requisite attention to the menace of climate change; And  providing  funding for adaptation and mitigation measures including nature-based solutions.

Other benefits according to him includes creating employment for our teaming youth;  Assisting Nigeria on her  journey towards green recovery, and ultimately ensuring that we sustainably develop while preserving this earth for our children. 

Rep Onuigbo maintained that while Assent to the  Bill is an important starting point,  the journey ahead is still a long one. "I am certain that we will achieve success if we all work together, especially by ensuring that the implementation phase is commenced as soon as possible", he stressed.

 In his remarks,  Jackson Smith from the U.S Embassy described Climate Change as a global issue, adding that the American government  applauds the efforts of the National Assembly in addressing the issue