Empowering Young Climate Advocates in Nigeria: ICCDI Africa’s Pioneering Initiative​

The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), in collaboration with the African Youth Commission, has made significant strides in Nigeria through two distinct yet complementary initiatives aimed at fostering climate justice awareness and action.

Firstly, the African Activist on Climate Justice Project has successfully engaged 500 students across seven Nigerian states – Bauchi, Kano, Nasarawa, Oyo, Osun, Delta, and Rivers. This project focuses on nurturing young advocates for climate justice within school environments by providing educational programs that enhance understanding and encourage proactive measures against climate change.

Secondly, the Young Community Voices for Climate Justice initiative has been instrumental in mobilizing 120 young individuals across six different states, namely Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Enugu, Cross River, and Abuja (FCT). This initiative targets a diverse group of young people aged 18 to 35, selected to represent various backgrounds and communities. The program emphasizes community engagement and awareness campaigns, aiming to increase awareness and knowledge about climate change and its impacts through interactive workshops and expert-led sessions.

Both initiatives share common goals and have achieved significant outcomes:

1. Increased Awareness and Knowledge: Both initiatives have successfully raised awareness among participants about the causes and impacts of climate change. The African Activist on Climate Justice Project focused on educating students in schools, while the Young Community Voices initiative targeted broader community engagement.

2. Community Engagement and Advocacy: Participants in both projects have actively engaged with local communities to foster dialogue and promote sustainable practices. Activities such as tree-planting drives, clean-up campaigns, and educational sessions in schools and neighborhoods were organized, creating a ripple effect of climate consciousness in the community.

3. Policy Advocacy: A key outcome of these initiatives is empowering young people to advocate for climate justice at local and national levels. This involves not only spreading awareness but also influencing policy-making processes to include climate justice considerations.

Overall, ICCDI’s combined efforts through these two initiatives have created a robust network of young climate advocates in Nigeria. These initiatives complement each other in terms of reach and impact, collectively contributing to a more informed and proactive stance on climate change and environmental justice in the country.