ADEKOLA BOLUWAJI NIFEMI
Multiple non- governmental organisations (NGOs), the Prime Initiative for Green Development, International Climate Change Development Initiative and African Activists for Climate Justice have gear-up Nigerian youths to ignite meaningful climate action to tackle environmental challenges confronting the nation.
The trio jointly organised a workshop aimed to harness the energy and passion of the youth in climate action.
The workshop held in Port Harcourt, South- South region of Nigeria titled “Youth Capacity Building Climate Justice Workshop.” It sought to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for climate justice.
The workshop featured engaging sessions on various aspects of climate justice, including “Understanding Climate Justice,” “Just Transition: The Niger Delta Conundrum,” and “Youth Involvement in Climate Change Advocacy.”
Sessions of the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding climate justice and the critical role of youth in driving change.
The interactive format of the workshop encouraged lively discussions, with participants posing thoughtful questions and receiving insightful, actionable responses from expert speakers.
In his keynote address at the workshop, the Head of Programmes at the Ken Saro Wiwa Foundation, Barrister Dum Syl Aminikpo emphasized on and highlighted importance of human rights dimension of climate justice.
He said: “Climate justice is fundamentally about human rights. It demands immediate attention and innovative strategies to create tangible, lasting impacts in our communities.
“Leveraging social media and cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance our capacity to monitor, assess, and advocate for effective climate solutions.
“Young people must be empowered to serve as catalysts for transformational change, driving a paradigm shift towards environmental protection and the sustained socio-economic well-being of our communities.”
A significant highlight of the workshop was the panel discussion on the importance of gender equality and the inclusion of diverse voices in achieving climate justice in Nigeria.
Speakers stressed the need to strengthen women’s leadership and representation in climate decision-making processes, arguing that amplifying diverse voices is essential to building a more just and equitable society.
“By including women and other marginalized groups in climate action discussions, Nigeria can better address the challenges posed by climate change,” a panelist noted.
The event concluded with a networking session, allowing participants to exchange ideas and build relationships that could foster future collaborations.
Many attendees expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to advocate for climate justice within their communities.
The workshop organizers and participants alike are optimistic that by equipping young people with the necessary tools and knowledge, they can become effective advocates for climate justice, driving meaningful change across Nigeria and beyond.
The event underscored the urgency of the climate crisis in Nigeria and the vital role of youth in addressing it.
