Lagos, Nigeria, 31st May 2024 – Nigeria Youth SDGs, registered as the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), celebrates the graduation of young individuals from various regions of Nigeria following their participation in a virtual immersive 4-week climate-focused learning series which has equipped these youths with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead climate action across the country.
The adverse impacts of climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, flooding and heightened greenhouse gas emissions, continue to affect Nations worldwide, posing significant threats to human existence and livelihoods. With less than six years remaining to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, urgent measures are required to equip the vast youth population to address and mitigate the impact of climate change through effective climate actions.
The Climate Voices Nigeria Initiative, since its inception in 2023 has been instrumental in increasing climate change awareness and educating young people on effectively addressing climate change challenges across the six geopolitical zones. As a build-on, the 2024 Climate Voices Nigeria Boot camp has further expanded its reach, equipping young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 from diverse backgrounds, such as students, activists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders with essential skills and knowledge to lead climate action.
Through expert-led sessions on topics including Global and National Climate Policy Framework, Climate Financing and Technology, Youth Leadership in Climate Change, Storytelling on Climate Advocacy, and How To Begin Your Journey the participants have been empowered to actively engage in climate advocacy, influence policy decisions, and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient Nigeria.
In a review session with the Boot Camp participants, two participants shared their thoughts on the program’s impact. One participant exclaimed: ‘The Climate Voices Nigeria Boot camp was a transformative experience that significantly enhanced my skills and understanding of Climate change. As a young Civil/Environmental Engineer, I have learnt how to advocate for renewable energy and drive innovation in my field. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Climate Voices Nigeria Boot Camp and look forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained to make a meaningful impact in my future endeavours.’ Another participant added that ‘the Boot camp has energised me to make an impact and tackle the climate crisis. I learnt how to create practical solutions, addressing climate change issues in my community.’
According to Ms Opeyemi Ogundeji, NGYouthSDGs Programmes Manager, she said: “We knew we had made impact via the Climate Voices Nigeria Boot Camp for 2024 cohort when during and after the boot camp we saw participants like Testimony use her art to make a spoken word video admonishing others to treat our environment well, Friday who is volunteering to join a movement in his community to plant about 1000 trees, Joseph whom through his participation at the learning session recognised the power he has to make change and Andrew who is encouraged to keep being consistent with his research skills and create a platform where he can put climate research articles for others to read and learn from.
Aside from those we have highlighted, there are other inspiring stories, and we are overjoyed that we planned this boot camp, and we successfully executed it alongside our esteemed facilitators who shared knowledge and our team’s commitment to give the participants the needed knowledge and skills to amplify their voices for driving climate action and building more resilient Nigeria.”
We are excited to know that the Climate Voices Nigeria Boot Camp has made significant strides in raising climate change awareness and its impacts through immersive learning sessions and social media advocacy. The initiative has amplified the voices of Nigerian youth in leading climate action, building teamwork through collaborative research on environmental challenges and fostering a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to championing climate action in their communities.
To watch the replay of the graduation, click here.
