By maryam Diallo
Bauchi, Nigeria – On October 17, 2024, the Youth Climate Council Nigeria (YCCN) was officially launched at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Multipurpose Hall. This milestone event marks a significant advancement in empowering young Nigerians to actively participate in climate policy formulation and action nationwide.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished guests and partners who made this event possible. Special thanks to Hon. Danlami Ahmad Kawule, Commissioner of Housing and Environment; Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Commissioner of Youth and Sport Development; and Hon. Abdul Hassan, Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, represented by Dr. Nasiru Muhammad Dattawa, Director General of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation. We also appreciate Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, Bauchi State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, represented by Mrs. Khadija.
We recognize Margaret Impraim, Assistant Global Coordinator for Youth Climate Councils Global Alliance at Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO); Emmanuel Bamidele, Youth Engagement & Partnership Consultant at UNICEF Nigeria; Nasiru Umar, Director of Climate Change, Bauchi State; and Khadeejah Muhammad from the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, for their invaluable contributions.
Our gratitude extends to our moderator, Auwal Dahiru, and esteemed panelists: Dr. Adolphus Ifeka, Ilyasu Rabiu Isihak (represented by Habibu Imam), and Dr. Umar Isah (represented by Muhammad Ciroma). We also thank our Breakout Room Leads: Abdulkadir Abubakar, Charles Chinwendu Nwaeze, Muhammad Shuaibu, Muhammad Abatcha, and Salisu D. Dankumbo, as well as the Hub Foundation representatives and Zachariah Ibrahim for skillfully moderating the event.
We appreciate our partners, including the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance (YCCGA) under GAYO, the Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI), the United Nations Nigeria (UNIC), Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), and the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation.
Thanks also to the Ambassadors of Dialogue Climate and Reintegration (DCR Ambassadors), Elom Greenie Foundation, Esteemed Hub Foundation, ClimateAgilis, and the Jos University Medical Students Association (JUMSA). Your support and commitment have been instrumental in bringing YCC Nigeria to fruition.
OUTCOMES OF THE LAUNCH:
Successful Launch of YCC Nigeria: The YCCN was launched with a clear roadmap, outlining immediate and long-term objectives to engage Nigerian youth in climate policy and action.
Increased Stakeholder Engagement: Enhanced collaboration among youth, government, and civil society was established, fostering a unified approach to Nigeria’s climate challenges.
Youth Empowerment: Young Nigerians were equipped with the tools and platforms needed for impactful climate action, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Approval of Climate Projects: Three climate action projects were approved for immediate implementation:
Youth Green Initiative of Nigeria (YGIN): A local plastic recycling program aimed at promoting sustainability and job creation.
Be Green 9ja and GreenAgain9ja: Tree planting campaigns designed to combat deforestation and improve air quality.
Strategic Partnerships: UNICEF Nigeria announced partnerships with GECCI and the Bauchi State Ministries of Housing, Environment, Youth and Sports Development, and Education for large-scale tree planting and biodiversity restoration projects.
Integration into UNICEF’s Youth Advisory: YCCN members will be integrated into UNICEF’s Youth Advisory, giving young Nigerians a voice on both national and international platforms.
The YCCN launch serves as a critical platform for fostering youth-led climate solutions, policy dialogue, and sustainable actions as we confront pressing environmental challenges. We look forward to continued collaboration with all our partners as we advance this vital initiative.
Signed,
Abdulhamid Tahir Hamid
Chief Executive Officer
Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI)
Host of the Youth Climate Council Nigeria (YCCN)
