Empowering Nigerian youth for climate action, by Asma’u Godowali Ahmed
Climate change is no longer a distant concern; its effects are increasingly visible in every part of Nigeria. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, desertification, floods, and droughts are disrupting lives, threatening livelihoods, and weakening the nation’s environment, economy, and public health.
While every segment of society feels these impacts, young people are among the most affected. This is because many depend directly on natural resources and environmental stability for their daily survival and future prospects. Yet, Nigerian youth also hold the greatest potential to lead the fight against climate change due to their energy, numbers, creativity, and adaptability.
Mobilising Youth for Climate Action
Governments, NGOs, and research institutions can play a vital role in empowering young Nigerians to take action. One effective way is through awareness campaigns. Youth are the most connected demographic in today’s digital world, with social media providing an accessible platform to share information, educate communities, and advocate for change. By equipping young people with knowledge and communication tools, they can become powerful voices spreading climate awareness across Nigeria.
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Sustainable Agriculture and Green Jobs
Another promising avenue is sustainable agriculture. Training and equipping youth with eco-friendly farming techniques can help reduce environmental degradation while generating income. With proper funding, access to modern tools, and technical support, young farmers can adopt climate-smart practices that boost food security, create jobs, and protect the ecosystem. Both urban and rural youth stand to benefit from such programmes, making them central to Nigeria’s environmental and economic resilience.
Tree Planting and Environmental Stewardship
Youth involvement in tree-planting initiatives can also promote environmental protection and wealth creation. Communities could designate land for economic tree planting, allotting small plots to individuals or groups of young people. Over time, these trees would not only enrich biodiversity and combat desertification but also provide financial returns when mature. Greening Nigeria’s cities and towns through such schemes can transform urban landscapes, generate employment, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Technology and Renewable Energy Innovation
Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth can further drive progress through innovation in renewable energy. Training young people to design, fabricate, and maintain solar or wind-powered systems can create new green industries. This approach not only addresses energy challenges—especially with frequent power outages and the removal of fuel subsidies—but also encourages local manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Despite challenges like fluctuating fossil fuel prices and material shortages, the growing awareness and acceptance of renewable energy across Nigeria point to an opportunity for youth-led innovation.
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In conclusion, engaging youth in climate action is not just a strategy; it is a necessity. By investing in awareness, sustainable farming, tree planting, and renewable energy initiatives, Nigeria can harness the power of its young population to tackle climate change head-on. Empowered youth bring creativity, energy, and determination, ensuring that environmental protection becomes a shared mission for a sustainable future. Through these collective efforts, Nigerian youth can truly become the driving force behind a greener, more resilient nation.
Asma’u Godowali Ahmed, Kashim Ibrahim University, Department of Mass Communication.
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