International Alert Nigeria, an NGO, has mobilized youth groups in Sokoto State as peace ambassadors to promote grassroots action on peacebuilding and climate change.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday during a training and inauguration of a youth platform aimed at equipping young people with skills to mobilize their peers and implement peacebuilding and climate resilience projects in schools and communities.
Senior Project Officer of the organization, Mr Faruk Usman, said the initiative, tagged “Youth in Climate Leadership in Sokoto State,” was being implemented under the Powering Peace through Climate Action (PPCA) II project.
Usman said the program was designed to promote peace, strengthen community resilience and advance climate action across the state.
He said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to collaborate with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organizations and private sector actors to address the link between climate change and peacebuilding.
“This youth-led platform provides a dedicated space for young people in Sokoto State to champion climate-resilient solutions and peacebuilding,” he said.
Usman urged the participating youths to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage communities to embrace a culture of peace.
He also encouraged them to share the knowledge acquired during the training and promote environmental sustainability through tree planting, nurturing of green spaces and other environmentally friendly practices.
The resource person, Mr Chika Sani, Director of Climate Change in the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, spoke on climate-related conflicts, their dynamics and the impact of human activities and natural occurrences.
Sani also led participants through practical approaches to conflict resolution, priority areas for action and advocacy strategies.
He called for greater awareness among government agencies, policymakers and community members on factors that could trigger conflicts, including changing livelihoods and incomes, shifts in weather and temperature, changing rainfall patterns and flooding.
“More awareness and attention are desirable for government agencies, policymakers and community members on conflict triggers, changes in livelihoods and income, weather, temperature shifts, changing rainfall patterns and flooding,” he said.
Sani urged the newly inaugurated ambassadors to educate others, raise awareness of opportunities and develop solutions to climate change and conflict-related challenges in their communities and beyond.
READ ALSO: God Gave Me Niche for Villainous Roles – Patience Ozokwor
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto State, Mr Abdulrahman Umar, called for greater involvement of youths and women in climate change initiatives.
He said their participation would promote environmental conservation and contribute to healthier communities.
The participating youths pledged to champion peacebuilding and climate action while mobilizing resources and support for conflict resolution, climate resilience, advocacy and other youth-led initiatives across the state.
