An NGO, International Alert Nigeria, has mobilised youth groups in Sokoto State as peace ambassadors to drive local actions on peacebuilding and climate change.
Youths were equipped with skills to mobilise peers and implement grassroots projects on peaceful coexistence and climate resilience in schools and communities.
Speaking at the training and inauguration of the platform on Wednesday, the NGO’s Senior Project Officer, Mr Faruk Usman, said the initiative was tagged “Youth in Climate Leadership in Sokoto State.”
Usman said the efforts aimed to promote peace, strengthen community resilience and advance climate action across Sokoto State under the Powering Peace through Climate Action (PPCA) II project.
“It is part of the continuous move to work closely with government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and private sector actors to address the intersection of climate challenges 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.
He urged the participating youths to promote a culture of peace in society, where people learn to live peacefully with one another.
Usman further encouraged the youths to use the knowledge gained and share it with their colleagues to restore green environments through tree planting, nurturing and environmentally friendly practices.
The resource person, Mr Chika Sani, dwelt on understanding climate conflict dynamics in the state system and how they change in relation to human actions and natural occurrences.
Sani, who is the Director of Climate Change in the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, led participants on practical solutions to conflicts, desirable action priorities and advocacy areas.
“More awareness and attention are desirable for government agencies, policymakers and community members on conflict triggers, changes in livelihoods and income, weather and temperature shifts, changing rainfall patterns and flooding,” he said.
He called on the ambassadors to educate others, arouse interest, identify opportunities and offer solutions to challenges on conflict and climate change issues in their respective communities and beyond.
In his contribution, the Secretary of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto State, Mr Abdulrahman Umar, called for the involvement of more youths and women in climate change issues.
According to him, such involvement will encourage environmental conservation and healthy human living.
A cross-section of the youths pledged to champion the cause and mobilise more resources from available avenues for conflict resolution, climate change resilience, advocacy and support for youth-led action agendas.
