An NGO, International Alert Nigeria, has mobilised youth groups in Sokoto State as peace ambassadors to drive local actions on peacebuilding and climate change.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that youths were equipped with skills to mobilise peers and implement grassroots on peaceful coexistence and climate resilience projects 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 efforts were aimed at promoting peace, strengthening community resilience, and advancing 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 participating youths to promote the culture of peace in the society, where people would learn to live in peace with one another.
Usman further encouraged the youth to use the knowledge gained and share it with colleagues to restore green environments through tree planting, nurturing, and environmentally friendly practices.
The resource person, Mr Chka Sani, dwelled on understanding climate conflict, dynamics in the state system and how it changed in regard to human actions and natural occurrences.
Sani, who is the Director, Climate Change in Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, led participants on practical solutions of conflicts, desirable action priorities and advocacy areas.
‘’More awareness and attention are desirable for government agencies, policy makers and community members on conflict triggers, changes in livelihoods income, weather, temperature shifts, changing rainfall patterns and flooding, ‘’ he said.
He called on the ambassadors to educate others, arouse interests, opportunities and offer solutions to challenges on conflicts and climate change issues in the respective communities and beyond.
In his contribution, the Secretary of Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto State, Mr Abdulrahman Umar, called for the involvement of more youths and women n climate change issues.
According to him, such involvement will encourage environmental conservation and healthy human living.
A cross-section of youths pledged to champion the course and mobilise more resources from available avenues on conflict resolution drivers, climate change resilience, advocacy, and support youth-led action agendas. (NAN)
