Nigerian Youths Make Case for a Safer Climate Future

“OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR YEAR, OUR VOICE”, was the theme of 2010 first climate change youth forum held on August 16th 2010 at Shehu Musa Yaradua Center in Abuja to celebrate the International Year of Youth <http://social.un.org/youthyear/>, which runs August 2010-2011.

The aim of the forum was to create awareness and increase knowledge of young people on issues that affect the environment, especially  climate issues.  The event was also an opportunity for young people to share experiences and dialogue with leaders of today, in order to raise leaders of tomorrow.  The morning session included the launch of the "One House One Tree Campaign" with over 200 trees donated by the Abuja Green Society, and planted at the Mnifa Estate, Abuja.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition <http://www.nigerianyouthclimatecoalition.blogspot.com>  (NYCC)/ Youth Aid Organization for Africa (YAOFA), in collaboration with Global eXchange Returned Volunteers Forum, Abuja Green Society (AGS), Women Environmental Programme (WEP) and funded by Building Nigeria’s Response to Climate Change (BNRCC) as part of its Engaging Naija Youth on Climate Change Project  <http://www.nigycc.wordpress.com>  and VSO Nigeria (Volunteer Service Organization).

The event brought together young people from all sectors and parts of the country to engage in dialogue collaborate and reflect on International Year of the Youth and the future steps towards a sustainable future in Nigeria where young people are rarely consulted on issues of global environmental governance.

Over 200 participants attended this event, including NYSC MDG Group members, Partners, youth leaders, volunteers, and distinguished members of the media.  The event had the honour of having the participation of Dr.  Victor Fodeke, Head of the Special Climate Change Unit of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Julia Ajayi, VSO Country Director, Dr Austin Uganwa, NASPA Project Coordinator, and Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Country Director of Action Aid.

In her Welcome remarks, Mrs Julia Ajayi emphasized the need for youth to step up and take action against the global climate change crisis.

Dr. Fodeke, rallied the youth during his rousing presentation on " Climate Change What You Need to Know" thanked the organizers and gave a goodwill message from the Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr John Odey.

The event was a wonderful occasion for participants to learn and inspire each other. A special feature was a "Live Talk Show' where guest speakers were invited to share their leadership experiences with the “live studio audience”.  One of the guests included Adewole Taiwo, a participant of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Forum which was held at the White House in Washington DC recently. The event also included a "Town Hall Meeting" where youth had the opportunity to speak to a panel of experts and mentors to raise their questions and concerns about the environment, climate change and their role in governance and leadership in Nigeria’s future.