The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment as a key strategy for tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability across Nigeria.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Wisdom, gave the assurance on Monday at the opening of the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan capacity-building workshop held in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “From Awareness to Action: Mobilising Resourceful Nigerian Youth for Grassroots Climate Solutions,” brought together stakeholders focused on climate advocacy and sustainable development.
Wisdom, who was represented by Mrs Akinfiresoye Tolulope, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Social Security Administration and Climate Action, said the government was deliberately investing in young people as drivers of environmental change.
He noted that addressing climate change while empowering youths would simultaneously create jobs, reduce poverty and support national development goals.
“By mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions, the ministry is simultaneously creating jobs, tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and driving sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, Nigerian youths possess the creativity, resilience and energy required to design and implement practical solutions to environmental challenges.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Development had established a dedicated department focused on youth migration and climate action resilience, aimed at strengthening youth participation in environmental governance.
Wisdom also highlighted the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative, also known as “Waste to Wealth,” which is expected to create jobs for about 37,000 young Nigerians by converting waste into eco-friendly and valuable products.
“We believe that the solutions to climate change begin with simple, collective actions: one tree planted, one drainage channel cleared, one plastic bottle recycled, one community choosing to act,” he said.
He described the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan as a timely initiative that reflects grassroots mobilisation and regional cooperation in addressing climate challenges.
“As this caravan journeys across Africa, it sends a powerful message that young Africans are not waiting for others to solve our problems. We are taking ownership of our future,” he added.
The minister also expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with development partners, including the People, Planet and Peace Foundation, to strengthen youth involvement in climate action.
He said Nigeria remained committed to ensuring that young people are at the forefront of sustainable development efforts.
The Climate Beyond Borders Caravan initiative will travel across 17 African countries in West, East, Central and Southern Africa.
It is expected to promote climate awareness, eco-tourism and community-based environmental action across the continent.
