UNICEF urges CBOs, youth groups to champion climate awareness in Sokoto
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urge community-based organisations (CBOs) and youth groups to actively promote climate change awareness and mitigation strategies in Sokoto State.
UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Dr Ebri Eteng, made the call during an interactive session with CBO members, media professionals, religious leaders, students and youth groups in Sokoto.
Eteng stressed the need for collective action, noting that climate change affects the environment, people and animals, leading to a decline in economic and social activities.
He called for increased advocacy and sensitisation to encourage individuals to contribute to reducing the impact of climate change in their communities.
According to him, climate change results in rising emissions that require adaptation strategies, water security, WASH resilience, as well as climate governance and financing policies.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting climate programmes across government institutions and other stakeholders to drive sustainable environmental solutions.
Mr Chika Sani-Toronkawa of the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment said the government had established eco-friendly clubs in 224 schools, engaging 4,480 students in climate change activities.
He emphasised the importance of collective action to mitigate climate change and protect the environment from further degradation.
Mr Edayi Edison of the Young and Useful Generation Initiative (YUGI), the event’s anchor and facilitator, said the platform was aimef to establish 1,000 secondary school climate change associations that would plant and nurture at least 5,000 trees.
Edison highlighted the dangers of climate change driven by human activity and shifting weather patterns, including reduced agricultural output, drying water sources and deforestation.
The facilitator said the platform was designed to advance climate action through evidence-based advocacy, capacity building and innovative solutions.
He called for stronger collaboration among individuals and groups to raise climate awareness and build resilience across Sokoto communities.
The CBO and group leaders shared their current activities and future plans to support climate resilience and mitigation efforts in the state.