Successful Launch of YCC Nigeria The YCCN was officially launched

USPA NEWS - On October 17, 2024, the Youth Climate Council Nigeria (YCCN) was successfully launched at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Multipurpose Hall in Bauchi. This landmark event represents a significant step in empowering young Nigerians to lead climate policy formulation and action across the country.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our distinguished guests and partners who made this important milestone possible. In particular, we thank Hon. Danlami Ahmad Kawule, Commissioner of Housing and Environment, Bauchi State; Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Commissioner of Youth and Sport Development, Bauchi State; and Hon. Abdul Hassan, Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, who was ably represented by Dr. Nasiru Muhammad Dattawa, Director General of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, Bauchi State Project Coordinator ACReSAL ably Represented by Mrs. Khadija.

Special recognition also goes to Margaret Impraim, Assistant Global Coordinator for Youth Climate Councils Global Alliance at Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO); Emmanuel Bamidele, Youth Engagement & Partnership Consultant (UNICEF Nigeria Lagos Field Office); Nasiru Umar, Director of Climate Change, Bauchi State; and Khadeejah Muhammad from the National Agency for Great Green Wall, Bauchi Field Office, for their invaluable contributions.

We are equally thankful to our moderator, Auwal Dahiru for facilitating the panel session and esteemed panelists. Dr. Adolphus Ifeka, Ilyasu Rabiu Isihak (represented by Habibu Imam), and Dr. Umar Isah (represented by Muhammad Ciroma), were integral to the success of the event, Also to our Breakout Room Leads: Abdulkadir Abubakar, Charles Chinwendu Nwaeze, Muhammad Shuaibu, Muhammad Abatcha and Salisu D Dankumbo We also appreciate the Hub Foundation representatives for their key roles, and Zachariah Ibrahim, who skillfully moderated the event.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our esteemed partners, including the Youth Climate Council Global Alliance (YCCGA) under the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), the Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI), the United Nations Nigeria (UNIC), Generation Unlimited Nigeria UNICEF Nigeria (GenU 9JA), and the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation

We also extend our thanks to the Ambassadors of Dialogue Climate and Reintegration (DCR Ambassadors), Elom Greenie Foundation, Esteemed Hub Foundation, ClimateAgilis and the Jos University Medical Students Association (JUMSA). Your unwavering support and commitment to the vision of YCC Nigeria have been instrumental in making this initiative a reality.

OUTCOMES OF THE LAUNCH:
1. Successful Launch of YCC Nigeria: The YCCN was officially launched with a clear roadmap, setting immediate and long-term objectives aimed at engaging Nigerian youth in climate policy and action.
2. Increased Stakeholder Engagement: Stronger collaboration between youth, government, and civil society was established, fostering a unified approach to climate challenges in Nigeria.
3. Youth Empowerment: Nigerian youth were empowered with the tools and platforms needed to take meaningful actions on climate issues, ensuring their voices are heard at decision-making levels.
4. Approval of Climate Projects: Three climate action projects were approved for immediate implementation:
Youth Green Initiative of Nigeria (YGIN): A local plastic recycling program to promote sustainability and job creation.
Be Green 9ja and GreenAgain9ja: Tree planting campaigns to combat deforestation and enhance air quality in Nigeria.

5. Strategic Partnerships: UNICEF Nigeria announced partnerships with Global Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative (GECCI) and the Bauchi State Ministry of Housing and Environment, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and Ministry of Education for large-scale tree planting and biodiversity restoration projects. 6. UNICEF Nigeria to integration of YCCN members into UNICEF’s Youth Advisory, giving young Nigerians a voice on both national and international platforms. The YCCN launch is a critical platform for fostering youth-led climate solutions, policy dialogue, and sustainable actions as we confront growing environmental challenges. We look forward to continued collaboration with all our partners as we advance this important initiative.