UNICEF Empowers Katsina Students with Climate-Smart Solutions for Sustainable Economic Growth
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As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged students in Katsina to develop innovative responses to climate change. This initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth in Nigeria.
Youth at the Center of Green Innovation
During a two-day workshop held in Katsina, Mrs. Stella Terver, WASH Programme Officer at the UNICEF Kano Field Office, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in climate action. The sensitization event, hosted in collaboration with the Ideas and Data Global Academy and the Katsina State Ministry of Environment, targeted secondary and tertiary institutions.
Terver stated that the “Green Rising Initiative” encourages young people to:
- Understand the science and impact of climate change
- Develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
- Explore opportunities in green entrepreneurship
Building Climate-Smart Capacity in Schools
UNICEF’s strategy includes:
- Sensitizing 200 students in each of 10 secondary schools per Local Government Area (LGA)
- Establishing Climate Action Clubs in schools to nurture tree planting projects
- Training 200 university students per institution to lead peer sensitization efforts
Participating LGAs include Bakori, Batagarawa, Bindawa, Baure, Charanchi, Danja, Daura, Dutsinma, Funtua, and more.
Read also: UNICEF Trains Katsina Youths on Waste Management and Climate Skills
Fostering Environmental Sustainability and Economic Potential
By promoting activities such as tree planting and plastic waste management, the initiative aims to:
- Improve local nutrition through edible fruit trees
- Create job opportunities in climate-smart agriculture
- Encourage eco-friendly practices in schools and communities
According to Terver, “We’re planting edible trees to support nutrition and long-term sustainability. Although the impact won’t be immediate, the economic benefits will be long-lasting.”
Digital Tools for Climate Literacy
Malam Mustapha Shehu of the Ideas and Data Global Academy introduced “Yoma,” a digital platform designed to sharpen students’ skills and connect them with real-world opportunities. Through Yoma:
- Students can register for skill-building programs
- Youths are guided to develop innovative climate solutions
- Access to climate financing becomes possible for scalable ideas
Government’s Role in Environmental Responsibility
Malam Nura Abubakar, Director of Waste Management and Environmental Assessment at the State Ministry of Environment, assured continued support for the initiative. He urged the public to adopt responsible waste disposal practices to reduce flooding and other environmental risks.