Connected Advocacy with support from Leap Africa and the Nigeria Youth Future Fund has organised the Summit of the People of Bayelsa on how the crisis of climate change has affected the people of the oil-rich region in Nigeria.
The summit also deliberated on the critical role of youths in mitigating the impact of climate change at the grassroots.
Newsmen reports that the event is themed: The Summit of the People: From Local Voices to Global Impact; Empowering Indigenous Youths to Tackle Climate Crisis.
The intergenerational dialogue series of the Bayelsa Climate Ambassadors Programme and the validation of local climate action strategy document was put together by the graduating Ambassadors as part of their findings from their field work.
Delivering the Keynote Address, The Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, Prince Israel Orekha, emphasized the necessity of a gradual shift away from fossil fuels.
He outlined the environmental, economic, and health challenges faced by Bayelsa State and underscored the urgency of fostering local innovation and developing sustainable policies.
“A better future for Bayelsa requires us to think critically about our resources, empower the youth, and invest in people-centered policies,” Orekha said.
Mr. Godson Jim-Dorgu spoke on “Investing in Youths: Empowering Indigenous Minds to Tackle the Climate Crisis.”
He urged communities to support the young people whose skills and knowledge has been built through the Bayelsa Climate Ambassadors programme on community organizing, mitigating climate crisis and documenting impact for action .
He said that human activities are at the heart of climate change crises, adding that young people must be empowered to take an active role in tackling the crisis through continuous education, entrepreneurship in the green development, technology and mentorship.
He urged communities to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to act as climate change ambassadors.
He emphasized that human activities are at the core of climate change, adding that young people must take an active role in mitigating the crisis through education, entrepreneurship, technology and mentorship.
Jim-Dorgu advocated for indigenous youth participation in local and global climate decision-making processes and called for mentorship programmes to nurture the next generation of climate leaders.
The summit also featured a panel discussion on Indigenous Solutions and unlocking Local Knowledge for Climate Action .
During the discussion Mr. Forcebray addressed the importance of climate-smart agriculture.
Mr. Enetimi Peter Odion of BANGOF underscored the value of peer-to-peer learning and the documentation of local knowledge.
Augustine Anyio, spoke on the imperative for early warning system opportunity for youth venture for young people.
Jim Dorgu stressed on the significance of preparing communities to adapt to climate impacts, particularly in agriculture and disaster management.
Call to Action: Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The event concluded with a call to action for collaboration and support of indigenous-led initiatives.
Panelists urged participants to invest in climate education, foster local leadership, and promote the use of traditional practices in climate adaptation.
Emphasis was placed on developing community projects that bring together different generations to work on local environmental initiatives, thus strengthening community bonds.
Recommendations for Youth Empowerment and Climate Action
Key recommendations include;
- Incorporate climate education into school curricula.
- Form local resilience committees with representation from multiple sectors.
– Promote indigenous solutions through financial support for community-led climate projects.
For further information, please contact
Connected Advocacy
Phone: +2348064871447
Email: connectedadvocacy01@gmail.com
