Empowering the Next Generation: Enugu Hosts 2-Day Training for Young Climate Advocates
ENUGU/Nigeria: In a collaborative effort aimed at nurturing the environmental leaders of tomorrow, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke has joined forces with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), and Eco-Cyclers to organize a transformative two-day training event for young climate advocates. The bustling capital city of Enugu, nestled in Enugu State, Nigeria, is set to be the backdrop for this crucial initiative.
The training’s overarching mission is to spotlight the pressing concerns of air pollution, deforestation, and climate change while also underlining the significance of infusing urban areas with green spaces. The ultimate goal is to galvanize the youth towards fervent climate action advocacy.
Renowned as the visionary driving this pivotal event, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, also serving as the Chair of SPP and Director of AE-FUNAI CCCD, expressed the profound intention behind the training. He underscored its purpose as empowering the next wave of climate stewards, equipping them with the tools and expertise necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of climate advocacy with finesse and efficacy.
Notably, this training is tailored to engage high school students, harnessing their unique vantage point to steer climate change conversations amongst their peers. The aim is to cultivate a future in which the environment is not only greener but also healthier, secured by the unwavering commitment of a new generation of climate leaders.
Professor Okereke emphasized the training’s focal points, shedding light on urban air pollution and the pivotal role urban space greening plays in tackling the formidable challenges posed by climate change and pollution in urban centers. His optimism resonated, envisioning the emergence of a formidable community and network of climate champions who would propagate and amplify the clarion call for climate action while also assuming the mantle of environmental problem solvers.
Highlighting the platform this event provides, Professor Okereke highlighted its potential to amplify the voices of young advocates, compelling governmental bodies and stakeholders to expedite efforts in combating and mitigating the pernicious effects of climate change on our shared society.
The itinerary for the two-day training encompasses a diverse range of activities, from enlightening lecture sessions to hands-on air quality assessments and tree planting initiatives within select secondary schools across Enugu metropolis.
This impactful training initiative is made possible through the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Award, generously funded by the United States Department of State, with the esteemed Meridian International serving as the implementing partner. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 15, and Wednesday, August 16, 2023, as these dates mark the anticipated days for this pivotal event. Enugu is poised to become the epicenter of transformative climate discourse as the training sets its wheels in motion.
