Empowering the Future: Youth Program Launched by Environment and Energy Stakeholders to Drive Climate Action

Nigeria Launches Youth Initiative for Wind Energy

In Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Environment teamed up with the Nigeria Wind Energy Council to launch the Youth for Wind, Climate and Innovation (YWCI) initiative. This program aims to empower young Nigerians to take charge of the country’s clean energy transition, focusing on wind energy innovations and community engagement.

With a staggering 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, the initiative recognizes youth as vital in driving the shift towards sustainable energy. Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, from the Department of Climate Change, emphasized the importance of equipping young people to harness both literal and figurative winds of change for Nigeria’s future.

Nigeria currently faces a severe energy crisis, with over 85 million people lacking access to electricity. The YWCI initiative aims to address this gap by mobilizing youth to explore wind energy solutions, particularly in the northern regions where wind resources are largely untapped.

Omiesam Ibanibo, from NWEC, pointed out that while solar energy has made significant progress, it cannot alone resolve Nigeria’s energy issues. He highlighted that wind energy is crucial, especially for the northern part of the country.

The initiative has received enthusiastic backing from various government ministries and international partners. Mr. Oyekan Adedayo, representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led, climate-friendly policies.

Development partners like GIZ Nigeria Energy Support Programme and the British High Commission are also on board, pledging to help scale youth innovations across Africa.

At the launch, Emmanuel Abbah showcased a locally developed wind turbine designed for Nigeria’s conditions. The turbine uses 3D-printed blades made from plastic waste and rice husk, underscoring the potential for circular economy solutions in the energy sector.

In a virtual session, Kenyan youth encouraged their Nigerian peers to embrace their roles as leaders in wind energy and digital innovation.

The YWCI initiative plans to engage participants through digital storytelling and social media, using hashtags like #YWCI and #NigeriaWindEnergy to foster community engagement.

Key activities planned for the program include a 30-day Youth Innovation Challenge, regional climate-athons across Nigeria, integration with university eco-clubs, and capacity-building workshops

Victoria Iyang Titus, Director at the Department of Climate Change, stressed that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to unlock the potential of wind energy and empower Nigerian youth to shape a sustainable future.

For more insight on renewable energy initiatives in Nigeria, you can explore reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency or the World Bank.

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