In February 2025, Our Mission Human and Social Impact Initiative launched a transformative two-part training program aimed at empowering youth for climate advocacy and renewable energy solutions in Nasarawa State. The initiative trained 100 young leaders from Lafia, Kokona, and Keffi LGAs to become advocates for climate action and sustainability. With a focus on climate policy, renewable energy, and community mobilization, the program provided participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for their communities and Nigeria.
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Training Youth for Climate Advocacy and Renewable Energy in Lafia
The first part of the training took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Center for Excellence at the Federal University of Lafia on February 12-13, 2025. Thirty participants from Lafia LGA, including members of the university community and residents from local areas such as Tudun-Amba and Angwan-Wajen-Lalle, engaged in an intensive two-day program. This session focused on empowering youth for climate advocacy and renewable energy adoption, covering essential topics like climate policy, leadership, and sustainable development. Expert facilitators led lectures and group discussions, while participants also had the opportunity to explore innovative renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered technologies. The collaboration with the Center for Energy Studies at the Federal University of Lafia enhanced the credibility of the training and opened doors for future partnerships aimed at strengthening the impact of the program.
Training Youth for Climate Advocacy and Renewable Energy in Keffi and Kokona
The second phase of the training took place in Keffi from February 26-27, 2025, involving 70 participants from Kokona and Keffi LGAs. Held at SkyAge Hotels and Suites, the program aimed to further empower youth for climate advocacy and renewable energy. While a planned tour of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure’s (NASENI) solar fabrication plant was delayed due to construction, the training still featured an informative renewable energy showcase, where participants learned about solar cooking stoves, solar inverters, and other renewable energy technologies. As in Lafia, the Keffi session was designed to provide participants with practical knowledge in climate policy advocacy and community mobilization, preparing them to advocate for climate action in their local communities. The post-training evaluations indicated a significant increase in participants’ understanding of climate advocacy and renewable energy solutions, highlighting the success of the initiative in meeting its objectives.
Key Takeaways: Empowering Youth for Climate Advocacy and Renewable Energy
The training programs in Lafia, Kokona, and Keffi underscored the importance of empowering youth for climate advocacy and renewable energy. The initiative faced some challenges, such as logistical complexities in coordinating participants from multiple LGAs and the delay of the NASENI facility tour, but the program’s success demonstrated the value of strong partnerships, thorough planning, and interactive learning methods. As the program progresses, the organization plans to build on these successes by fostering further collaborations and continuing to equip young leaders with the skills needed to drive sustainable change. Through this initiative, Our Mission Human and Social Impact Initiative is playing a key role in shaping Nigeria’s clean energy future by empowering youth to become the next generation of climate advocates and renewable energy leaders.
