In a bid to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, members of the Global Shapers Community of Yola recently organized a step-down training for Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders and environmental activists. The event, which took place in Yola, was attended by 50 participants, including government personnel, youth leaders, and climate action enthusiasts from across Adamawa State.
The training, which occurred in November and was facilitated by renowned environmental advocate and former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address climate change in their communities.
Riki Siman Thomas, representing Atunde Ahmed Olarewaju, the Founding Curator of the Yola Hub, delivered the welcome address. Thomas emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, stating, “While other parts of Nigeria are talking about Climate Change, Adamawa State and other states in the Northeast region are living the reality of climate change already.”
The training sessions covered various aspects of climate action, with a focus on resources developed by the Climate Reality Project. Trainers included prominent figures such as Sarah Edgar, Dogara Iliya, and Abubakar Sadik Aminu, who guided participants through key topics such as Social Media Advocacy and Climate Communication, Resource Mobilization for Climate Action, and Al Gore’s renowned presentation on Global Warming.
The participants engaged in interactive discussions, shared best practices, and developed strategies to effectively communicate climate-related issues within their communities. The aim was to empower local leaders with the tools needed to drive meaningful change and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
The Global Shapers Community of Yola expressed optimism that the training would not only raise awareness but also inspire concrete actions to mitigate the impact of climate change in Adamawa State and beyond. As communities grapple with the tangible effects of global warming, the importance of such initiatives becomes increasingly apparent.
The Yola Hub remains committed to promoting sustainable development and climate resilience, leveraging the expertise and insights gained from the training to foster a generation of leaders dedicated to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time.