Category Archives: Blog/News

Niger State Government has demonstrated leadership in the launch of its landmark Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, and inaugurated the Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee (CCPIC).

The event also marks the operationalisation of the Niger State Climate Development and Investment Platform (CDIP), a special-purpose vehicle towards mobilising climate finance to boost sustainable development across the state.

The event, held at Haske Luxury Hotel in Minna on August 27, 2026, emphasised the importance of strong multilevel institutional coordination, improved project preparation and budget tagging, and the development of flagship project pipelines capable of attracting public and private investment.

It brought together government officials, local and international development partners, private sector representatives, academia, and technical experts to witness Niger State’s commitment to moving projects from development to bankability.

In his opening address, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President – Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement joined virtually, stated that the impacts of climate change are already evident, as seen in the event of flooding, land degradation, rising temperatures and declining agricultural productivity facing the state.

He further emphasized that Niger State possessed enormous opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable forestry, resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

“This policy must not be a policy of ambition, it should serve as a practical framework for coordinated implementation, measurable action and investment mobilisation.

“Its success will depend on clear institutional responsibilities, adequate financing, credible climate data, transparent monitoring and active participation of local government, women, young people, farmers, and vulnerable communities,” Mr Shelleng said.

He concluded by underscoring the need for Niger State to translate its policies and priorities into a credible pipeline of bankable projects capable of attracting public, private, and international capital, with alignment to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and broader development priorities serving as a critical measure of success.

In his remark, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, described the launch as a significant step forward in Niger State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

He noted that climate change is no longer a distant concern, with shifting rainfall patterns, recurrent flooding, land degradation, and encroaching drought affecting farming seasons, food security, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

“In response, the Ministry has taken decisive steps to transform these challenges into actionable solutions through the launch of the Niger State Climate Change Policy Document and the Structure for the Climate Investment Development Platform,” he said.

The Honourable Commissioner described the Climate Change Policy Document as the State’s foundational roadmap, outlining strategies to reduce climate risks, strengthen adaptive capacity, and guide sustainable development across key sectors.

The Climate Investment Development Platform, he noted, provides a practical mechanism for mobilising green finance, fostering public-private partnerships, and directing targeted investments towards sustainable projects.

Achieving these objectives, however, will depend on sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, traditional leaders, community organisations, international development agencies, civil society groups, technical experts, and other stakeholders working collectively to advance a climate-resilient and prosperous Niger State.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Forestry and Ecological Matters, Hon. Yakubu Kolo, described the launch of the Niger State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan as a significant demonstration of the Government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable and economically prosperous Niger State.

According to him, the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan provide a strategic framework for translating climate and development priorities into measurable action, with a focus on forest and ecosystem protection, sustainable land management, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient communities.

He called on MDAs, local governments, traditional institutions, communities, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and citizens to work collectively towards its implementation, noting that its success would ultimately be reflected in measurable results, improved livelihoods, and healthier ecosystems.

Key highlights of the events were two plenary sessions facilitated by Mr Obinna Ugochuku, National Consultant, Niger State Green Economy Initiative, and Mr Uchenna Nnamani, Senior Research Fellow, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).

Both plenaries covered definitions of climate finance as well as types of climate finance, sources and structure for climate finance and the linkages with Niger State’s Climate Ambitions and what must be considered in selection of bankable projects.

During the launch, three Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will drive the implementation of the Climate Development and Investment Platform (CDIP) were inaugurated.

The TWGs include: Financial Management and Climate Investment, Electricity Act and Renewable Energy and Climate Smart Agriculture.

The event featured technical breakout sessions across three Technical Working Groups.

Each group was tasked with development of roadmaps and identifying bankable projects

Also present at the event are MyClimate Switzerland Team led by Mr. Pablo Kaloghlian, including Development Partners, Members of CSOs, Regulators, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Staff of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The event was moderated by Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, the Vice Chancellor, Abdul Kure University, Minna and a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Abubakar Sadiq, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The Enugu State Government has taken a major step towards mobilising climate finance and accelerating sustainable development with the inauguration of the Climate and Development Finance and Investment Platform (CDFIP). The event brought together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives and technical experts to operationalise the state’s approach to transforming climate ambitions into bankable investment opportunities.

The programme which held at the Old Government lodge on August 5, 2026, in Enugu focused on strengthening institutional coordination, improving project preparation, and identifying flagship projects capable of attracting public and private investment.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, highlighted the roles of the four Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will drive the implementation of the Climate Development Finance and Investment Platform (CDFIP). The TWGs cover Governance, Public Financial Management and Investment; Renewable Energy and Electricity Markets; Waste-to-Wealth and Circular Economy; and Climate-Smart Agriculture and Nature-Based Solutions.

He equally announced the leadership of the respective TWGs, noting that they would be responsible for coordinating activities within their thematic areas and ensuring the platform delivers on its core objectives. While charging the leadership and members of the TWGs to roll up their sleeves and commence work immediately, Prof. Okereke urged them to seize the opportunity to write their names in the history of Enugu State for the operationalisation of the CDFIP.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), UKFCDO, observed that “the days of free money are gone,” stressing that the quality of government policy decisions, actions and inactions will largely determine how public institutions respond to the growing impacts of climate change. He explained that the realisation of a critical gap prompted the team to further assess the level of government commitment and the institutional structures available to respond effectively to climate change challenges.

Mr. Ugwuoke, while noting that the impacts of climate change are better experienced than explained, particularly in the face of increasing temperatures and extreme heat events; he explained that, to determine whether the state’s governance, finance and investment architecture is sufficiently prepared to attract climate finance and position Enugu State as a competitive destination for green investment, a Climate Finance Readiness Assessment was undertaken – The assessment examined the state’s budgetary processes, institutional arrangements and human resource capacity to determine its readiness to attract investment.

Mr Ugwuoke stated that the findings reinforced the need to operationalise the CDFIP and urged all stakeholders to approach the Platform with the seriousness it deserves. According to him, Financial Investment Decisions (FIDs) often require considerable time to mature; therefore, the Enugu State Investment Promotion Agency must move swiftly to leverage the investment structures being established through the Platform in order to accelerate investment mobilisation for the state.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, reaffirmed Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to transforming Enugu State through climate resilience and by unlocking green finance from global financing opportunities to support the state’s sustainable development agenda. The Commissioner assured participants that the state would ensure that every investment delivers measurable mitigation and adaptation outcomes and is tracked through a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. While declaring that Enugu is open for green business through the CDFIP, he emphasised that the next critical step is to build strong partnerships capable of mobilising investment at scale and translating climate ambition into tangible development outcomes for Enugu State.

A key highlight of the programme was a plenary session on “What Makes a Project Bankable?”, which explored the essential characteristics that financiers look for before committing resources to climate and infrastructure projects. Participants were reminded that bankability extends beyond technical feasibility to include financial viability, commercial attractiveness, climate impact and implementation readiness.

The session also highlighted that different financiers – including climate funds, development finance institutions (DFIs), private investors, green bond investors and institutional investors – apply different investment criteria, making it essential for project developers to understand the specific expectations of each financing source.

Dr. Emeka Nwangele delivered a presentation showcasing opportunities for innovation in Enugu’s emerging clean energy ecosystem. He highlighted the growing potential of electric mobility in the state, noting that the current transport system presents opportunities for optimisation through electric vehicles, smart charging infrastructure and digital route management systems.

He announced that electric vehicle charging units are expected to arrive in Enugu within the coming weeks and stressed the importance of attracting both national and international partners to support the development of the state’s electric mobility ecosystem.

Dr. Nwangele also presented an innovative clean energy solution designed to address limitations of the existing centralised electricity system. He explained that while many households and businesses are increasingly deploying distributed renewable energy systems, there is currently no effective mechanism for small-scale generators to sell excess electricity back to the grid or neighbouring consumers.

His team has therefore developed a technology platform that enables surplus renewable electricity to be traded within communities, creating new opportunities for decentralised energy markets while improving energy access and system efficiency. In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning climate action as a driver of economic development rather than simply an environmental obligation.

He encouraged all Technical Working Groups to identify practical, investment-ready flagship projects capable of attracting climate finance and reducing dependence on government budget allocations. Stressing the need to transform climate challenges into economic opportunities, he declared that “Enugu will not adapt to the future; Enugu will lead the future.”

The event also featured technical breakout sessions across four Technical Working Groups. Each group was tasked with identifying one flagship bankable project, outlining investment pathways, and agreeing on immediate actions to advance project preparation. Expected outputs included the formal inauguration of the CDIP governance structure, adoption of reporting arrangements, preparation of initial project concept notes and agreement on an implementation roadmap.

Also present at the event are Benjamin Osy Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour and Employment; Dr. Patrick Uburu, Commissioner for Agriculture Enugu State; and Ms. Sandra George, SA Revenue Monitoring including Development Partners, Consultants, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Staff of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

By Uchenna Nnamani and Elochukwu Anieze (SPP)

Societies are shaped by the voices they choose to amplify. I came to this realisation after spending a month teaching climate change at Government Day Secondary School, G.R.A., Enugu, under the Enugu State Growing Green Generation Pilot Project—an initiative of the Office of the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Environment and Education, and supported by the UNICEF Enugu Field Office.

Shortly after my experience, Nigeria’s social media space erupted with debates over the so-called “Olodo Uprising.” Beneath the humour and memes lay a more profound national conversation about knowledge, competence, and the consequences of poor education. For me, the debate also offered a powerful lens through which to reflect on my experience teaching climate science.

I arrived in the classroom expecting to teach climate change, but found myself competing with voices that had been teaching long before I arrived: social media, family conversations, popular culture, etc. Some of what the students believed was accurate, but much of it was rooted in myths, misconceptions, and half-truths. My role quickly became less about introducing new knowledge and more about helping students distinguish facts from misinformation.

The lesson from the recent “Olodo Uprising” debate, therefore, is not simply about who is intelligent, but about whose voices shape our collective future. At a time when climate change demands informed public engagement, the debate reminds us of several reasons why evidence-based voices matter. This is not about silencing disagreement or alternative opinions; it is about ensuring that public debate is anchored in facts rather than falsehoods.

Firstly, without credible voices, misinformation fills the gap. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that misinformation and disinformation have become among the defining global risks of the twenty-first century because they undermine our ability to respond collectively to crises. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us a painful lesson that misinformation can be just as dangerous as the crisis itself. False claims about miracle cures, vaccines, and unproven treatments spread rapidly, creating confusion, undermining trust, and costing lives.

Climate change faces a similar test. While outright climate denial persists, more subtle forms of misinformation have become increasingly common: some commentators claim renewable energy cannot work, exaggerate its costs while ignoring its benefits, or portray climate change as a Western conspiracy designed to prevent Africa’s development. These narratives erode public trust, discourage support for practical climate solutions, and ultimately delay meaningful action.

Secondly, understanding climate change requires interpreting scientific evidence that most people cannot easily verify for themselves and depend on trusted interpreters. If these interpreters are less informed but louder, people lose reliable guidance and are susceptible to climate myths.

Thirdly, misconceptions can shape behaviour, with real world consequences for how we choose to act. Communities may oppose renewable energy projects based on false claims, farmers may ignore climate-smart agricultural practices, or families may fail to respond appropriately to disaster preparedness warnings because they distrust scientific advice.

Lastly, students today will become tomorrow’s decision makers. What they believe today will shape future choices. If the voices students hear every day ridicule climate science, dismiss environmental responsibility, or reward ignorance, climate education will always be fighting an uphill battle. If we fail to intentionally educate young people about climate change today, we may inadvertently create an “Olodo Uprising” in the green economy: a generation excluded from emerging opportunities because they were never equipped with the knowledge to participate. Amplifying evidence-based voices therefore is an investment in the quality of future leadership.

If we are serious about tackling climate change, we must invest in the people and institutions that communicate evidence with credibility and integrity: scientists, teachers, journalists, and climate communicators.

Charles Dickens in “Hard Times” once mocked an educational philosophy that demanded, “Teach these boys and girls nothing but facts. Facts alone are wanted in life.” He was right to question the idea that facts alone make us human. Yet he could hardly have imagined a century in which facts themselves would become contested. Today, Climate science does not suffer from a lack of evidence, but from the growing influence of louder, more persuasive ignorant voices that dismiss or distort it. Facts matter, but they rarely speak for themselves. They require credible messengers whom people trust. The challenge before us, therefore, is not simply to teach facts, but to cultivate trust.

The Olodo Uprising should remind us that the real question is not who speaks the loudest, but whose voices we choose to elevate. Our collective future will depend on that choice.

 

Chukwuebuka Ibezim

Climate Education Champion

The greatest missing ingredient in climate education is not information but social influence. My experience as a Climate Champion in the Growing Green Generation Project, a four-week Climate Education Program organized by the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the office of the First Lady, and the Enugu State ministries of Environment and Education, taught me this.

I was assigned to Goshen Star College, Enugu, for an experiential climate change campaign with the students. Our approach wasn’t limited to classroom teaching or assignments; we were equipped with series of hands-on activities during the program. The students were taught that waste is not entirely useless. Our partner from Dosky Arts Quest taught the students how non-biodegradable waste could be converted into usable products and art, so as to shield the environment from suffering from our waste. There was also a tree-planting exercise, where students planted both economic and ornamental trees around the school, and then, with the help of the school management, we took steps to turn this new understanding into a living legacy. We established a Climate Action Club, a structured space where students can continue to discuss, learn, lead, and champion the campaign for eco-friendly habits within their school and the society.

However, as time went on, I began to notice a troubling pattern. At first, students were excited and interested in the program, but by the second week, I noticed that some of the students who had been the most enthusiastic no longer attended climate club meetings. As I began to explore the reason for the emerging trend, I became aware of the influence of peer pressure and how students’ attitudes are shaped by their environment, and not just the lesson content. Very often, we have been focusing on curricula, lesson plans and knowledge. Of course, these are all important, but incomplete without factoring in the social environment where this knowledge is supposed to live, and how culture shapes whether students act on the knowledge they are given.

What happens after the lesson ends, and peer pressure enters the scene? A student can understand climate change and still avoid carrying a reusable bottle or joining the eco club because friends think it’s weird, nerdy or boring.

When these go unchallenged, the risk is climate education staying knowledge without action, and it doesn’t stop at schools. Students who care about the climate are often labelled by their peers with such words as “preachy, woke, doomsdayer, tree-hugger,” and so many other derogatory labels.

While negative peer pressure can suppress participation in climate action as the social cost of joining outweighs the perceived benefits, interestingly, it can also be a powerful ally. Climate education programs need to tap into peer networks instead of only focusing on curriculum. For a lot of young people, belonging matters more than facts.

Climate clubs are designed to leverage positive peer pressure. If information tells students why climate action matters, climate clubs help answer the question, who around me is already doing it?

But there is a paradox: the very mechanism climate clubs are supposed to harness—peer influence—is often the first obstacle they must overcome before they can create it. Some students quietly confessed they feared their friends would mock them, thinking that climate clubs were merely about “carrying plastic and trash.”  When young people internalize and carry these negative norms into homes and communities, the ripple effect starts to change behavior beyond the classroom. What begins as the fear of being mocked for joining a climate club can gradually become a culture where environmental responsibility itself is viewed with suspicion or ridicule.

We should rethink how climate clubs are positioned. Too often, they are treated as niche groups for a handful of environmentally conscious students rather than communities that any student would be proud to join. The solution to this is to make climate clubs the cool clubs where being a recycling champion carries status that will move students to ask “Why am I not part of this?” instead of “Will my friends laugh if I join?”

Climate clubs should be among the most visible and aspirational communities in a school, where environmental leadership carries prestige. Student leaders, athletes, artists, prefects, and influential students should be encouraged to champion them, helping to redefine what participation represents. When students see these figures leading green projects, it makes participation feel normal and even admirable. Activities should be creative, collaborative, and engaging. And just as schools celebrate excellence in sports, debate, music, and academics, they should also celebrate climate leadership. The objective is not merely to recruit more members, but to flip the social norm.

There is an old saying, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” It endures because it captures a simple truth: the people around us shape the people we become, and the same is true of climate action. If we want young people to become lifelong stewards of the environment, we must shape not only what they know but also the communities they belong to. Because in the end, climate action is contagious.

 

By Melitus Onyechonam Okogu

Climate Education Champion