The Nigerian Youth Climate Action Network (NYCAN), an initiative of Connected Development (CODE) will be joining seven other organizations in an European Union (EU) funded project tagged ‘Sustainaware 2014’.
In a statement by Chief Executive of CODE, Mr. Hamzat Lawal, the project is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of sustainable development, while introducing the concept of Green Business and Environment-Health to young people.
According to the statement, the project will develop and stimulate young people to work on the topic of environmental health; train youth workers on how to lead Local Days of Action (LDA) for Sustainability among Young People with Fewer Opportunities (YPFO), and share knowledge among participating countries about the different approaches to non-formal education on sustainable development around the world.
Lawal stressed the need for government to initiate more youths oriented policies, to promote the concept of social-environmental entrepreneurship and environmental health in Nigeria.
He disclosed that over 1,500 Nigerians are expected to benefit from the various initiatives outlined to enhance sustainable living.
He emphasised that the government must start looking inward with regard to engaging Nigerian youths to actualise the nation’s aspiration of economic diversification and facilitate the vision 20-2020 objective.
“This is a win-win for everybody, I appeal to young Nigerians to view the project as a unique opportunity to enable Nigeria champion the gospel of green economy across Africa. This is an avenue for young Nigerians to engage in the process of diversifying the economy, so we can now lead and our leaders will follow in championing the gospel of sustainable development,” he said.
Lawal, who represents Africa’s interest in the implantation Board of the project urged the government at all levels to enact policies that will support the efforts in addressing climate change issues and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
