Have Given Kaduna Stronger Voice in National, Global Climate Conversation – Climate Reporters
Stakeholders in climate change have stressed the need for collaboration among selves for greater positive impact rather than separate efforts.
The advocates include CSOs, Media, religious leaders, scientists, government officials who converged on Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna on Thursday 18th Dec for end of the 2025 monthly Hangout on Climate Change of the African Climate Reporters.
Themed “Strengthening Local CSOs for Partnership with Loca Government and Local Business For On-the-Ground Climate Resilience” the Hangout featured panel of discussants including the SA to the Governor on Climate Change, Yusuf Idris Amoke, Rev. James Wuye and two social workers, Immanuel Bonnet and Rashidat Abiola Niyi.
The role of CSOs and other stakeholders in the climate change with government which should be seen as a potential partner, was highlighted.
The stakeholders encouraged selves to buy people into the project as there are a lot of groups outside that are always ready to assist having seen what the stakeholders themselves have done, instead of waiting for government to do everything.
Highly elated by the turnout at the event, the discussants saw the assemblage as a clear indication that with “One Voice”, a meaningful impact on climate change could be achieved in the State.
They also spoke of the need to have conversations with community leaders and associations to win their confidence and be part of the project, especially in the area of tree planting.
In his contribution, the State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki highlighted the decarbonisation policies of the government including the introduction of CNG buses, especially in the State capital.
This, he emphasized, has drastically reduced number of vehicles with carbon emissions plying the roads resulting in healthier and cleaner fresh air unlike other commercial cities.
Deliberate steps, Maiyaki said, should be taken in risk reduction especially in tree planting to avert the consequences of climate change without necessarily waiting for regulatory agencies to do the needful.
Rolling out the success story of the African Climate Reporters, organisers of the event, over the past years, a member, Mayen Etim said the initiative has trained more than 100 journalists across Kaduna State, equipping them with the skills needed for accurate, responsible, and solutions-focused climate and environmental reporting.
“Beyond training, we have built strong networks connecting journalists with scientists, research institutions, and relevant government ministries.
“These partnerships have strengthened collaborative journalism, helping to amplify public awareness of critical environmental challenges affecting our communities.
Mayen Etim emphasized that environmentally, they have contributed to reducing open defecation and plastic pollution, while supporting the revival of monthly sanitation exercises in several communities.
“In terms of public health, our reporting and outreach have supported early warning campaigns on diseases such as Lassa fever, typhoid, and other climate-related health risks, ensuring communities receive timely and life-saving information.
“We have also elevated Kaduna’s profile beyond the state. Through this initiative, we have represented Kaduna at interstate and international climate forums, giving our state a stronger voice in national and global climate conversations.
“Importantly, we have placed young people at the center of this movement. Students and young writers have been trained as environmental content creators and bloggers, empowering a new generation to tell climate stories that matter”, She concludes .
