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Climate Beyond Borders Caravan Begins in Abuja, Targets Youth-Led Climate Action Across Africa

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Climate Beyond Borders Caravan Begins in Abuja, Targets Youth-Led Climate Action Across Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has thrown its weight behind the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan, a continental climate advocacy initiative aimed at mobilising young Africans to champion grassroots climate solutions and sustainable development across 17 African countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the caravan in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented through a goodwill message, described Nigerian youths as “resourceful but underutilised,” stressing that they possess the creativity, resilience and innovative capacity required to tackle the growing climate crisis.

The initiative, organised by the People, Planet and Peace Foundation, is themed: “From Awareness to Action: Mobilizing Resourceful Nigerian Youth for Grassroots Climate Solutions.”

According to the minister, the Climate Beyond Borders Caravan will traverse 17 countries across West, East, Central and Southern Africa to promote climate advocacy, eco-tourism and community-driven environmental action.

He commended the organisers for choosing Nigeria as the starting point of the campaign, noting that climate change has evolved from being a distant environmental issue into a daily reality affecting millions of Nigerians.

“The North is experiencing desertification and drought, while the South is grappling with flooding and coastal erosion. Food prices continue to rise as changing weather patterns disrupt agriculture. The effects of climate change are now present in our homes, markets and communities,” the minister stated.

He, however, maintained that climate change also presents economic opportunities, particularly for young people, through green entrepreneurship, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management and climate-smart innovation.

The minister highlighted ongoing government interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the establishment of the Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience Department within the ministry.

He also referenced the ministry’s Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative, popularly known as Waste to Wealth, which aims to create employment opportunities for 37,000 youths by converting waste into eco-friendly products and valuable resources.

Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, the minister said practical actions such as planting trees, clearing drainage systems, recycling plastic waste and community participation remain critical in mitigating climate change.

He expressed optimism that the caravan’s activities, including the Abuja capacity-building programme, engagements in Ogun State and a climate walk in Lagos themed “Keep It Clean, Keep It Green: Our Environment, Our Responsibility,” would inspire grassroots mobilisation and long-term environmental consciousness.

“As this caravan journeys across Africa, it sends a powerful message that young Africans are not waiting for others to solve our problems. We are taking ownership of our future,” the minister added.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Joseph Omoniyi of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology described the caravan as a strategic continental tour designed to identify local technologies capable of addressing climate-related challenges in different African countries.

According to him, the initiative seeks to build a database of indigenous technologies and lifestyle innovations that can be adapted by youths across participating countries to address environmental problems and support national climate commitments.

“The attempt is to find technologies that are peculiar to those countries and create a library of local solutions that can be harnessed by the youth,” he said.

Dr. Omoniyi further expressed hope that the exercise would culminate in a broader African climate summit where findings from the caravan would be harmonised to strengthen Africa’s contribution at global climate negotiations, particularly the United Nations climate conferences.

A Kenyan climate advocate and founder of Roots of Hope, Mariam Abdreshi, said the caravan was necessary because climate change continues to affect communities across Africa, especially women.

She noted that women remain central to community development and are often disproportionately impacted by environmental crises.

“As youth, we know we are responsible for building a better generation, but elders also have knowledge to guide us. This caravan is important because it connects communities and helps us grow a greener Africa,” she said.

The co-organiser and caravan leader, Olatunji Olayiton-Francisco, said the capacity-building sessions were specifically designed to equip young people with practical knowledge and advocacy skills needed to confront climate-related challenges in their local environments.

He explained that after Nigeria, the team would continue to countries including Benin Republic and Togo, alongside other selected African nations where climate champions have already been mobilised.

“Our expectation is that after empowering the youth, they will return to their communities and champion climate advocacy and environmental responsibility wherever they are,” he said.

Private sector stakeholders also pledged stronger support for climate action during the event.

Founder of Artuno and CarbonScope360, Ayo Ogunlowo, stressed the need for sustained advocacy, incentives and government-backed policies to drive youth participation in climate action.

He argued that climate interventions must go beyond awareness campaigns and produce tangible economic and social benefits for communities.

“We need advocacy, commercialization and governance working together. Climate action should not just be about ticking boxes; people must benefit from it,” Ogunlowo said.

He further advocated for locally developed innovations tailored to African realities instead of overdependence on imported solutions.

Ogunlowo revealed that Artuno recently launched a N100 million climate innovation fund to support environmentally sustainable businesses.

According to him, the first phase of the intervention had already supported three businesses involved in reusable sanitary pads production, alternative energy solutions and paper recycling initiatives aimed at reducing open burning.

He added that his organisation is also sponsoring more than 200 schoolchildren while supporting women-focused environmental empowerment programmes across communities.

Climate Beyond Borders Caravan Begins in Abuja, Targets Youth-Led Climate Action Across Africa

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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