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Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
Young people, who are among those most at risk to the impacts of climate change, are not accessing the funds they need to tackle the challenges posed by global warming, according to a report.
The joint report published on 9 December by the Commonwealth Secretariat and YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), analysed 100 climate finance initiatives targeted at young people.
While it showed an increase in youth-focused climate finance, funds are mainly disbursed in small amounts, hindering large-scale youth-led climate action.
In addition, the audit information provided by funders lacked full transparency, especially about beneficiaries and what projects were funded.
In response, the report calls for a fit-for-purpose approach to deploying climate finance for youth-led actions to remove existing barriers and ensure young people receive a fair share of support.
The proposed solutions include targeted reporting, a streamlined process for accessing funds with a focus on clear eligibility criteria, increased private sector support and new innovative financing sources.
According to a statement on Monday by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Climate finance, a core part of the Paris Agreement, is provided to help developing countries cut greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The report was launched at a side event, ‘Empowering Youth Leadership: Experiences from the Commonwealth in Access to Climate Finance, Capacity Building and Technology’ – hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with the governments of Fiji and Zambia on 9 December 2023 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Speaking at the event, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Young people, who make up 60 per cent of Commonwealth citizens, are on the frontline of the climate crisis, living mostly in areas prone to extreme weather events.
“As a result, many are facing job losses, displacement, health issues and educational setbacks. In the face of adversity, the resilience of young people shines through as they harness their drive and talent to lead on powerful climate solutions.”
She added: “This report reveals the dire need to scale up financial support for young people and prevent them from being stuck in the vicious cycle of chasing funds. We must work together with young people to address the barriers they face in accessing climate finance and support them in scaling contributions to meeting climate targets. This is essential to our belief that youth-led action is integral to our pursuit for a sustainable future for all.”
During the event, participants shared their experiences on accessing climate finance, upskilling and leveraging technology to empower youth-led efforts in tackling the challenges posed by climate change, while examining ways to maximise existing opportunities.
By: Michael Mike
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu said: “The future belongs to the children, and we should do everything possible to ensure we leave a liveable climate for them. We realise we need to pass the baton of leadership to the youth. We are increasing our support to the youth to take leadership which demonstrates our unwavering support for the Commonwealth Year of the Youth.”
He urged youth to use their energy, presence, connections and innovation to drive the change needed to save the planet.
In his remarks, Naipote Tako Katonitabua, Fiji’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said: “The world is facing unprecedented impacts of climate change the global stocktake has shown us how far behind we are in our climate ambitions.”
“We need dramatic actions to benefit our climate and we need them now,” adding that: “Youth inclusion at all levels in climate action including at political level is necessary to ensure the sustainability of our efforts.”
Research Director at YOUNGO’s Finance and Markets Working Group, Sheen Tyagi said: “The seeds of environmental resilience are sown in the passion and innovation of youth. Investing in youth-led climate projects is not just an investment in the future; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our planet.”
She added that: “Climate finance directed towards our projects is the imperative bridge between aspirations and actionable change. The currency of change lies in climate finance for the youth, and to ensure a sustainable tomorrow, we need the unwavering support of governments, institutions, the private sector, communities, and every individual.”
During the event, Senior Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Economic Youth and Sustainable Development, Dr Ruth Kattumuri announced this year’s winners of the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Award.
Bangladesh’s Areebah Armin Ahsan and Pakistan’s Sarah Shahbaz Khan received awards for their outstanding short stories: ‘Tragedy to Triumph: Biogas in Daria Nagar’ and ‘Mud-coated Walls and Sandy Dunes’, respectively.
In the category of the best technical solution, Uganda’s Michael Okao, Darius Ogwang and Joshua Elem were recognised for their solar concentrator that harnesses renewable energy for clean cooking.
Nigeria’s Michael Chiangi Gbagir won the best educators award for his initiative ‘EcoPower Adventure’, which engages different communities through interactive learning activities, such as energy scavenger hunts.
According to the statement by the Commonwealth Secretariat, The ‘Availability of Climate Finance for Youth’ report will inform the Commonwealth Secretariat’s ongoing work, especially its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which has supported small and vulnerable countries to access about $322 million of climate finance for projects to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Commonwealth Report: Young People Are Unable to Adequately Access Funds Needed to Tackle Climate Change
News
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has approved the commencement of processes for the establishment of the Yobe Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology (YIBET).
Governor Buni also approved the constitution of a steering committee to drive the planning and establishment of the institute, considering the growing global demand for highly skilled professionals in biomedical and clinical engineering.
Buni gave the approval in a statement signed by the acting secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, in Damaturu.
“When established, YIBET is expected to serve as a premier institution for training, innovation, and capacity development in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering Technology (BCET). ” the statement further added.
The statement also revealed that the institute will equip young Nigerians with globally relevant technical skills while positioning Yobe State as a leading hub for producing the skilled workforce required by Nigeria and the wider West African subregion.
Therefore, the establishment of YIBET is another milestone in Governor Buni’s transformational agenda of investing in education and healthcare systems, creating opportunities for young people, and laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.
The steering committee has Professor Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, Yobe State Commissioner for Higher Education, as chairman.
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
News
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has moved to avert a looming regulatory crisis in Nigeria’s electricity sector as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, brokered a fresh framework for cooperation between the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
The breakthrough came at a high-level stakeholder engagement convened by the Minister to resolve emerging tensions over regulatory jurisdiction and overlaps following the implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023, which ushered Nigeria into a decentralised and multi-market electricity regime.

The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders across the power sector, also produced a major political and legislative concession, with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, agreeing to defer the ongoing legislative process seeking to amend the Electricity Act to allow for wider consultation and consensus-building.
The development is seen as a significant step towards preventing institutional rivalry from undermining one of the most far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s power sector in decades.
Participants at the engagement included representatives of the National Assembly, the Special Adviser to the President on Power, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, heads of federal power sector agencies, state commissioners for energy and heads of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
The stakeholders deliberated extensively on the emerging challenges associated with the transition to a decentralised electricity market, including regulatory overlaps, tariff administration, institutional capacity, consumer protection and the need for clearer coordination between federal and state authorities.
Tegbe, who described the ongoing transition as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector in decades, said the success of the new multi-market framework would depend on collaboration and coordination rather than institutional competition.
He said the Federal Ministry of Power was committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to provide regulatory certainty, unlock investments and improve electricity supply and service delivery across the country.
The Minister stressed that while implementation challenges were inevitable in a reform of such magnitude, they must be addressed collectively without compromising regulatory standards, service quality or the protection of electricity consumers.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a nine-member inter-agency committee to coordinate the implementation of the Electricity Act and address emerging challenges in the transition to the new electricity market structure.
The committee, to be chaired by the Minister of Power, will include representatives of NERC, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Bureau of Public Enterprises and other relevant institutions.
It has been given four weeks to drive continuous engagement among stakeholders, identify and resolve implementation bottlenecks and recommend practical measures for the seamless operationalisation of the Electricity Act, 2023.
The decision by the Senate Committee on Power to defer the proposed amendment of the Act followed extensive deliberations at the workshop, with stakeholders agreeing that further consultation was necessary to build consensus and prevent legislative changes from creating fresh uncertainties in the sector.
Abaribe’s decision to suspend the legislative process temporarily was welcomed as a major outcome of the engagement, providing room for federal and state institutions, regulators, industry operators and other stakeholders to address areas of disagreement before further legislative action.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the power sector reforms being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the success of the decentralised electricity market would require sustained cooperation across all levels of government.
The Federal Government said the new coordination mechanism would strengthen institutional collaboration as Nigeria seeks to build a modern, reliable, competitive and investor-friendly electricity market.
The development also signals a renewed effort by the Ministry of Power to ensure that the implementation of the Electricity Act does not become a source of conflict between federal and state institutions, but instead serves as the foundation for improved electricity access, stronger investment and better service delivery to consumers.
The Minister, in closing the engagement, reiterated the government’s determination to deepen the reform process through dialogue, coordination and practical problem-solving.
He said the ultimate objective remained the creation of an electricity market capable of delivering reliable power, attracting long-term investment and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
News
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected ISWAP informant in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 14 during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio town.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to working as an informant for the terrorist group.

He also allegedly admitted to leading the terrorist infiltration attack on Gubio on June 16, 2026, during which a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed in action.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further investigation to identify other members of the terrorist network and uncover additional details surrounding the June attack.
The arrest forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks by targeting informants, collaborators and logistics facilitators across the North-East.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
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