A Unified Call to Action on Earth Day 2025

To commemorate Earth Day 2025, YouPaD partnered with Trash Monger, Ecocykle, CCC for Peace, and a coalition of civil society and policy-focused organizations to host an impactful event at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja. Themed “Our Power, Our Planet — From Policy to Action,” the event spotlighted the urgency of climate action through renewable energy, justice-driven policy reform, and inclusive community engagement.

Keynote Speeches and Stakeholder Perspectives
Stakeholders at the conference underscored the need for increased investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition. Former Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, emphasized that “a just energy transition must ensure inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities, indigenous populations, and marginalised groups.”

He added that breaking the poverty cycle is essential for enabling access to climate-friendly solutions such as fuel-efficient cookstoves, solar installations, and clean mobility options.

People-Centered Development
During a panel discussion, Madam Hauwa Mustapha of the Tubali Women Development Organization delivered a poignant message:

“We must approach development differently. It has to be a development that is centered on people, preservation, and not profit and wealth creation.”

This resonated strongly with the audience, affirming the event’s central mission — to drive sustainability not just through innovation, but through equity and inclusion.

Youth-Led Climate Advocacy
Peniel Ibe, Coordinator of CCC for Peace, highlighted the significance of youth participation in climate discourse:

“YouPaD serves as a platform for youth engagement in policy, climate change, security, governance, and development.”

She stressed that transitioning to renewable energy must not replicate the inequities of the fossil fuel industry, but instead serve as a bridge to a more inclusive and just economy.

Visual Storytelling and Cultural Impact
The event featured a screening of Drifting Away, a documentary series by Simpa Sampson, which portrayed the devastating effects of climate change in a small village in Sierra Leone. Alongside artistic expressions and interactive exhibits by climate-smart organizations, these visual elements brought human stories to the forefront, grounding the science in lived experience.

Panel Discussions and Fireside Chats
The Earth Day event included panels on:

• Climate finance and renewable energy investments

• Community-driven climate action

• Education and grassroots mobilization

• Policy frameworks for energy transition

Experts such as David Arinze (Off-Grid Energy), Tengi Ikoli (Natural Resources Governance), and Salaudeen Hashim (CLEEN Foundation) reinforced the importance of inclusive policy development and implementation.

Nigeria’s Commitment to Net-Zero by 2060
The event aligned with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which outlines the roadmap toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. The plan includes:

• 90% of energy from renewable sources by 2050

• 80% of vehicles running on electricity

• Widespread adoption of clean cooking technologies

Conclusion
Earth Day 2025 in Abuja was more than a celebration; it was a rallying point for future-forward climate action. With YouPaD and its partners leading the charge, a new generation of advocates is emerging — committed to bridging the gap between policy and action, community and climate, and survival and sustainability.