By: Akeem Adeyemi.

As preparations intensify for the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to hold in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21, ActionAid Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening youth leadership in the fight for climate justice.

Speaking at the opening session of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Nigeria 2025, held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Exclusive Serene Hotel in Abuja, Judith Gbagodi, Governance Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, delivered remarks on behalf of the Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu. She described the youth-focused gathering as “a movement of change-makers determined to secure a sustainable future for Nigeria.”

“This conference is not just another event — it is a movement,” Gbagodi declared. “It is inspiring to see such brilliant young minds refusing to stand by while our planet faces one of its greatest challenges — climate change.”

Representing ActionAid’s leadership team, Gbagodi emphasized that the two-day event was designed as “a youth-led space for bold ideas, practical solutions, and collaborative action.”

She said the discussions at LCOY 2025 would explore how to achieve climate justice in Nigeria, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

“Climate justice is about people, equity, dignity, and the right of every young person to inherit a livable planet,” she added. “Your voices will shape the National Youth Statement that will represent Nigeria at COP30.”

Gbagodi also called for full participation from delegates, urging them to “ask tough questions, share real experiences, and challenge narratives” during the sessions.

“Silence means consent, ”she noted. “If something is said that does not reflect your reality, raise your voice — respectfully — but ensure your voice is heard.”

In a separate interview with journalists, Amara Nwankpa, Director-General of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, highlighted the importance of the LCOY deliberations, saying they will feed directly into Nigeria’s youth statement for COP30.

“The voice of Nigerian youths will be heard on the global stage in Brazil,” Nwankpa said. “This platform provides an opportunity for young Nigerians to shape international discussions on climate resilience and sustainability.”

Also speaking, Muhammad Shuaibu, Country Focal Point for LCOY Nigeria, described the National Youth Statement as a “policy call to action” that reflects the aspirations and recommendations of young people across Nigeria.

“We developed this document through wide consultations,” Shuaibu explained. “It captures youth perspectives from regional dialogues and serves as a strategic input to global climate negotiations.”

Day one of the conference featured panel discussions and breakout sessions with participants, including Charity Kolo and Patrick Amaibi, who commended ActionAid for promoting inclusive governance and ensuring that “youth voices are not just heard, but acted upon.”

The National Youth Statement 2025 focuses on six thematic areas:

Climate adaptation and resilience
Climate finance and resource mobilization
Climate policy, governance, and institutional strengthening
Renewable energy and energy transition
Sustainable agriculture and food security
Youth, gender, and inclusive climate action

Participants described the gathering as “timely and transformative,” saying it marked a major step in uniting Nigerian youth ahead of COP30.

“The future we desire will not be handed to us,” Gbagodi concluded. “We must build it together through courage, creativity, and solidarity.”