The United Nation’s Children’s Fund in partnership with the Katsina State Government, has trained about 80 youths in plastic waste management, climate change, and the importance of tree planting.

The workshop, held in Katsina, had the theme ‘Youth Action on Climate Change: Tree Planting and Plastic Waste Management,’ and included other relevant stakeholders.

The two-day event was organised through the Katsina State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

The UNICEF-WASH Officer from the Kano Field Office, Stella Okafor-Terver, emphasised the importance of youth participation in protecting the environment.

She warned about the dangers of open defecation and its link to diseases such as polio, cholera, and diarrhoea, among others.

Ms Okafor-Terver expressed optimism that participants would help the state achieve and sustain open defecation-free status.

She said, “Youths are key to achieving and maintaining an open defecation-free environment in Katsina and across Nigeria.’’

She unveiled the Youth Opportunity Marketplace; a digital platform offering climate-related skills and entrepreneurship training for young people.

Participants were encouraged to register on the YOMA platform to access further interventions and engagement opportunities.

Ms Okafor-Terver noted that the training aimed to increase youth involvement in future programmes while supporting personal and business development.

She added, “Our goal is to help youths recognise their potential and view climate action as a path for innovation, growth, and positive impact.’’

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Muhammad Rabi’u, urged attendees to lead efforts addressing climate issues and wider development challenges.

Mr Rabiu said “Youths are tomorrow’s leaders—use the lessons learnt here to help tackle global warming.’’

(NAN)