Create a Wonderful World Initiative (CWI) in collaboration with the Borno State Government, through the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall (BOAGGW) and the Coordinated Climate Response Team - a network of CSOs and NGO's focused on climate action in Borno State on Thursday commemorated the International Day of Climate Action 2025 with a one-day event themed “Addressing Climate Change for a Sustainable Future.”
The event, held at the Armani Event Centre in Maiduguri, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, community leaders, and students to raise awareness and strengthen collaboration on climate action in Borno State.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of the Create a Wonderful World Initiative (CWI), Maryam Jabbo, expressed appreciation to all partners and participants for their commitment to environmental advocacy. She described the commemoration as the first of its kind in Borno State and a significant milestone in building a sustainable and climate-conscious society in the state.
“This event brings together young people, community leaders, innovators, and organizations united by a single purpose – to take action for our climate. As we witness the growing impacts of climate change in our communities, it becomes more urgent than ever to transform awareness into action and ideas into solutions,” she said.
Delivering a goodwill message, a representative of the Borno State Ministry of Environment commended the organizers for creating a platform that amplifies the voices of young people in climate advocacy. The Ministry reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with partners in promoting environmental sustainability and climate education across the state.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall (BOAGGW), Ambassador Usman Aliyu, highlighted the state government’s ongoing commitment under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to tackling climate change through massive tree planting campaigns, community sensitization, and sustainable land restoration initiatives. He announced plans to establish environmental clubs in schools to engage young people in climate advocacy and education.
“We must continue to educate our children and communities about climate change so that everyone becomes part of the solution,” Amb. Usman emphasized.
The Speaker of the Borno State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Fatima Chiroma Zannah, in her address, advocated for the integration of climate education into school curricula and encouraged children to become active agents of environmental protection in their communities.
The event featured a children’s panel discussion involving students from Ruby Springfield College, Shehu Garbai Secondary School, Indimi Integrated School, Future Assured Academy, and Tijjani Bolori secondary School, who discussed the causes and effects of climate change and suggested that awareness should be enhanced through school programs and social media engagement.
Highlight of the event was an art exhibition titled "Art for Climate Challenge" under the project " Educating Young Climate Change Champions for a Better Tomorrow " which is being implemented by Create a Wonderful World Initiative (CWI). The "Art for Climate Challenge " is an innovation to unleash students artistic potentials in line with climate action. The Art works depicts realities of Climate change and how it affects children and the future they dream of.
Three outstanding art works were awarded with eco-friendly gifts and art kits, all art for climate challenge participants received certificates and schools also received certificates of appreciation for supporting their students.
Poetry presentations, Climate action fair also added color to the occasion.
The second panel session provided an opportunity for young people, youth-led organizations, and community leaders to discuss their roles in advancing climate action and to share indigenous approaches to addressing environmental challenges in Borno State.
The event concluded with the signing of a Climate Pledge Wall where every participant pledged their commitment to climate action, a closing remark by CAYEI, and a group photograph and networking session, symbolizing a collective commitment to advancing climate action for a sustainable and resilient Borno.
The commemoration underscored the growing synergy between government institutions, civil society, and young people in promoting local climate initiatives and sustainable environmental practices.
