The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, climate change education and sustainable development with the hosting of the first South-East Youth Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) Summit, organised by the Nigeria Youth Climate Negotiators Network (NYCNN) in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Environment.
The two-day summit, holding on October 28 and 29, 2026, at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, brings together young climate advocates, policymakers, environmental experts, students, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders from across the South-East region to deepen understanding of climate policies and strengthen youth participation in climate action.
Declaring the summit open, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, stated that the initiative reflects the commitment of the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti to youth empowerment, capacity building, innovation and sustainable development across Abia State and the South-East region.
Mr. Ogbonna described the summit as the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at demystifying climate policies and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate meaningfully in climate advocacy, international negotiations, policy implementation and monitoring.
According to the Commissioner, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) represent an important framework for translating climate commitments into practical actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience to climate impacts and promote sustainable economic development.
He emphasised that young people must not be regarded merely as beneficiaries of climate policies but as active partners in their formulation, implementation and evaluation.
“The future of climate governance depends significantly on the capacity of our young people to understand the challenges before us and contribute innovative, practical and sustainable solutions. We must create opportunities for them to move beyond awareness to active participation in decision-making and climate action,” Ogbonna stated.
The Commissioner further noted that climate change presents both serious environmental challenges and opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, recycling, sustainable agriculture, clean cooking, green technology and ecosystem restoration.
He said that empowering young people with relevant skills in these sectors would not only help address climate change but also create green jobs, stimulate local enterprise and support the economic development of Abia State.
Mr. Ogbonna stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and youth-led groups to ensure that climate commitments translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
He urged participants to use the knowledge acquired at the summit to promote environmental responsibility in their schools, communities and local government areas, while encouraging practical initiatives such as tree planting, proper waste disposal, recycling, establishment of Climate Change clubs, flood-risk awareness, energy conservation and the protection of natural resources.
He added that climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other vulnerable groups are adequately represented in the design and implementation of climate policies.
According to him, the Abia State Government, under Governor Otti’s leadership, recognises that sustainable development requires a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social inclusion.
He expressed optimism that the summit would strengthen regional cooperation among South-East states and encourage young climate leaders to develop locally relevant solutions to shared environmental challenges, including flooding, erosion, waste pollution, deforestation and the impacts of changing weather patterns.
The Commissioner commended the Nigeria Youth Climate Negotiators Network for its commitment to building youth capacity in climate governance and appreciated the collaboration that made it possible for Abia State to host the landmark regional engagement.
He encouraged participants to see the summit as a starting point for sustained action, urging them to develop practical recommendations and establish partnerships that would continue beyond the two-day event.
Among the dignitaries and stakeholders present were the National Coordinator of NYCNN, Mr. Zeenret Zamani; the Abia State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Smith O. Sylvanus; and Ambassador Queen Amazu, Co-Founder/Director of Sustainable Pathway Coordinator.
Also in attendance were Directors and Heads of Climate Change from Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, representatives of youth council organisations, students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and other educational institutions, as well as environmental advocates and other relevant stakeholders from across the South-East geopolitical zone.
Obioma Chidinma Success,
Public RelationsOfficer,
Ministry of Environment.
