By Imrana Sulaiman, Maiduguri
The Centre for Community Awareness and Youth Empowerment Initiative (CAYEI) has called for urgent and coordinated action to address escalating environmental challenges in Borno State, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.
Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri, the organization’s Project Officer, Usman Ali Hassan, highlighted that the combined impact of these challenges is worsening the vulnerability of rural communities, particularly farmers whose livelihoods depend on stable environmental conditions. He said farmlands have been destroyed by flooding, water sources depleted and families displaced by recurring climate shocks.
Hassan noted that the environmental issues are interconnected and require practical, long-term solutions, including increased investment and incentives to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce pollution, improve waste management and transition away from fossil fuels.
While communities are engaged in wetland restoration, waste-to-wealth initiatives and environmental reforms, he said these efforts remain limited by inadequate financial support.
According to him, environmental degradation is advancing faster than current interventions, leaving farming households exposed to shrinking harvests caused by erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.
He urged corporate actors operating in the state to act responsibly and transparently by supporting climate-resilient initiatives and investing in programmes that strengthen community resilience.
The conference, supported by MS-TCDC ActionAid Denmark, the Borno State Agency for Great green wall, CATAI, Elela care and other partners, brought together government officials, international and local civil society organizations, youth groups and persons living with disabilities.
Tagged “Empowering Climate justice from the grassroot: strengthening corporate climate responsibility and advance sustainable action in Borno State.” Amplifying Youth and Women’s Voices for Justice, Equity and Sustainability,” the forum focused on promoting inclusive approaches to environmental action.
Participants called on companies to complement government efforts by investing in clean energy, waste management and climate-smart agriculture. They also proposed the establishment of a Youth Climate Innovation Fund to support green jobs and expand youth-led environmental solutions across the state.