In partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) proudly announces the successful establishment of the Ibeno Green Youth Hub, a sustainability-focused initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills in climate action, waste management, and environmental protection. This project is part of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II Project, a four-year initiative (2022–2025) funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), aimed at promoting human rights, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience for young people, particularly marginalized youth and young women.
The Ibeno Green Youth Hub is a pioneering effort to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Ibeno and its surrounding communities. Through this initiative, young people will gain hands-on experience in innovative recycling methods, sustainable business models, and environmental conservation strategies. The hub aims to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth, fostering creativity and leadership in the fight against climate change.
Speaking on the initiative, Elkanah Oluyori, Director of the Clement Isong Foundation, emphasized its role in youth empowerment and sustainable development:
“The Ibeno Green Youth Hub is not just a space but a movement towards a sustainable future. By providing young people with hands-on training in climate advocacy, recycling, and green entrepreneurship, we are shaping a generation of environmental stewards committed to positive change. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that young people are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead climate solutions in their communities.”
The Ibeno Green Youth Hub fosters eco-conscious innovation by repurposing waste materials into functional items. The hub was furnished with discarded tyres transformed into furniture, showcasing the power of recycling and circular economy principles in creating sustainable solutions. The hub will serve as a resource center where young people can learn about renewable energy solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and other sustainable practices.
As part of its commitment to fostering community-driven environmental initiatives, the Clement Isong Foundation also hosted a delegation from ActionAid Denmark, who visited the hub to witness its impact firsthand. The delegation engaged with members of the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network, a group mentored by CIF, that has been at the forefront of community-led climate solutions.
These young advocates have played a significant role in organizing climate justice campaigns, environmental clean-up drives, and advocacy efforts aimed at influencing local policies on sustainable development.
Caroline Gordian, Project Manager at Clement Isong Foundation, highlighted the hub’s role in strengthening youth participation in climate action:
“We are investing in the next generation of climate leaders. Through the hub, young people are not just learning about sustainability; they are actively shaping their communities by driving local solutions that contribute to global environmental goals. The knowledge they acquire here will not only transform their personal lives but also create a ripple effect in their families and communities.”
According to CIF, the Ibeno Green Youth Hub will serve as a platform for Climate awareness campaigns to educate and engage local communities on the importance of environmental sustainability, skill-building workshops in upcycling, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and renewable energy, providing young people with marketable skills that can lead to economic empowerment.
Other services the hub will offer include Youth-led advocacy programs promoting environmental conservation and policy engagement, ensuring that young voices are heard in critical discussions on climate action, sustainable entrepreneurship training, helping young innovators develop eco-friendly businesses that contribute to both environmental and economic resilience and community engagement projects, where young leaders work alongside local stakeholders to implement grassroots solutions to environmental challenges.
CIF said by integrating these activities into the core of the hub’s mission, the initiative aims to create a long-lasting impact on both the youth and the larger community. They noted that the skills and knowledge gained through the hub will empower young people to become champions of sustainability, influencing change far beyond Ibeno.
The organization noted that the hub’s establishment is the result of collaboration and strategic partnerships with stakeholders, including the National Association of Ibeno Students (NAIS), several Ibeno Youth Groups, Traditional and Political Leaders, local stakeholders, and educational institutions.
CIF thanked ActionAid Nigeria and ActionAid Denmark for their unwavering support in making their vision a reality. Their funding and partnership have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward, ensuring that young people have access to the tools and opportunities needed to build a more sustainable future. Looking ahead, CIF is committed to expanding the reach of the Green Youth Hub model to other communities across Akwa Ibom State and beyond. By replicating this success, the foundation aims to establish a network of environmentally conscious youth hubs that will serve as innovation centers for sustainability and social impact,” the organisation noted.
