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Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Conference
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Highlights from the Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference 2024
By Cynthia Umeh
The 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference was a milestone event held under the theme, Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate-Health Action. With climate change increasingly affecting human health, young leaders across Africa are stepping up as key advocates for meaningful change. In Nigeria, where environmental challenges are intertwined with health concerns, the youth have a crucial role in driving initiatives that link climate action with health.
Shades of Us joined this transformative event to support young voices and help drive climate-health advocacy across Nigeria. As an organization committed to inclusivity and sustainability, we aim to amplify the concerns and solutions proposed by youth who face the dual challenges of climate change and health impacts. We believe that this work aligns perfectly with our goal of building resilience and supporting sustainable development through storytelling and advocacy.
Setting the Stage: Welcome Address by Vivian Ihekweazu
Vivian Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, opened the event, encouraging youth to take ownership of climate issues affecting their health and communities. She highlighted the significant intersection between climate change and health, emphasizing that young people must advocate for both.
Keynote Presentations: Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu, Co-founder of the International Climate Change Development Initiative, opened the keynote presentations with a powerful call to action. He emphasized the importance of engaging communities in climate efforts by using accessible language and relatable messages. “It is high time we start looking at climate change as everyone’s business,” he said, highlighting that climate impacts are already affecting Nigerian communities. He advocated for local solutions supported by international partners to boost meaningful action.
Keynote Presentation: Dr. Jennifer Anyanti
Following Olumide, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (represented by Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, MPH, FAPH Deputy Managing Director, Society for Family Health (SFH), stressed that climate change is not only an environmental issue—it is a social, economic, and public health issue that affects young people’s futures. He called on youth to take leadership roles in advocating for climate health action, from educating their peers to organizing climate clubs in schools. Together, these speakers set the tone for a day dedicated to exploring how youth could turn passion into action for a healthier planet.
Spoken Word by Hannah Ajayi
One of the highlights of the event was a spoken word performance by Hannah Ajayi, who brought raw emotion and urgency to the topic of climate change. Her words struck a chord, reminding us of the environmental harm humans have caused and urging us to take responsibility. “Where do we draw the line between our health and Earth’s survival?” she asked. Her performance was a rallying cry for all participants to unite in the fight to protect our planet because, as she pointed out, health and environmental well-being are interconnected.
Essay Competition Winners
Nigeria Health Watch organized an essay competition for secondary schools in the FCT, focusing on ‘The Future of Our World in a Changing Climate’. The competition’s aim was to spark interest and awareness about climate change among the next generation. It was heartwarming to see the Government Girls Secondary School in Dutse take first place, followed by the Government Secondary School in Kuje and the Government Secondary School in Jabi. These young essayists shared inspiring visions for a sustainable future and showed us the power of youth engagement in environmental advocacy.
Conversation with Policymaker: Chris Ngwodo
One of the conference’s most interactive sessions was the Conversation with a Policymaker, where young participants could engage directly with Chris Ngwodo, Director General of the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE). He encouraged the youth to see climate change as a real-life issue impacting Nigeria, urging collaboration at every level of government. Ngwodo emphasized that climate policies must extend beyond federal initiatives, noting that most day-to-day climate impacts are addressed at the state level. “Establish a local footprint as a CSO,” he advised, encouraging youth groups to work with communities at the grassroots level. His message underscored the importance of youth and government collaboration for lasting climate resilience.
Fireside Chat: Developing Holistic Climate-Resilient Solutions
Moderator: Ernesto Dibia (Biomedical Scientist and Communications Expert)
This interactive session explored the intersections between climate change and health, featuring experts from various fields. Insights from panelists highlighted the urgency of climate action across health, policy, and environment sectors:
Effiom Nyeh (CEO and Co-Founder, Ekondo)
Effiom emphasized gardening as a community activity that can foster environmental stewardship. He urged young people to start by planting trees in accessible areas to promote communal green spaces.
Chinweoke Abuwa (Economist and Policy Advocate)
Chinweoke emphasized the need for infrastructure, preparedness, and health resources to tackle climate change. Young people should use social platforms to educate others on climate action and make the topic approachable.
Jennifer Uchendu (Founder, SustyVibes)
Jennifer stressed that climate change’s impact on mental health is profound in Nigeria. We should be proactive about creating safe spaces where young people can express climate concerns that are critical for their mental well-being.
Godwin Lasisi (Founder, Interfaith Alliance for SDG Action Plan)
Godwin advocates for needed resources and spaces to influence policy. He believes young people should engage actively, move beyond discussions, and take action.
Ayobami Oladipo (Country Business Lead, Ignitia)
Auobami highlighted how social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness and driving youth advocacy. The youth can harness social platforms to amplify the message of climate resilience.
Partner-led Breakout Sessions: Focus Areas and Key Discussions
Society for Family Health: Beyond Boundaries…Improving Health Outcomes through Climate Resilient Health Programs.
The session showcased the Adolescents 360 project, with a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and climate resilience.
Key points:
Aisha Farida Aminu (Thinkgreen Foundation) highlighted the need for comprehensive, cross-sectoral solutions.
Dr. Jennifer Anyanti (SFH) stressed the importance of staying passionate and resilient in health service delivery.
Abubakar Shuaibu (Green Energy Mission Africa) called for collaboration to make impactful change.
Ramatu Abdulkarim (Youth Engagement Lead, Society for Family Health) stressed the importance of co-creating with youth and building their capacities.
DRASA Health Trust: Engaging Youth in Building Climate-Resilient Communities Through Infectious Disease Prevention
This breakout session focused on youth-driven climate resilience strategies for infectious disease prevention and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Panelist insights:
Opeyemi Lana (The Green Club) emphasized that grassroots-level education on climate is critical.
Timothy Ogenyi (Society for Planet and Prosperity) called for bottom-up approaches that directly engage communities.
Ayomikun Tayo-Ojo (DRASA Health Trust) stressed how improper waste management leads to climate and health issues.
Ifeyinwa George (DRASA Health Trust) warns that AMR is worsening due to poor drug use, and climate change is fueling zoonotic disease risks globally.
The day ended with an impactful performance by Tzar Oluigbo, a musician whose song The Planet We Love reminded us of our collective responsibility to care for our environment. The event provided ample networking opportunities, encouraging participants to form connections and collaborate on future climate-health initiatives.
Key Takeaways from the Youth Pre-Conference
The event provided several key insights:
Inclusive Climate Advocacy: Involve youth directly in climate conversations to ensure that their perspectives shape future policies.
Education and Awareness: Start early by integrating climate education in schools and forming climate clubs.
Localized Action: Target not only federal but also state and local governments for climate resilience to address issues that directly impact communities.
Support Mental Health: Acknowledge the mental health impact of climate change and create safe spaces for youth to discuss and address these challenges.
Collaborative Approach: Strengthen partnerships across sectors, from government to grassroots organizations, for a well-rounded response to climate and health challenges.
Shades of Us is proud to have participated in this enriching conference. We left inspired and ready to support youth leaders in their journey to advocate for climate-health action in Nigeria. The passion and determination displayed by young leaders here reaffirmed that the future is indeed in capable hands. Let’s continue to amplify their voices and work together toward a healthier, sustainable planet.
Watch our summary video here.
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