The Murna Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new initiative known as the Climate Peace Hub Programme aimed at training 2,000 youth in Katsina and Sokoto States to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote peacebuilding across communities affected by insecurity.
Mu’awiya Bala Idris reports that Speaking during a capacity-building session for 100 participants drawn from both states and held in Katsina, the Chief Executive Officer of Murna Foundation, Mrs. Aisha Ahmed, explained that the programme will focus on training youth in solar power repair and installation, as well as other vocational skills to foster self-reliance and resilience.
She revealed that Jibia Local Government Area (Katsina State) and Illela Local Government Area (Sokoto State) have been selected as pilot councils for the implementation of the programme, where Peace Hub structures will be established and equipped with necessary training facilities.
Mrs. Ahmed added that the youth would also be trained in waste-to-wealth conversion, particularly briquette making and mud stove production, to reduce the dependence on firewood and help protect the environment.
According to her, the Peace Hubs will further serve as centres for dialogue and community engagement, providing platforms for youth to discuss security challenges and explore sustainable solutions for maintaining peace and stability in their areas.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lawal Zakari Shargalle, commended the initiative as a laudable step toward addressing insecurity and unemployment, pledging the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the foundation and UNDP for the success of the programme.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Jibia Local Government, Aminu Aliyu, praised UNDP for its ongoing support to conflict-affected communities, including the construction of 150 houses for displaced persons in Jibia, and assured that the council would give full cooperation to ensure the success of the Climate Peace Hub Programme in the area.