Murna Foundation and UNDP To Empower 2,000 Youth in Katsina and Sokoto
By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
In a significant move to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and insecurity, the Murna Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has officially launched the Climate Peace Hub programme in Katsina and Sokoto states.
The landmark initiative aims to train 2,000 young men and women in sustainable skills, creating a pathway to self-reliance while fostering community peace. The programme was unveiled by the Chief Executive Officer of Murna Foundation, Aisha Ahmed, during a capacity-building event for 100 participants in Katsina.
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The Climate Peace Hub will directly tackle environmental and economic pressures that often fuel instability. Selected youth from Jibia Local Government Area (Katsina) and Ilela Local Government Area (Sokoto) will receive intensive training in the repair and installation of solar power systems, equipping them with valuable technical expertise for the growing green economy.
“We are committed to empowering our youth as agents of positive change,” said Aisha Ahmed, CEO of Murna Foundation. “Beyond solar technology, we will train them in briquette making and mud stove production. This waste-to-wealth approach reduces the reliance on firewood, curbing deforestation and promoting cleaner household energy.”
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The programme will establish dedicated Peace Hub structures in both pilot LGAs, fully equipped with facilities for training and dialogue. These Hubs will serve as dual-purpose centers: providing vocational skills development and acting as a venue for communities to discuss and resolve issues related to insecurity, thereby strengthening local peace architecture.
Hon. Lawal Shargalle, Katsina State Commissioner of Youth and Sports, praised the initiative, describing it as a laudable and timely intervention. He commended Murna Foundation and UNDP for their support and assured them of the state government’s commitment to identifying areas of collaboration for the programme’s success.
The local government authorities have also pledged their full support. Aminu Aliyu, Vice Chairman of Jibia LGA, thanked UNDP for its ongoing support, including the construction of 150 houses for persons displaced by banditry. He promised that the council would ensure the Climate Peace Hub achieves its objectives in the region.
The Climate Peace Hub programme represents a holistic strategy, linking climate action directly with peacebuilding to create a more resilient and prosperous future for communities in Northern Nigeria.
