Youth with disabilities are advocating for increased participation in Nigeria's shift towards a greener economy, as they pursue sustainable employment options.
In a statement after the GreenAbility Workshop took place in Ibadan recently, bringing together various stakeholders to highlight prospects within the green economy, the PWDs emphasized that they should not be left out of the nation's Energy Transition Plan.
At a workshop titled 'GreenAbility: Unlocking Opportunities for Young PWDs in the Green Economy', Hannah Omokhaye, founder of EcoSmart Club and convener of the GreenAbility Project, stated that the program aims to equip young PWDs for meaningful participation in the nation's shift towards sustainability.
She stated, "The GreenAbility Project seeks to empower young individuals with disabilities to develop climate resilience by fostering leadership, education, green skills, and community engagement."
Several individuals fail to recognize the capabilities of PWDs, yet we are convinced that they play a vital role in creating an inclusive and fair transformation.
The gathering included more than 100 young individuals with disabilities, teachers, decision-makers, and specialists in environmental sustainability. It was one of the events organized as part of the African Climate Alliance's Climate Week initiatives throughout Africa.
The Partnership Manager at Green Growth Africa, Precious Oparanozie, established the policy direction, emphasizing that Nigeria's 35.1 million people with disabilities must be integrated into the Energy Transition Plan. She cautioned that excluding them would jeopardize national prosperity.
"The economic argument is evident: by excluding the estimated 35.1 million people with disabilities in Nigeria from engaging in the green economy, we are not only letting them down, but also undermining our country's prospects for sustainable growth and wealth," Oparanozie stated.
During her keynote speech, Audu Amina, the founder of the Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative, highlighted obstacles preventing young people with disabilities from accessing the sector. She pointed out that unavailable information, exclusionary training facilities, insufficient financial support, lack of guidance, and inadequate policy structures still leave many marginalized.
She stated, "Many young people have not entered the green economy due to lack of access to information, non-inclusive training centers, limited funding and mentorship opportunities, and green policies that fail to include persons with disabilities. Young PWDs are capable of providing solutions, and green businesses and civil society organizations should offer them training, guidance, and employment."
A top-level discussion panel titled "Inclusive Pathways into the Green Economy" brought together prominent figures in renewable energy, recycling, and environmental sustainability. The participants were Founder of Ashdam Solar, Damilola Asaleye; Co-founder of Atunlo, Anita Odiete; Founder of Waste Museum, Olowookere; Disability Rights Advocate and Businessperson, Yusuf Olatunji; and Executive Director of Youth Movement for SDGs, Ojuoluwa Oluwatobiloba.
They exchanged personal experiences and described accessible opportunities within the industry, demonstrating how people with disabilities can succeed in solar power, waste disposal, eco-friendly farming, and artistic recycling.
Attendees also engaged in informal discussions and exhibition-style meetings with recyclers, upcyclers, solar technicians, and eco-farmers, receiving firsthand insight into equipment, education opportunities, and job prospects.
Ensuring complete involvement was a central aspect of the event's planning, featuring wheelchair-accessible amenities and sign language translation services.
The leader of GreenAbility and a young individual with a disability, Anuoluwapo Ogunrinu, stated that the workshop had a significant impact on many participants.
"Many participants experienced this as their initial exposure to the idea of green jobs. As someone who also faces these challenges, I understand the hope and motivation that arises from realizing we, too, can play a role in Nigeria's green economy, no matter our disabilities," she stated.
Attendees showed eagerness to keep exploring the GreenAbility Community, an emerging EcoSmart Club initiative aimed at empowering young individuals with disabilities in climate initiatives, sustainable employment, and promoting an equitable shift towards environmental consciousness.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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