By Eyo Nsima

Nigerians have started an agenda for Nigeria’s next President on climate as the nation moves towards its 2023 elections.

The agenda is set through a National Essay Competition organized by the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Ebonyi State University.

The competition, which is for young adults between the ages 16 – 35, has ‘Climate Change and Nigeria’s Economic Development: A Letter to Mr. President’ as its theme.

In a brief obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, the Centre disclosed that the ongoing competitor will end on December 22, 2022, stressing, “Second Edition of CCCD AE-FUNAI Climate Change Essay Competition is ongoing. Climate Change and Nigeria’s Economic Development: A Letter to Mr. Incoming President. 11th Nov. – 22nd Dec. 2022.”

It also stated that, “The Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCD) is dynamic research think-thank based at the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AEFUNAI) Nigeria.

“The Centre for Climate Change and Development at AFEFUNAI is intended to become a world-class think tank and the leading centre of innovative learning, research, and policy guidance in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate change and green development in Nigeria and Africa more broadly.

“Lead by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke (www.chukwumerije.com), a globally recognized leading scholar on climate governance and international development, CCD is focused on providing research analysis consultancy services, trainings, advocacy, stakeholder, and policy engagement of the highest international quality.

“The Centre operates on the mandate to cultivate local knowledge, build capacities, and raise the quality of research done by Nigerian think-thanks to international standards. The Center works to bring Nigerian academics, governments, NGOs, and private sector entities together in partnerships to address the nation’s key environmental and developmental challenges. The Centre also aims to facilitate a genuine and solid relationship among international and African academics particularly, with a view to better understanding the complex challenges and opportunities related to addressing poverty and inequality in Africa through the lens of the green economy.

“CCD has an interdisciplinary focus and approach with emphasis on four focal areas: Climate Policy and Justice, The Green Economy and Sustainable Development, Climate Adaptation and Resilience, and Climate Information Services. The Centre provides a unique interface between science, management, humanities, and technology vital for cutting-edge research for is needed for an in-depth understanding of, and response to the challenges of energy, climate change and sustainable development.  The Centre brings together leading researchers from different disciplines across the university and provides a home for relevant research conducted in different faculties and departments across AEFUNAI.  We also have an extensive network of collaborators, partners, and fellows from other universities, governments, civil society, and industry.”