One of the Community Resource Persons (CRPs) of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) has been named the winner of the 2022 Youth Spotlight Award, instituted to recognise young individuals that positively impact the environment through community projects.
Mr Aliyu Sadiq received the award during the event convened by Oxfam Nigeria and the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network (NGYouthSDGs) in commemoration of the 2022 International Youth Day in Abuja.
International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to bring youth issues to the forefront and celebrate young people’s voices, actions, initiatives, and meaningful and equitable engagement.
The Program Assistant at the Nigeria Youths SDGs Network, Diezani Ototo, described the award as a spotlight set to celebrate ten (10) outstanding young people leading social impact and advancing Sustainable Development Goals at the local and national levels.
“The Youth Spotlight Awards received over 400 nominations from individuals and youth organisations across Nigeria. The recipients were officially unveiled and celebrated for their effort in leading change for a sustainable future at the International Youth Day event in Abuja, Nigeria,” she said.
Aliyu Sadiq is a climate activist, environmentalist and social entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Ecocykle, a project assistant at the African Environmental Awareness Initiative, and a Community Resource Person for CSDevNet and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).
With over three years of experience in development, Aliyu has focused immensely on environmental and climate justice advocacy, waste management solutions, and empowerment initiatives for youth and women. He recently emerged winner of the 2022 African Youth for Environment Fellowship.
Expressing his delight, Aliyu said the award was an affirmation that hard work and impact speak for themselves.
“I am grateful to Oxfam Nigeria and the Nigerian Youth SDGs for recognising my efforts in promoting a more sustainable environment,” he added.
“I wish to use this medium to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues at Ecocykle, as well as the support team of CSDevNet, especially the CRPs and YDAs and all other partners who have been extremely encouraging thus far,” Aliyu said.
“With this award, I am motivated to do more towards ensuring that the SDGs are achieved,” he concluded.