EcoSmart Club has trained about 50 young persons with disabilities on climate disaster preparedness under Phase Two of its GreenAbility initiative as part of efforts to promote inclusive climate action in Nigeria.
In a statement, the organisation said the two-day training, held last month, aimed to educate participants on the growing impact of climate change and the need for inclusive disaster response strategies.
The initiative received support from the One Million Youth Action Challenge, launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and coordinated by the International Secretariat for Water.
Speaking at the workshop, the GreenAbility Project Lead, Anuoluwapo Ogunrinu, said the programme created a platform for PWDs to build capacity and take on leadership roles in climate action.
“I am proud that this workshop is creating a platform where young persons with disabilities can gain knowledge on how to prepare for climate disasters like floods and heatwaves while also understanding their role as leaders shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future,” Ogunrinu said.
Participants took part in interactive sessions that examined climate-related disasters in Nigeria and highlighted the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including inaccessible communication systems, barriers to evacuation, and limited inclusion in emergency planning.
To enhance practical preparedness, organisers distributed customised emergency kits containing first aid supplies and other safety tools tailored to participants’ needs.
A disaster risk reduction expert, Kolawole Amusat, led a session on climate disasters in Nigeria, where he provided insights into their patterns and impact.
Also speaking, an official of the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency, Kazeem Olanrewaju, stressed the importance of inclusive planning in disaster management.
“Inclusive disaster preparedness is not optional; it is a necessity. When we plan for persons with disabilities, we build a system that works for everyone,” Olanrewaju said.
The programme also introduced a peer mentoring model designed to enable participants to cascade the knowledge gained to others in their communities.
EcoSmart Club said the approach would boost awareness and strengthen community resilience in Oyo State, particularly among those unable to attend the training.
The organisation added that the GreenAbility project reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in climate action efforts aimed at building safer and more resilient communities.
Arinze Nwafor is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s economy, industry, data, metro, and judiciary. He focuses on highlighting growth, policy, and market challenges shaping Africa’s largest economy. Arinze’s reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, informative, and audience-focused journalism.
