By Nnasom David

A quiet but powerful transformation unfolded in Abuja’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps this December, as 150 young people assumed new roles as Eco-Champions, driving health, climate action, and environmental stewardship in their communities.
From 19th to 21st December, the Youth for One Health Project, led by public health professional and SDG Ambassador Godwin Onaolapo Lasisi, engaged youths across New Kuchingoro, Karamonjigi, and Durumi Area 1 IDP camps.

The initiative, funded by SOS Children’s Villages – EcoChampions Initiative, and supported by UNODC Nigeria, UNICEF Generation Unlimited 9ja, CASS Educational Foundation, the FCTA Department of Public Health, the UNESCO Nigeria Youth Network, and Theirworld, employed a One Health approach linking human health, environmental protection, biodiversity, and climate action.

Over three days, participants took part in eco-literacy and health education workshops, creative arts for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), plastic recycling into eco-art, tree planting, and youth leadership development. Pre- and post-assessments revealed a 45% increase in participants’ knowledge of climate, health, and environmental issues.

The results were tangible: 100 kilograms of plastic bottles were collected and transformed into eco-art highlighting endangered species; 150 climate-action murals were co-painted across the camps, promoting clean water, waste reduction, and environmental awareness; nine fruit trees were planted and adopted by the youths; and 13 youth volunteer leaders were mobilized to sustain activities through newly formed Eco-Clubs in each camp.

Beyond the numbers, the program empowered displaced young people with confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of ownership over their environment and health, with their experiences captured in a documentary.

“This project demonstrates that when young people are equipped with knowledge, creativity, and leadership opportunities, they become agents of resilience,” said Godwin Lasisi.

The Youth for One Health Project builds on earlier initiatives under the Interfaith Alliance for SDG Action Plan (IASAP) and the Youth for One Health framework, which have already engaged over 20,000 students in Nigeria through SDG Clubs in secondary schools. This new intervention extends the model into humanitarian settings, proving that SDG education, climate action, and public health leadership can thrive even in displacement.
As Nigeria continues to face challenges related to climate change, urban displacement, and public health, initiatives like Youth for One Health highlight the power of youth-led solutions and offer a replicable model for healthier, more resilient communities.