The Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Minna has honoured outstanding students who emerged winners of the 2026 Youth Sustainability Quiz Challenge, with a call on young Nigerians to champion climate action and environmental sustainability.
The award ceremony, held at the Women Multipurpose Hall Minna, had as its theme: “Nowhere to Run: Nigeria’s Climate and Environmental Crisis.”
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of RCE Minna, Ibrahim Akibu Ja’afaru, welcomed participants and highlighted the journey of the organisation in promoting sustainable development through education and youth engagement.
In a keynote address titled “Making Nigeria Work for All: The Purpose Behind the Challenge,” the Chairman of the RCE Minna Board of Trustees, Dr. Abdul Husaini (NPOM), said the competition was designed to encourage young people to develop practical solutions to climate and environmental challenges confronting the country.
The event also featured goodwill messages from local and international stakeholders in environmental sustainability, including UNESCO Chair at York University, Canada, Professor Charles Hopkins, RCE Regional Adviser for Africa, Professor Akpezi, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and RCE Zaria representative, Professor Adamu Ahmed, Pioneer Chairman of the RCE Minna Board of Trustees, Professor M. T. Usman, and the National President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Dr. Ebegbidiki Okobia.
A special goodwill message to the winners was delivered by Dr. Sadiq S. Abdullahi of Bilaad Development Trust, while Mr. Sony Otache of Crusader Radio also addressed the gathering.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates, cash prizes and recognition awards to winners of the 2026 Youth Sustainability Quiz Challenge.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Okafor Mary Chichebem expressed appreciation to the organisers for providing a platform that promotes environmental awareness and academic excellence among young people.
The awardees were later dedicated and prayed for by Dr. Francis Gana who urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to environmental stewardship and community service.
Other recipients includes Ahmed Tijjani Aminu
Abubakar Sudais Fodio, Raqib Ibrahim, Aaron kolo,Aliyu Umar Mohammed, Emmanuel yakubu, Hamida Abiodun oke, Ibrahim Musharraf and Fawziyyah Muhammad
In his vote of thanks the Youth Coordinator of RCE Minna Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker, guests, partners, sponsors, teachers, parents and participants for contributing to the success of the 2026 Youth Sustainability Quiz Challenge.
Yusuf said the overwhelming support demonstrated a shared commitment to raising a generation of environmentally conscious young Nigerians.
He particularly commended the contestants for their impressive performance and encouraged them to remain ambassadors of environmental sustainability by putting into practice the knowledge acquired through the competition.
The Youth Coordinator also reaffirmed RCE Minna’s commitment to promoting education for sustainable development and empowering young people to provide solutions to climate and environmental challenges facing the country.
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Education