Abubakar Abdulmusawwir

We create green jobs for vulnerable youth, tackle the challenges of climate change and empower conflict-affected communities in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria, a region grappling with insecurity, Boko Haram terrorist attacks, poverty, and environmental issues. Through my initiative, Make Yobe Green and Safe (MYGS), we spread green education, established plastic waste collection/recycling centers in conflict affected communities, teach the vulnerable and economically disadvantaged people plastic recycling and create green jobs that help prevent youth radicalization and discourage them from joining Boko Haram or other criminal groups. I hired and trained 65 plastic waste collectors/recyclers, educated 7,300 students and community members on recycling and environmental awareness, planted 1,220 trees, and established 18 environmental clubs in local schools.

In just one year, over 70 tons of plastic waste was collected, this reduced environmental hazards, youth vulnerability to terrorist recruitment, created green jobs and improved cleanliness.