Niger teens go online and door-to-door in 'Eco Eid' campaign to reduce deforestation
Every year the Tabaski event involves the mass grilling of sheep, which in the capital city Niamey alone typically requires nearly 50,000 tonnes of wood - or the felling of about 25,000 trees [1]. Falling this year right after World Environment Day on 5 June, preparations for the event have contributed to Niger's ongoing deforestation and desertification, with the country losing more than 100,000 hectares of arable land each year. The annual grilling also leads to major air pollution issues.
A group of teenagers and young adults in Niger have recruited influencers, comedians and gone online as part of a national campaign to reduce the number of felled trees burned during the Tabaski celebration, also known as Eid al-Adha.
Every year the Tabaski event involves the mass grilling of sheep, which in the capital city Niamey alone typically requires nearly 50,000 tonnes of wood - or the felling of about 25,000 trees [1]. Falling this year right after World Environment Day on 5 June, preparations for the event have contributed to Niger's ongoing deforestation and desertification, with the country losing more than 100,000 hectares of arable land each year. The annual grilling also leads to major air pollution issues.
To combat this devastation, a group of young activists, supported by Save the Children, has launched the "Tabaski Ecolo" - or 'Eco Eid' - campaign to promote the use of alternative energy sources to grill the celebratory food. These include the use of mineral charcoal, as well as encouraging tree planting, throughout the holiday period.
The campaign also includes awareness-raising activities of the impact of deforestation the benefits of green energy sources, and a competition for the best ecological photo.
Jafar, 17, a climate change activist who is part of the Tabaski Ecolo campaign, said:
' Sometimes people tell me that climate change isn't a priority for them, or that it's nobody's business, that it's the business of the rich countries. That surprises me, because its effects are already being felt here - extreme heat, flooding and food insecurity. The climate is everyone's business.
'It is possible to celebrate our traditions while protecting our planet, reducing waste and taking care of our city. I like the idea of contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world, even during key moments for us like Tabaski.'
The "Tabaski Ecolo' campaign was launched in 2017 by a national association of young volunteers for environment before Save the Children invested in the campaigners and the programme to increase its scope. In 2024, nearly 3,700 people were reached directly with different messages on the impact of climate change and pollution, and about 1,000 mango, moringa and lemon tree seedlings were distributed to communities to combat desertification.
This year, the campaign is expanding online, with the involvement of local influencers, comedians, journalists and musicians amplifying the sustainability messages.
A 'caravan', led by child activists supported by Save the Children, is also travelling door-to-door in Niamey to talk to people about how to achieve an ecological Tabaski, and inviting them to plant a tree for each sheep sacrificed.
Rahinatou, 18, who is actively involved in the "Tabaski Ecolo" campaign, said:
'During discussions with the people I met during the campaign, and even during the evaluation of the campaign, some of them told me that climate change doesn't affect them, so they don't worry about it, and others told me that 'it's God's will'.
'But I can see that people's behaviour is changing, and I can say that the campaign contributed to it. A lot of people are now making an effort to protect the environment. In my neighbourhood, most people grill with organic charcoal.'
Niger is one of the countries most affected by climate change. It is the largest country in West Africa, with two-thirds of the landlocked nation covered in desert and losing a significant amount of arable land each year [2]. Agriculture provides a living for 80% of the Nigerien population and contributes to 40% of the country's GDP [3].
Save the Children's Country Director for Niger, Oumarou Anda, said:
"Young people have a critical role to play in raising awareness about climate change, environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Even though they are not the cause of the problems, they are more vulnerable to the impact of the problems they know little or nothing about. With the 'Tabaski Ecolo' campaign, we hope to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and promote a more sustainable future for Niger."
Save the Children has been working in Niger since 2005 covering five regions - Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Tillaberi, and urban Niamey - and providing interventions on child protection, health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods, education, water, and sanitation. Our priority remains the delivery of quality services adapted to vulnerable people and children who need them the most.
[1] https://www.anp.ne/niamey-pres-de-50-000-t-de-bois-partent-en-fumee-dans-les-grillades-de-tabaski/
[2] https://dicf.unepgrid.ch/niger
[3] World Bank
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Niger teens go online and door-to-door in 'Eco Eid' campaign to reduce deforestation
Every year the Tabaski event involves the mass grilling of sheep, which in the capital city Niamey alone typically requires nearly 50,000 tonnes of wood - or the felling of about 25,000 trees [1]. Falling this year right after World Environment Day on 5 June, preparations for the event have contributed to Niger's ongoing deforestation and desertification, with the country losing more than 100,000 hectares of arable land each year. The annual grilling also leads to major air pollution issues. A group of teenagers and young adults in Niger have recruited influencers, comedians and gone online as part of a national campaign to reduce the number of felled trees burned during the Tabaski celebration, also known as Eid al-Adha. Every year the Tabaski event involves the mass grilling of sheep, which in the capital city Niamey alone typically requires nearly 50,000 tonnes of wood - or the felling of about 25,000 trees [1]. Falling this year right after World Environment Day on 5 June, preparations for the event have contributed to Niger's ongoing deforestation and desertification, with the country losing more than 100,000 hectares of arable land each year. The annual grilling also leads to major air pollution issues. To combat this devastation, a group of young activists, supported by Save the Children, has launched the "Tabaski Ecolo" - or 'Eco Eid' - campaign to promote the use of alternative energy sources to grill the celebratory food. These include the use of mineral charcoal, as well as encouraging tree planting, throughout the holiday period. The campaign also includes awareness-raising activities of the impact of deforestation the benefits of green energy sources, and a competition for the best ecological photo. Jafar, 17, a climate change activist who is part of the Tabaski Ecolo campaign, said: ' Sometimes people tell me that climate change isn't a priority for them, or that it's nobody's business, that it's the business of the rich countries. That surprises me, because its effects are already being felt here - extreme heat, flooding and food insecurity. The climate is everyone's business. 'It is possible to celebrate our traditions while protecting our planet, reducing waste and taking care of our city. I like the idea of contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world, even during key moments for us like Tabaski.' The "Tabaski Ecolo' campaign was launched in 2017 by a national association of young volunteers for environment before Save the Children invested in the campaigners and the programme to increase its scope. In 2024, nearly 3,700 people were reached directly with different messages on the impact of climate change and pollution, and about 1,000 mango, moringa and lemon tree seedlings were distributed to communities to combat desertification. This year, the campaign is expanding online, with the involvement of local influencers, comedians, journalists and musicians amplifying the sustainability messages. A 'caravan', led by child activists supported by Save the Children, is also travelling door-to-door in Niamey to talk to people about how to achieve an ecological Tabaski, and inviting them to plant a tree for each sheep sacrificed. Rahinatou, 18, who is actively involved in the "Tabaski Ecolo" campaign, said: 'During discussions with the people I met during the campaign, and even during the evaluation of the campaign, some of them told me that climate change doesn't affect them, so they don't worry about it, and others told me that 'it's God's will'. 'But I can see that people's behaviour is changing, and I can say that the campaign contributed to it. A lot of people are now making an effort to protect the environment. In my neighbourhood, most people grill with organic charcoal.' Niger is one of the countries most affected by climate change. It is the largest country in West Africa, with two-thirds of the landlocked nation covered in desert and losing a significant amount of arable land each year [2]. Agriculture provides a living for 80% of the Nigerien population and contributes to 40% of the country's GDP [3]. Save the Children's Country Director for Niger, Oumarou Anda, said: "Young people have a critical role to play in raising awareness about climate change, environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Even though they are not the cause of the problems, they are more vulnerable to the impact of the problems they know little or nothing about. With the 'Tabaski Ecolo' campaign, we hope to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and promote a more sustainable future for Niger." Save the Children has been working in Niger since 2005 covering five regions - Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Tillaberi, and urban Niamey - and providing interventions on child protection, health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods, education, water, and sanitation. Our priority remains the delivery of quality services adapted to vulnerable people and children who need them the most. [1] [2] [3] World Bank Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Zawya
Gov Bago inaugurates two primary healthcare facilities in Niger
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated 20 Level 2 Primary Healthcare facilities across 16 Local Government areas. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago who performed the inauguration in Minna, explained that the 20 level 2 Primary Healthcare Centres are for the phase 1, adding that the State government intends to build 100,hence, 40 more will be constructed in the upcoming months, assuring that the projects are sustainable considering the huge amount available in the Healthcare Development fund. The Governor said the completion of the projects mark a significant milestone in the quest of his administration to transform the State,and announced a monthly price of N5 million to any of the facilities that would keep to high level of maintenance and best customer friendly service delivery. He thereby announced that the Primary Healthcare facility in Maitumbi will be named after the late Hajiya Zainab Yakubu Garba,the one at Peter Sarki road, after the late Peter Sarki while the one in Anguwan Daji will be named after his wife Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago. The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, described the projects as landmark achievements with an exceptional standard set for level 2 Primary Healthcare. The Deputy National Coordinator and Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of NG-CARES, Abubakar Atiku Musa, said the level 2 healthcare centres in Niger State are distinctive, hence, they will be adopted in NG-CARES 2.0. The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo who doubles as the Chairman steering committee of the NG-Cares, Mustapha Ndajiwo,explained that the project which is under the NG-Cares and implemented through the Community and Social Development Agency CSDA, aligns with the New Niger agenda of prioritising access to quality healthcare in communities for healthier, stronger and more productive State. He said the commitment of the farmer Governor to delivering meaningful projects where it matters most at the community level has placed Niger State high nationally in the NG-CARES performance ranking. The General Manager of the CSDA, Aisha Abdulkadir, said the successful execution of the projects reflects what collective efforts can achieve and appreciated the farmer Governor as well as all those who contributed to the success of the projects. She explained that the family of late Sen. Idris Kuta whom the Primary Healthcare was named after has pledged to announce the sponsoring of 100 members of the community to benefit from the Niger State Health Contributory Scheme (NiCARE) In their separate remarks, the Niger State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phalalu Bako and the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, commended the Governor's commitment to providing quality healthcare facilities, and urged all relevant stakeholders including the benefiting communities to maintain the facilities to ensure sustainability. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Zawya
Global South Health Leaders Unite at World Health Assembly (WHA) to Make Child Survival a Global Priority
Ministers of Health and their representatives from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia gathered on the margins of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) to reaffirm their leadership on child survival and advance integrated strategies to reach more children with life-saving care. The high-level ministerial roundtable, titled 'Integrating Child Survival Delivery Strategies to Maximize Effectiveness and Save Lives', was co-hosted by the Ministry of Health of Mali ( the Centre for Vaccine Development–Mali (CVD-Mali) ( and the REACH Network ( It convened Ministers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, and Niger, with representation from Burkina Faso, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Senegal. 'This moment is about action,' said Colonel Dr. Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Affairs of Mali. ' The cause could not be more important or more urgent. Millions of African children continue to die every year from causes we can prevent. This must stir us to action – through leadership, solidarity, and the courage to do things differently. 'National leadership, regional collaboration and integration of programmes for child survival can have a lasting, equitable and profound impact. We owe the children of Africa no less. ' Professor Samba Sow, REACH co-chair and CVD-Mali Director added: ' We are witnessing a growing movement of African-led solutions, rooted in equity, evidence, and national ownership. The countries represented at this event are leading the way in proving that integrating the delivery of child survival interventions is cost-effective and, crucially, that it works.' In the context of shrinking donor funding and rising health needs, the ministers reiterated the urgent need to integrate the delivery of life-saving interventions such as immunization, nutrition, and azithromycin administration into aligned national strategies. Discussions highlighted the importance of breaking silos and building coordinated platforms that serve children and families more effectively. Representatives from global partners, including UNICEF, PMNCH, ITI, WHO, Uniting to Combat NTDs, PANTHER, and Save the Children also took part in the discussion. They shared insights on the critical role of cross-border collaboration, noting that countries across the region face similar challenges and opportunities. They also emphasized that progress requires a multisectoral approach, linking health delivery to enabling factors such as energy access, WASH, and infrastructure. The event concluded with a shared commitment from ministers and partners to continue dialogue on integrating child survival, maternal, and neonatal interventions. Participants agreed to coordinate follow-up discussions aimed at identifying in-country roadblocks and exploring opportunities for cross-country collaboration to track progress, scale innovations, and elevate child survival as a global health priority. The ministerial gathering affirmed that child survival must be driven by countries – not projects. Integration of interventions and services is highly effective but must also be aligned with functional systems. This requires collaboration across borders and sectors (including WASH, energy, and infrastructure) as well as accountability and transparency. These are the non-negotiables if every child in need is to be reached. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of REACH Network. Media Contact: REACH Network Secretariat info@ About REACH: The REACH Network (Resiliency through Azithromycin for Child Survival) is a regional and international collaboration dedicated to reducing child mortality through the mass administration of azithromycin. By uniting researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals, REACH aims to implement effective, evidence-based interventions to improve child survival rates, particularly in high-mortality settings. REACH's mission is to decrease under-five mortality by integrating azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) into national health strategies. The network envisions a future where preventable child deaths are significantly reduced through coordinated, scalable, and sustainable public health interventions. In October 2024, the REACH Network Co-chairs, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria, Muhammad Ali Pate, and Professor Samba Sow, former Minister of Health of Mali, formally signed the Abuja Declaration on REACH for Child Survival ( marking a pivotal commitment to reduce child mortality across Africa.
