More than 80 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been trained on how to harness digital platforms to promote wildlife conservation and elephant protection throughout Nigeria.
The training, held at the Karu Secretariat in Nasarawa State and hosted by the Abundance of Hope Initiative (AHI) in partnership with EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability (Endvocas) on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is a youth-focused initiative that is aimed at amplifying environmental advocacy across global audiences.
Additionally, it is intended to advance a growing movement among young Nigerians to support global wildlife protection by combining technology, environmental awareness, and grassroots action.
One of the event’s facilitators, Nsikak Ekere, Youth Ambassador with the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation, and Programme Officer at Endvocas, introduced the NYSC members to modern digital tools and strategies for increasing visibility of environmental campaigns on international platforms.
He encouraged them to deploy social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to amplify conversations around elephant protection and conservation.
“Digital storytelling has the power to transform how people see wildlife and conservation,” he told participants, urging them to create compelling content capable of attracting global attention to the causes of environmental degradation.
Beyond digital advocacy, Ekere also highlighted the role of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in shaping environmental policies and outlined emerging opportunities within the green economy.
The youth ambassador tasked the participants to explore career paths in sustainability, climate action and environmental protection, underscoring the significance of media on wildlife awareness.
Ekere referenced international popular animated films like Madagascar, Rio and The Lion King to emphasise the importance of animal protection and help to foster affection for wildlife and indirectly boosted tourism.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Taiye Sasona, Executive Director of AHI, characterised the training as a “purpose-driven effort” aimed at preparing upcoming environmental professionals for chances within the quickly changing green industry.
Participants testified that the exercise broadened their understanding of global climate action and wildlife conservation.
“It was an eye-opener,” said Ms. Benny, one of the corp members who attended the training. “I learned new perspectives on international climate action and how digital platforms can support wildlife protection.”
In keeping with the programme’s environmental commitment, the organisers also revealed intentions to work with corps members to improve local conservation efforts by planting 70 trees and flowers around a recently built facility inside the Karu Secretariat.
By Nsikak Ekere, Abuja