Young Nigerians passionate about climate action, environmental justice, and civic engagement have an opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills through the EMAT Youth Advocates Training. The initiative, organized by the Dataphyte Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), is calling for applications from eligible youth across Nigeria.
The one-day virtual training aims to equip 20 selected participants with practical knowledge on methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, while introducing them to innovative tools that support environmental accountability and impactful community storytelling. The programme seeks to empower a new generation of climate advocates capable of driving awareness and accountability around methane emissions and environmental governance.
Applications are open for eligible Nigerians, with the deadline set for Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Training Focuses on Methane Emissions Accountability
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, making effective monitoring and accountability increasingly important in global environmental governance. Through the EMAT Youth Advocates Training, participants will gain an understanding of methane emissions within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and explore practical approaches to monitoring environmental impacts.
A central component of the programme is the Emissions Monitoring and Accountability Tool (EMAT), a digital resource designed to improve transparency and support evidence-based environmental advocacy. Participants will also learn how to translate technical environmental information into compelling community stories that promote public awareness and encourage accountability.
The training combines environmental education, digital tools, and storytelling techniques to prepare participants to become effective advocates within their communities.
Benefits for Selected Participants
Twenty successful applicants will receive a range of learning resources and networking opportunities designed to enhance their advocacy and communication skills.
Selected participants will benefit from:
- A Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the training.
- Comprehensive training on methane emissions accountability.
- Access to the Community Storytelling Toolkit.
- Video tutorials demonstrating how to effectively use the Emissions Monitoring and Accountability Tool (EMAT).
- Networking opportunities with journalists, climate advocates, civil society organizations, and environmental professionals.
These resources are intended to support participants beyond the training session, enabling them to continue climate advocacy and community engagement initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open to young Nigerians who demonstrate an interest in climate advocacy and environmental accountability.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a Nigerian citizen.
- Have an interest in climate change, environmental justice, civic accountability, journalism, or digital storytelling.
- Have reliable internet access to participate in the virtual training.
- Be available for the entire online training session.
- Commit to producing at least one advocacy or storytelling output after completing the programme.
The organizers also welcome applicants from diverse professional and educational backgrounds, including students, journalists, media practitioners, civil society workers, and community volunteers.
Application Information Required
Interested applicants should be prepared to provide detailed personal and professional information during the application process.
The application form requests information including:
- Full name and contact details.
- Gender and age.
- State of residence.
- Local Government Area (LGA).
- Community or town.
- Current occupation or educational status.
- Organization or institution affiliation, where applicable.
- Whether the applicant has ties to an oil- or gas-producing community.
- Previous experience in advocacy, journalism, community engagement, or environmental activities.
Applicants will also be asked to submit short written responses explaining:
- Why they wish to participate in the EMAT Youth Advocates Training.
- How they intend to apply the knowledge gained within their communities.
- An environmental or climate-related challenge affecting their local community.
These responses allow organizers to assess applicants’ motivation, community engagement potential, and commitment to climate advocacy.
Commitment After Training
Participants selected for the programme are expected to actively apply the skills acquired during the training. Each participant must be willing to develop and publish at least one advocacy or storytelling product after completing the programme.
This requirement ensures that the knowledge gained contributes directly to increased public awareness, improved environmental accountability, and stronger community engagement around methane emissions and broader climate issues.
Supporting Youth Leadership in Climate Action
The EMAT Youth Advocates Training reflects growing efforts to empower young people to participate meaningfully in climate governance and environmental accountability. By combining technical knowledge with storytelling and digital advocacy, the programme seeks to strengthen youth leadership while promoting informed public discourse on environmental challenges.
The collaboration between Dataphyte Foundation, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, and the Natural Resource Governance Institute demonstrates a shared commitment to building a network of informed youth advocates capable of influencing positive environmental change across Nigeria.
Young Nigerians with a passion for climate justice, civic participation, journalism, or environmental storytelling are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their advocacy skills while contributing to more transparent and accountable environmental governance.
Application Deadline
Applications for the EMAT Youth Advocates Training close on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the organizers for the next stage of the selection process.
