Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
Students at the Womanhood School of Health Science and Technology in Kaduna have showcased traditional dance as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
This was done during the annual cultural dance day of the school with the theme: “Communicating the Impact of Climate Change Through Art and Dance.”
Director of the school, Mr. Nurudeen Bello, who also serves as Director of African Climate Reporters emphasized that culture can play a critical role in raising awareness about the effects of climate change, especially on indigenous communities.
He explained that students were encouraged to perform traditional dances from their various ethnic backgrounds.
According to him, these performances told stories of resilience and the changing environment, with a focus on how climate change is threatening indigenous livelihoods, particularly those of women living in forested regions.
“We invited students to showcase their cultural dances and raise awareness about how climate change is affecting indigenous communities,
“Dance isn’t just entertainment; it’s storytelling, and through it, we can advocate for climate justice.” he said.
He called on government agencies, environmental stakeholders, and local communities to step up efforts to protect biodiversity and the lives of indigenous people.
The school’s Provost and Head of Environmental Studies, Mallam Hadi Abdullahi, noted that the cultural dance day has been a long-standing tradition, aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural and ecological diversity.
Environmental experts and geologists from African Climate Reporters were also present at the event.
They praised the initiative and stressed that similar efforts in schools across the country are vital for public education and inspiring climate action.
They warned that climate change is driving widespread human and animal migration across Africa, as rising temperatures, drought, and environmental degradation continue to displace vulnerable communities.
The experts called for urgent and unified action across all sectors of society to address the crisis and protect ecosystems.
Daniel Karlmax
