“In the face of challenges, I always remembered that, strength lies not in physical power but in the courage to stand up for what is right."
Ifebuchechukwu Francisca Edeh was born and raised in Enugu State, Nigeria. Francisca, a graduate of Home Science and management (Hospitality) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has always felt a deep connection to her community and the environment. Her passion for climate justice was ignited by the frequent clashes between farmers and herders in her state, a consequence of environmental degradation. These conflicts, driven by herders migrating in search of greener pastures and grazing on farmlands, led to devastating losses – lives, properties, and agricultural products – leaving communities like Isiuzo and Uzo-Uwani in turmoil and facing food insecurity.
Determined to make a change, Francisca embarked on a journey to raise awareness about climate change. With a bright smile and a heart full of hope, she started training young people, aged 9 to 30, on the importance of tree planting and proper waste management. "Every tree we plant is a step towards a better future," she would tell the eager children, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
Francisca was one of the participants in ActionAid Nigeria’s Digital Bootcamp 2.0, which aimed to strengthen the capacity of young people in the fundamentals of digital advocacy and the use of technology to drive social change. Through the boot camp, participants learned about leveraging digital platforms for effective advocacy, building online campaigns and fostering community engagement, further equipping Francisca as a social change advocate. Reflecting on her experience, Francisca shared that, “The technical skills and knowledge I gained have been instrumental in shaping my advocacy journey, and since then, I have been more motivated.”
During her National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) - a one-year mandatory national service for university graduates in Nigeria - in Nasarawa State, which began after the boot camp, Francisca devoted herself to working with other young people in Nasarawa State and Abuja to continue her advocacy for climate change. She went from school to school, sensitising young people about the impact climate change has on society and emphasizing a collective responsibility to combat it by investing in planting trees. As part of her activism, Francisca joined the Nyanya branch of the Activista movement, an ActionAid initiative involving young people working to make Nigeria better. Through this movement, she saw many positive outcomes, including increased community engagement and more youth taking active roles in climate advocacy.
“In the face of challenges, I always remembered that, strength lies not in physical power but in the courage to stand up for what is right" She said.
In addition to her environmental efforts, Francisca mentors' teenagers in the development of “Art Edifice Projects,” encouraging them to transform plastic waste into beautiful artworks, "Art has the power to inspire and bring about change," she often says, as she helps teenagers craft their masterpieces.
Francisca also educates young people in agroecology, aiming to end poverty and ensure food security. She is committed to promoting climate justice across Nigeria and beyond, working tirelessly to bridge gaps among various interfaith, interstate, and inter-ethnic groups. Currently, Francisca is a volunteer lead with SCAAD initiatives.
Francisca’s journey shows the power of grassroots activism, and the impact one individual can have on their community. She remains optimistic and dedicated, believing that a brighter, greener future is possible for all with collective effort. Her story is not just about fighting for environmental awareness and climate justice, but also about overcoming gender barriers and empowering the next generation of change-makers in Nigeria and beyond.
