The Foundation convenes on Nigeria's most pressing civic questions — from democracy and governance to gender justice and climate resilience.
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre
On November 5, 2025, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, with support from the Ford Foundation, hosted Still, We Rise: 65 Years of Becoming to commemorate Ford Foundation West Africa at 65. The soirée combined poetry, satire, and debate to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, social justice, and Ford Foundation’s enduring contributions.
In partnership with Clean Technology Hub, the Foundation hosted a Climate Youth Summit on June 4, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. Held in celebration of World Environment Day, the event convened over 400 participants, including senior secondary school students, university undergraduates, and youth corps members, for a day of mentorship, innovation showcases, and expert-led sessions. The summit sought to build the capacity of young Nigerians to lead on climate action, offering practical tools, networks, and inspiration to launch green initiatives and explore careers in the climate and sustainability sectors.
In collaboration with the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) and with support from the Ford Foundation, the Yar’Adua Foundation hosted a youth workshop on Building Youth Capacity for Country Platforms and Climate Finance in Nigeria’s Energy Transition on April 28 – 29, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. The event explored the role of youth in Nigeria’s just energy transition, with sessions on climate finance, advocacy, and global experiences. It aimed to build knowledge, foster networks, and empower young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in national planning and climate governance. The workshop concluded with a co-created youth-led roadmap outlining key barriers, opportunities, and recommendations for stronger youth inclusion in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, FCT Abuja
In anticipation of COP 29, the Yar’Adua Foundation, in collaboration with Green Energy Mission Africa, Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and with support from the Ford Foundation, hosted the Pre-COP 29 Workshop for Nigerian Youth Delegates at the Yar’Adua Centre. This impactful event provided an invaluable opportunity for young Nigerian delegates preparing to attend COP 29, equipping them with essential knowledge of the climate ecosystem and strategies for effective engagement at COP. Keynote remarks from prominent voices, including Dr. Peter Tarfa, a member of the African Group of Negotiators, and Professor Magnus Onuoha from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance, offered participants a deep dive into best practices and insights critical to navigating the complexities of COP negotiations. Engaging workshops also introduced participants to new initiatives like the Country Platform, aimed at broadening their understanding and shaping their perspectives as they approach COP 29. This workshop underscored the importance of youth engagement in climate action and their role in driving sustainable change on a global scale.
The Yar’Adua Foundation, in collaboration with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and with support from the Ford Foundation, hosted a roundtable in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. “Shaping an Inclusive Energy Transition in the Niger Delta”, brought together community leaders from across the Niger Delta, along with stakeholders from academia, civil society, and government. The roundtable highlighted the urgent need for an inclusive approach to Nigeria’s energy transition that centers on the needs and voices of impacted communities. Discussions delved into the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and its implications for extractive communities. Participants underscored the importance of integrating distributive, recognitional, procedural, and restorative justice in the transition process. Recommendations from the roundtable included creating a national platform to enhance local ownership of the ETP, establish strong community networks, and secure political commitment for renewable energy financing. Participants also stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritize restorative justice by addressing environmental damage and ensuring that communities impacted by fossil fuel extraction have a voice in the transition process. The Yar’Adua Foundation remains committed to fostering dialogue and advocating for policies that promote sustainable, inclusive development for Nigeria’s extractive regions.
The Foundation, in collaboration with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nextier, and with support from the Ford Foundation, hosted a roundtable, “Maximizing Just Energy Transition Opportunities Through an Inclusive Platform”. The event convened stakeholders from sectors including energy, climate, agriculture, and civil society to explore Nigeria’s energy transition landscape and design a collaborative framework to achieve a fair and inclusive transition. Discussions emphasized the need for an inclusive national platform that integrates the voices of marginalized and extractive communities, recognizing that continued investments in fossil fuels risk locking Nigeria into dependence on non-renewable energy. Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) not only supports economic growth but also addresses environmental justice and minimizes harm to impacted communities. Key recommendations included establishing a phased approach to transition investments, prioritize renewable energy accessibility, and implement robust policies to reduce environmental damage from fossil fuels.
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, FCT Abuja
A continental summit convening leaders from across Africa to confront emergent democratic tensions and reaffirm a shared commitment to people-centred, accountable governance. Organised in partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Ford Foundation, and TrustAfrica.
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre
Twenty-eight (28) creatives convened from across Nigeria for a workshop, contributing to story ideas that would inform some of the video vignettes to be created under the Gender Justice programme. This activity was supported by the Australian High Commission.
“There will be no water by 2040 if we keep doing what we’re doing today.” This urgent statement by Professor Benjamin, Energy Security, and policy Expert, underscored the dire state of our climate and environment if swift, effective action is not taken. In partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland to Nigeria, the Yar’Adua Foundation hosted the Water and Climate Summit and Exhibition on May 16, 2024, with support from the Ford Foundation.The summit featured insightful discussions on the impact of climate change on water resources, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Key stakeholders convened to explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. The event also included an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge electric vehicles by the electric Vehicle Motor Company and blue tech solutions to address water and environmental issues in Nigeria. Distinguished speakers included H.E. Mr. Nicolas Lang, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria; H.E. Professor Joseph Utsev, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation; Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Deputy Governor of Enugu State; Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, Board Member of the Yar’Adua Foundation; Prince Mustapha Audu, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Motor Company; Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Founder of GADA; Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation; and Ms. Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria Plc. Their collective expertise and commitment to addressing climate change underscored the summit’s success in advancing sustainable water management strategies.
Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, FCT Abuja
A roundtable exploring the intersectionality between renewable energy, accountability, and sustainability. Organised in partnership with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and the SOAS Anti-Corruption Evidence Consortium, the event brought together the diplomatic community, energy experts, researchers, the media, and civil society organisations.
With support from the Ford Foundation and in collaboration with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Foundation championed the cause of impacted communities in Nigeria’s energy transition. Aligned with the thematic agenda of Energy and Industry, Just Transition, and Indigenous Peoples, the December 5, 2023 event at the Nigeria Pavilion advocated for community engagement in shaping energy policies, sharing insights from Nigeria’s sustainable energy journey, and emphasizing Africa’s voice in climate negotiations. The thought-provoking short film, ‘After Oil, We Flourish,’ set the tone for the plenary session. The discourse featured perspectives from notable figures including Nnimmo Bassey and Chief Mrs. Ebiyemi Omatseye, the Olujimi of Warri. Participating remotely, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri highlighted the environmental damage resulting from oil activities in the region and emphasized the significance of adopting an inclusive approach that extends beyond cleaner energy adoption to encompass environmental restoration and community development.
In collaboration with the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, the Foundation hosted a high-profile Roundtable on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, theme Centering Impacted Communities in the Energy Transition Convening at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. Supported by the Ford Foundation, the roundtable brought together key stakeholders, both national and international, to address the pressing challenges faced by extractive communities and the unique transition risks faced by impacted communities in the Niger Delta. The event aimed to pave way for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable energy transition whilst reshaping the narrative on energy transition in Nigeria.
