AMINA JIBRIL EMPOWERING WOMEN, YOUTHS AND PWDS ON WASTE CONVERSION.


Amina Jibril is an environmental advocate, peace builder, and founder of Eco-Sentinels Network Nigeria, a youth-led organization working to restore peace and promote eco-friendly living in my community of Mangu, Plateau State, Nigeria.

She shares her Environmental Story with us.


Mangu, a farming-based community, has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of climate change like irregular rainfall, poor harvests, and conflict over scarce natural resources. These challenges pushed me to take action, not just to protect the environment, but to help rebuild peace through sustainable solutions.

Out of this deep commitment, I founded Eco-Sentinels Network Nigeria, with a vision to educate, empower, and engage communities in environmental resilience. Through the organization, we have led tree-planting drives, school outreach programs, and recycling awareness campaigns which are all focused on creating a greener, more peaceful society.


One of our most impactful initiatives is the "Waste to Wonders" project, which empowered women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) by turning waste into reusable and marketable products. It is more than just a recycling effort but it is a story of inclusion, innovation, and income generation. Participants learned how to transform waste materials into crafts, and decor items, showing that sustainability can also be a source of empowerment and livelihood.

As a Sela Fellow, I’ve also had the opportunity to deepen my skills and collaborate with young leaders across Africa. This experience further enriched our school environmental outreach program, which combines climate education, recycling demonstrations, and tree planting. Through this initiative, we’re planting both trees and ideas—instilling values of sustainability in young minds.


Founding and running an environmental organization as a woman comes with its challenges like limited funding, cultural resistance, and the emotional toll of working in post-conflict zones but I remain resilient. One key moment of hope was during our Independence Day tree planting campaign, which many doubted. Despite the skepticism, I mobilized volunteers, secured donations, and led a successful event that brought the community together in hope and action.

Today, I envision an Africa that is green, peaceful, and free from waste and pollution by 2030. Women are essential to this transformation. Our stories, our strength, and our solutions matter.

Thank you, Ecofem Tales, for giving women like me the space to be heard. I hope my journey encourages more women to rise, take action, and create the change they want to see.

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