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Growing up in Sokoto State, Nigeria, the distant rumble of thunderstorms used to be a rare occurrence. Our community, nestled in the arid zone, faced challenges of its own, but severe flooding wasn’t one of them. However, over the years, I witnessed a transformation that felt as rapid as it was relentless: the climate was changing, and with it, so was our way of life.
I remember the day the rains didn’t stop. The downpour began with the usual splattering against our tin roof, but it quickly escalated into a deluge. The sky was a dark, unbroken gray, and the streets turned into rushing rivers. This wasn’t the Sokoto I knew. My family and I stood at the window, watching as our neighbors’ homes were slowly submerged. This flood wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a signal that our environment was undergoing drastic changes.
In the wake of the floods, as the waters receded, they left behind a trail of destruction: ruined homes, devastated farmlands, and a community grappling with the loss of both. The government’s response was slow and inadequate, a stark reminder of how unprepared we were for such disasters. The memory of my father wading through waist-deep water to rescue what was left of our meager belongings is still vivid. It was in these moments that the reality of climate change struck me not as a distant scientific concept, but as a pressing, everyday concern.
As I grew older, I saw how our leaders, both local and global, continued to prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability. I attended conferences and forums where lofty speeches were made, yet the tangible commitment to change was often lacking. The floods in Sokoto were not isolated incidents; they were part of a larger, more terrifying pattern that was unfolding across the world. In countries like mine, where resources are scarce, the consequences of these environmental changes are magnified.
Today, as I work with communities across Nigeria, I see the same struggles mirrored in different landscapes. From the coastal regions threatened by rising sea levels to the farmlands that are becoming deserts, the story is the same: climate change is real, and it is here. It is a silent thief, gradually robbing people of their homes, their livelihoods, and their futures.
What frustrates me the most is the inertia of global political leadership. While our leaders argue over trade deals and economic policies, the earth continues to warm, the waters rise, and our chances of reversing these changes diminish. I am driven by the belief that we must do better—that we owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to every living being on this planet to act with urgency and compassion.
This storytelling isn’t just about highlighting the problem; it’s about rallying for action. We need to hold our leaders accountable, push for policies that prioritize the planet over profit, and foster a global community that values sustainability. My story is just one of millions, but together, our voices can create a ripple effect that leads to real, meaningful change.
