Sulaiman Abubakar Umar, a rising climate activist and botany graduate, has been awarded a prestigious don Lavoie fellowship by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in the United State.

Hailing from Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria, a region grappling with climate challenges and social issues, Sulaiman’s determination shines through. He’s the founder of the Concerned Youth Initiative for Climate Action, empowering marginalized communities and advocating for environmental change.

This prestigious fellowship is a testament to Sulaiman’s unwavering dedication. The Mercatus Center’s Don Lavoie Fellowship Program is highly competitive, equipping outstanding students both graduate and undergraduate with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in political economy.

His leadership extends beyond environmental advocacy. He is a civil society youth representative to the United Nations Department of Global Communications and a member / Youth advisor of prestigious organizations like UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria and the ProVeg International.

Sulaiman’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. By combining his botanical expertise with the program’s focus on policy, he aspires to transform educational and policy landscapes in Nigeria and beyond. This fellowship empowers him to become a well-rounded changemaker, armed with the knowledge to tackle complex environmental issues with effective solutions.