In a creative fusion of tradition and activism, the Womanhood School of Health Science and Technology in Kaduna State has harnessed the power of cross-cultural dance to promote awareness of climate change and its impact on indigenous communities.
The event, themed ‘Communicating the Impacts of Climate Change Through Art and Dance’, marked this year’s Cultural Dance Day and brought together students, environmental experts, and cultural advocates in a colourful, yet sobering, celebration of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and ecological challenges.
Mallam Nuruddeen Bello, the institution’s director and head of African Climate Reporters, underscored the vital role of culture in addressing global environmental issues.
According to him, cultural dance is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful storytelling medium capable of conveying the lived realities of climate change, particularly among indigenous women whose livelihoods are deeply tied to their natural environment.
“By including indigenous songs, dances, and stories in climate action campaigns, we can give voice to communities often ignored in the climate conversation. These artistic expressions educate the public on the urgency of climate action and the importance of preserving both nature and culture”.
Bello noted that the initiative aimed to inspire a shift in public consciousness, calling on government agencies, climate stakeholders, and local communities to intensify efforts to protect indigenous lives, biodiversity, and the planet’s ecosystems.
Mallam Hadi Abdullahi, the school’s provost and Head of Environmental Studies, highlighted the evolving nature of the annual Cultural Dance Day.
He said this year’s focus on climate change marks a deliberate move toward advocacy-based programming.
“We wanted to highlight how climate change is threatening not only the environment but also our cultural identities. This year, we used dance to amplify the message”.
The one-day event featured students performing traditional dances from across Nigeria, using choreography, music, and oral narration to reflect the impact of climate change on forests, water sources, and traditional livelihoods.
