About CICEND
Community Impact Center for Empowerment and Development - Transforming lives through sustainable community development since 2010.
Our Mission
To promote grassroots climate awareness, strengthen community capacity for climate adaptation and mitigation, and foster inclusive development through education, advocacy, partnerships, and sustainable practices.
Our Vision
A resilient and environmentally responsible society where communities are empowered to actively engage in climate action and sustainable development.
A Journey of Impact and Transformation
CICEND was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate community leaders who recognized the need for a locally-driven approach to development. Starting with a single education program in a rural village, we have grown to serve thousands of individuals across multiple regions.
Our approach has always been rooted in the belief that communities know best what they need. We work alongside local leaders, listening to their challenges and collaborating on solutions that are sustainable and culturally appropriate.
Today, CICEND operates programs in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, women's empowerment, and youth development. We have touched the lives of over 50,000 individuals and continue to expand our reach.
Our Core Values
Inclusiveness
We believe everyone has a role in climate action, regardless of status, gender, or location.
Sustainability
We champion long-term solutions that preserve the environment and improve livelihoods.
Transparency
We are accountable to our communities, partners, and donors.
Equity
We promote fairness and justice in climate engagement, especially for vulnerable groups.
Participation
We encourage bottom-up approaches by involving communities in decision-making.
Innovation
We embrace creative and locally relevant solutions to climate challenges.
Collaboration
We work with governments, CSOs, development partners, and the private sector to amplify impact.
Meet the People Behind CICEND
Dr. Umar Saleh Anka
Director
Seasoned climate change and policy professional with extensive experience in national and sub-national policy formulation, climate adaptation, environmental governance, and stakeholder engagement. UNIDO-trained policy expert with proven expertise in UNFCCC processes, climate law development, NDCs, Just Transition, and capacity-building initiatives. Experienced in donor-funded projects (World Bank, AfDB, EU, FCDO, FAO) and community-based climate interventions. Skilled at integrating evidence-based policy, strategic planning, and inclusive approaches to advance sustainable development.
Abdussalam Muhammad Kani, Ph.D.
Director
Dr. Abdussalam Muhammad Kani is a renowned economist, budget and resource mobilization specialist, and development consultant. He is widely recognized for championing fiscal transparency, accountability, institutional reforms, and efficient service delivery across Nigeria. He is also a familiar voice on TV and radio talk shows on the Nigerian economy, where he has gained wide recognition in Kano State and beyond.
Isiyaku Shuaibu Ahmed
CEO
Isiyaku Shuaibu Ahmed is a trained broadcast journalist and development communication advocate with over two decades of experience in public affairs reporting and strategic media engagement. He is widely recognized for his clarity in news writing, sharp headline development, and his ability to transform complex policy statements into compelling, accessible, and reader-friendly reports. Throughout his career, Ahmed has covered governance, politics, and public policy extensively, earning a reputation for accuracy, balance, and professionalism. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political environment and underscores the vital role of the media in promoting accountability and strengthening democratic institutions. Ahmed is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Stallion Times, a digital newspaper publication committed to credible journalism, accountability, and public interest reporting. Under his leadership, the platform has contributed meaningfully to informed public discourse and civic engagement. Beyond newsroom leadership, Ahmed is actively engaged in media development initiatives, particularly in climate change communication and capacity-building programs for journalists. Through these efforts, he champions responsible journalism, fact-based reporting, and increased public awareness of environmental sustainability and governance issues.
Organizations We Work With
Want to Get Involved?
Join our community of changemakers. Whether you want to volunteer, partner, or donate, there's a place for you at CICEND.