Stakeholders at the launch of Phase Two of the Eco-Champions Climate Initiative by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria in Abuja, calling for stronger youth participation in climate action.
SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has unveiled the second phase of its Eco-Champions Climate Initiative, with stakeholders calling for stronger youth participation, gender-responsive climate action, and community-driven solutions to address the growing impact of climate change in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of Phase Two and the closeout ceremony of Phase One in Abuja, Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the project continues to demonstrate the transformative impact of investing in young people as drivers of sustainable development.
He noted that the first phase empowered young leaders to champion climate action through advocacy, awareness campaigns, community engagement, and media visibility.
“We saw young leaders rise with bold ideas, practical solutions, and unwavering determination. We saw young women take up space, speak with confidence, and lead conversations on sustainability and resilience,” he said.
Erhumwunse stressed that climate change goes beyond environmental concerns and now directly threatens livelihoods, education, health, safety, and the future of children and young people.
“This project is for the vulnerable, not the bourgeoisie, but those who truly experience the negative impact of climate change on their future, families, and immediate environment,” he stated.
He explained that the second phase would strengthen the capacity of young activists, especially vulnerable young women, to lead climate initiatives and participate actively in climate-related decision-making processes.
The Country Director also urged governments, civil society organisations, private sector players, and community leaders to move “from token inclusion to meaningful participation” by creating opportunities for young people to lead climate solutions.
Providing an overview of the project, Chief Programme Officer of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Adelopo Ayodeji, said the Eco-Champions initiative currently operates in six countries; Nigeria, Jordan, Somalia, Uganda, Namibia, and Sierra Leone.
He disclosed that the first cohort in Nigeria implemented projects across Abuja, Borno, Cross River, Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, and Plateau states.
According to Ayodeji, the initiative reached an estimated 18 million people through community sensitisation, school-based climate education, media engagement, digital campaigns, and advocacy forums.
He added that organisers received 117 applications for the first cohort, while 11 Eco-Champions secured grant support to implement climate initiatives in their communities.
The projects, he said, directly impacted 4,526 people and indirectly reached about 197,000 others, with 133 youth volunteers and 30 mentorship sessions supporting implementation efforts.
“The project places a huge emphasis on the girl child and on young women leading climate action,” he said.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Principal Community Development Officer, Kingsley Obiora, commended SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for sustaining the initiative and encouraged the organisation to expand its intervention.
“We sincerely thank SOS Villages for this initiative and urge you to keep up the good work you are doing,” he said.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab described young people as critical partners in building climate resilience.
Representing the ministry, Director of Environmental Education, Monsurat Banire, highlighted Lagos State’s environmental education programmes, including Environmental Peace Clubs established in schools across the state.
“Sustainability is not merely a goal; it is a mindset and an attitudinal change,” the statement read.
The ministry said students in Lagos schools already convert waste into wealth through recycling and upcycling activities, while calling for stronger collaboration among governments, NGOs, investors, and educational institutions to expand youth-led climate initiatives.
The Lagos State Government also urged corporate organisations and international partners to move beyond traditional corporate social responsibility by investing more in climate resilience and green skills development.
Also speaking, Director of Schools in the Cross River State Ministry of Education, Theresa Inaku, praised the initiative for teaching students how to transform waste materials such as plastics, bottles, and sachets into useful products.
She appealed for the expansion of the second phase to more schools in Cross River State, describing the initiative as “an impactful knowledge gain.”
Meanwhile, the National Council on Climate Change pledged continued support for the Eco-Champions initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the council’s Director-General, Awele Ikobi-Anyali said climate change remains a real and urgent threat affecting all categories of people.
“Climate change is real. It’s not a farce. It’s not a lie,” she said while commending SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria for prioritising children, women, and young people in climate action efforts.
She also called for stronger public awareness and stricter implementation of environmental protection measures.
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Eco-Champions and Founder of Ecosmart Club, Hannah Omokhaye said the initiative empowered more than 100 teachers to inspire students to pursue careers in climate and environmental sustainability.
The event featured panel discussions and the presentation of awards to beneficiaries of the first phase of the Eco-Champions project.
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