- The Lagos Youth Climate Campaign educates and engages youths in climate action through skits, social media, and community events.
- The campaign partners with C40 Cities and local businesses to expand its reach and impact.
- Upcoming plans include a greenhouse gas emission inventory and hosting the African Cities for Clean Air conference.
The Lagos Youth Climate Campaign empowers Lagos youth to take meaningful climate action. This initiative focuses on education, advocacy, and community engagement. Youths, a large segment of Nigeria’s population, face significant impacts from climate change. Their involvement is crucial for effective action.
The campaign amplifies youth voices and fosters responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. It leverages the innovative ideas and energy of Gen Z and Millennials. These groups excel at using digital platforms to spread awareness and inspire new approaches to climate change.
Campaign goals and engagement strategies
The Lagos Youth Climate Campaign emphasises Education, Enlightenment, and Empowerment. Recently, Maryam Apaokagi, known as “Taaooma,” took on the role of Climate Ambassador. Taaooma will produce skits highlighting the dangers of improper waste management and air pollution linked to global warming. The campaign includes a digital initiative and a talent show titled “Lagos Has Talent.”
Social media leverage
The campaign uses social media to communicate climate change causes and impacts. The campaign aims to educate and engage young people through skits, X (formerly Twitter) conversations, graphics, videos, and music. This approach creates a sense of belonging in the climate change solution.
Collaborative efforts with C40 cities
The Lagos State Government partnered with C40 Cities in 2003 under then-Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This collaboration helped develop the Lagos State Action Plan (CAP). The youth campaign, capacity development, and technical support for implementing CAP actions are key parts of this partnership.
Ensuring wide reach and lasting impact
The Lagos State Government aims to ensure the campaign reaches a broad audience and makes a lasting impact. Collaborations with businesses championing green initiatives expand the campaign’s reach. Youth influencers inspire more young people to engage. The campaign targets youths from all parts of Lagos State. It supports the C40 Youth Forum, which helps young people develop creative climate projects globally.
Future initiatives
Lagos State and C40 Cities plan to unveil a mainstreaming document and a greenhouse gas emission inventory for 2023. In August, Lagos will host 15 African countries for the African Cities for Clean Air conference. This event continues the long-term partnership with C40 Cities.
Long-term impact on youth attitudes and behaviours
The Lagos Youth Climate Campaign aims to instil climate awareness and responsibility among youths. As they become more informed about climate impacts and sustainable practices, Lagos youths will take proactive actions. These actions include adopting sustainable lifestyle choices, reducing energy consumption, and participating in local environmental initiatives. The campaign seeks to contribute to a more sustainable future for Lagos and beyond.