Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, with far-reaching impacts on the environment, human health, and economies. In response to this growing crisis, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Greenearth Conservation Impact and Awareness Initiative, implemented the Climate Action and Awareness Program in Osogbo.
Speaking at the event, Governor of Osun State Sen. Ademola Adeleke, ably represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, recognised the grave challenges posed by climate change, stating that the administration is fully aligned with national and global efforts towards combating the climate action.
According to him, the Osun State Government’s priorities include promoting clean and renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, effective waste management, and reforestation initiatives. He said , the state is also investing in climate-smart infrastructure and strengthening community resilience, especially among rural populations who are most vulnerable.
“Moreover, this workshop serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. We call on stakeholders—government agencies, private sector actors, civil society, and especially our active youth—to actively contribute solutions that will drive a greener, more inclusive economy. Together, let us turn our climate commitments into concrete action,” he said.
The General Manager of the Osun Waste Management Agency, Sanitarian Fatai Oladosu Oyewole, delivered a keynote address titled “Empowering the Next Generation for Climate Action,” at the Youth Climate Action Workshop.
In his address, Oyewole address challenged young Nigerians to recognize their critical role in reversing environmental damage and shaping a sustainable future.
Oyewole traced the roots of climate change to unchecked human behavior, noting how modern man—has transformed from a passive inhabitant to an aggressive exploiter of nature.
“Human population growth, excessive resource consumption, and technological expansion have led us to a tipping point,” he emphasized, citing deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel dependence as primary culprits.
Co-founder of the initiative, Mr.Fatai Ilesanmi said the main concern of this initiative is to educate , collaborate with the government, individuals and other Non Governmental Organisations (NGO).
According to Ilesanmi “Many people heard about climate change but they don’t know about it and this is the essence of this initiative.By understanding the last climate condition, it would help model the future”.
“In Africa, we tend not to take climate condition serious due to favourable weather and adaptation conditions we have. But In the western World, it’s a security issues to them and this has triggered the world bank, United Nation to invest financially in climate issues In Africa”,
“The issues of climate is a global one and we would from our end here implore and inform our people to know the impact , solution and steps to take so as to reduce the spread of climate issues”.
Mr. Taiwo Adewale, Co-founder of Waste Swap Recycling Bin in Osun State, in an interview with Insight Links TV, described the program as a laudable project and a great opportunity for the youth in the state.
He revealed that a Climate Change and Recycling Club to be launched in the coming weeks, where “people can recycle their waste and get paid, thereby keeping the environment clean”.
He added that this would help improve the state’s climate condition by preventing gutter blockages that disrupt the free flow of water and pose risks to communities, while also enhancing overall hygiene.
Adewale further emphasized the program’s value to students in attendance, noting that the lessons learned would empower them to inform their peers and families about actionable steps such as monetizing waste and using solar energy instead of generators. He highlighted that the government has provided sophisticated machines to support waste collection, which will help clean the environment, supply raw materials to industries, and create job opportunities.
The Youth Climate Action Workshop brought together students, activists, and environmental advocates from across Osun State and beyond, focusing on building practical knowledge and sustainable solutions for the climate crisis.
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