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SOS Children’s Villages has bankrolled four environment and climate change enthusiasts, commonly known as (eco champions), to prosecute different projects in selected communities in Nigeria. The four environmentalists: Benita Obot, Joshua Ayodele, Shukurat Akinola and Hannah Omokahye, received Two Million, eight hundred and eighty Seven thousand, five hundred naira, (N2,887,500) each.
At the launch of a Gender Responsive Climate Action Project (Eco Champions Project) the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, affirmed that the one year project was designed to drive community/grass roots initiative to curb the climate change menace and create awareness on the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat to our nation, rather it is a present crisis, and Nigeria’s children are among its most vulnerable victims. The rising temperatures, increased flooding, prolonged droughts and many more effects of climate change are pushing millions of families into hardship.”
The National Director, who called for a collective effort and support for the government to curb the negative impact of climate change said, SOS expects the recipients to judiciously use the funds for the benefits of the communities.
“Today, more than 25 million Nigerians, including millions of children, face food insecurity, displacement, and health risks due to environmental degradation. The urgency to act is greater than ever.
So this support is the first of its kind but we shall continue to do better, because the safety of our environment is a top priority”
Erhumwunse revealed that Nigeria is one of six countries within the SOS Children’s Villages Federation implementing the transformative initiative, placing the country at the forefront of grassroots climate resilience and sustainable development. According to him, in the next eighteen months, the initiative would drive systemic change through renewable energy adoption, green initiatives, environmental sanitation campaigns, youth-led climate advocacy/awareness, and strategic partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders to implement long-term climate solutions.
“At the heart of Eco Champions is the active involvement of young people, especially girls and women, leading climate solutions. Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of climate-related challenges, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making.
“This initiative will ensure their inclusion in climate actions, recognizing their critical role in fostering sustainable development and community resilience. Through capacity-building workshops, public campaigns, and stakeholder engagements, Eco Champions will provide young activists with the tools and platforms to amplify their voices and drive tangible impact”
He pushed for community collaborations to promote climate education, awareness, and behavioral change; noting that Eco Champions project is a testament to SOS’ commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Nigeria’s children and young community.
“We believe in the importance of equipping young people with requisite tools to lead climate action, not only to address the immediate impacts of climate change, but also to build a resilient future for generations to come.
“We call on the government, Federal and Local agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to join hands in supporting the Eco Champions. We all must take bold and systematic action towards climate change. This is not just a campaign, it is a movement to secure a healthier and more resilient future for Nigeria’s children” he assured.
The eco champions pledged to deliver on target in respective projects sites in Cross River, Kwara, Lagos and Oyo states, as well as raise young people to take the lead in environment and climate change protection.
