A non-governmental organisation operating under the aegis of SOS Children’s Villages has raised the alarm over the devastating impact of climate change fuelled by environmental degradation.
The country director of SOS Children’s Villages, Eghosa Erhumwunse who spoke at a public forum held in the SOS Village in Lagos tagged Empowering Youths for Gender Responsive Climate Action Project Implementation in Nigeria disclosed that rising temperatures, increased flooding, prolonged droughts and many more effects of climate change are pushing millions of families into hardship.
He expressed concern that more than 25 million Nigerians, including millions of children, face food insecurity, displacement and health risks due to environmental degradation.
According to him, climate change is no longer a distant threat to the country rather a present crisis, pointing out that Nigeria’s children, youths and women are among its most vulnerable victims.
He noted that addressing climate change from a youth perspective, means young people need to take the bull by the horns and come up with initiatives that can build on to further help the change that can rebuild the Climate just as the urgency to act is greater than ever.
“It is in response to these challenges that SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria is launching the Eco Champions Project, a global flagship program designed to empower young people and local communities to lead climate action.
“The Eco Champions are young activists with the tools and platforms to amplify their voices and drive tangible impact through community collaborations that will further promote climate education, awareness, and behavioural change,” he said.
Three climate activists, Ayodele Joshua, Jennifer Obot and Shukura Akinola all won grants for their respective eco-sustainable solutions to combat climate and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable living through eco-friendly projects across local communities in Nigeria.
Erhumwunse said, “Nigeria is one of six countries within the SOS Children’s Villages Federation implementing this transformative initiative, placing us at the forefront of grassroots climate resilience and sustainable development.
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