SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has unveiled the second phase of its Eco Champions Project aimed at empowering young people to lead gender-responsive and inclusive climate action initiatives across Nigeria, as the organisation deepens efforts to strengthen grassroots environmental sustainability and youth participation in climate governance.
The initiative was unveiled in Abuja during the close-out ceremony of Phase I and the official launch of Phase II, bringing together government officials, climate advocates, development organisations, educators and youth leaders to spotlight the growing role of young Nigerians in climate action and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the first phase of the Eco Champions Project demonstrated the transformative impact of investing in youth-led climate solutions.
According to him, the programme produced a new generation of young environmental advocates equipped with innovative ideas, practical solutions and strong leadership capabilities.
“The first phase of the Eco Champions Project showed us what is possible when we trust and invest in young people. We saw young leaders rise with bold ideas, practical solutions, and unwavering determination,” he said.
Erhumwunse noted that the initiative also created space for young women to actively participate in climate conversations and sustainability advocacy, describing gender inclusion as critical to long-term environmental resilience.
He explained that the project had helped communities recognise that climate action is not an abstract global concept but a local responsibility connected to livelihoods, health, education and family wellbeing.
“We witnessed communities begin to understand that climate action is not distant or abstract; it starts where we live, work, and raise our children,” he added.
The organisation said the new phase of the project, themed “Empowering Youth for Gender-Responsive Climate Action,” will deepen community-driven climate responses while increasing youth involvement in environmental decision-making processes.
Erhumwunse stressed that climate change remains both an environmental and socio-economic challenge affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women, children and underserved communities.
He added that the project would empower young climate activists, especially young women in vulnerable situations, to lead environmental initiatives and influence sustainable community development.
“By placing young people at the centre of action and decision-making, this project seeks to change the reality that those most affected are often least represented,” he said.
The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive climate action, insisting that women, girls and vulnerable groups must remain central to environmental sustainability efforts and policy implementation.
Chief Programme Officer of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Adelopo Ayodeji, warned that the growing climate crisis poses increasing threats to livelihoods, ecosystems and future generations.
Ayodeji encouraged eligible youths to participate in the next cohort of the Eco Champions Project to help drive environmental responsibility, climate innovation and sustainable community practices.
He disclosed that the first phase of the initiative reached over 18 million people through school-based climate education, community sensitisation campaigns and media engagement programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Helen Idiong of Plan International said youth-led climate action remains essential for advancing girls’ rights and sustainable development, adding that even modest investments in grassroots climate initiatives can generate significant long-term impact.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Kingsley Obiorah, pledged continued government support for programmes promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Meanwhile, representatives of the National Council on Climate Change called for stronger public awareness campaigns and improved implementation of environmental protection policies nationwide.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, urged Nigerian youths to embrace waste-to-wealth initiatives as part of broader efforts to tackle climate change and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Represented by Monsurat Banire, Wahab said environmental consciousness and sustainable waste management practices must be integrated into youth development and education systems.
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Eco Champions, Founder of Ecosmart Club, Hannah Omokhaye, revealed that the project had empowered more than 100 teachers to inspire students toward careers in climate action, sustainability and environmental management.
The event also featured panel discussions, climate advocacy sessions and award presentations recognising beneficiaries and participants from the first phase of the Eco Champions Project.
