LAGOS/Nigeria: The Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, has called on media professionals across the country to intensify reporting on climate change, amplify public conversations, and help drive meaningful action that can influence policy and protect future generations.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at a climate change media workshop organised by the organisation, Erhumwunse described climate change as one of the most pressing challenges of the era and stressed the need for sustained media attention.
He noted that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and influencing government programmes, urging journalists and media organisations to embrace innovative storytelling in climate change reporting. According to him, highlighting youth-driven environmental initiatives would not only inspire wider participation but also accelerate sustainable solutions.
“SOS Children’s Villages has identified some outstanding young climate actors and named them Eco Champions. We are supporting them to scale up their impact, and the media must help amplify their voices to inspire others,” Erhumwunse said. He added that climate change is also a matter of social justice, disproportionately affecting young people and future generations.
The country director emphasized intergenerational collaboration, inclusive climate policies, and youth-led initiatives, urging the media and stakeholders to lend expertise to young climate leaders. “Let us harness the power of media to drive climate action and ensure that the voices of young people are heard and valued in this critical conversation,” he stated.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Eco Champions Programme, Mr. David Lemuel, noted that women and children are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. He warned that disruptions in weather patterns could worsen food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children, and called for urgent contributions from individuals, groups, and institutions.
One of the Eco Champions, Miss Hannah Omokhaye, charged young people to take the lead in climate action rather than waiting for others. “They should create action and not wait for others. It is about our future,” she said.
The workshop underscored the critical role of the media in bridging the gap between climate change awareness and action while spotlighting the contributions of young Nigerians in advancing environmental sustainability.
