environmentalists-from-nigeria

"My attention has been drawn to an article regarding my endorsement of a certain political party and its presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections,” the statement reads."

"It is time for women to add their voices to climate finance, not just that but for them to wake up and begin to benefit from climate finance."

"Desmond Majekodunmi speaking at an event organised by the Dawn Project Initiative, to mark the World Emissions Day 2022."

"Nigerian informal waste workers’ plight is quite pathetic and the job they do is an essential job because, without them, we will all be living on dumpsites"

"Our silent environmentalists, as I like to call them, deserve to be integrated into a system where their economic and social security is enhanced to ensure no one is left behind and the furthest behind are reached first."

"Global challenges like the coronavirus pandemic are real and should not be seen from a nationalistic perspective. While the coronavirus reminds us how fragile and unprepared we might be, the efforts deployed on a daily basis serve as a reminder of what we’re capable of when we work together towards a common goal."

"Life is not a ten-speed bike where you can change to different gears and request for a spare."

"Everything happens for a reason, and there is a premeditated arrangement for things that are and things that shall be."

"Life is like a relay race; visions and dreams don’t die. They are handed down to the next generation to run with..."

"Always keep in mind that some fellows will hold you in derision on your march towards progress, but don’t let it sway you...."

"The younger generations are agents of change and a bridge to a better future. This indeed is how I plan to shake things up- by equipping budding leaders with the requisite tools for growth."

"Do not let the hardships take away your basic rights. Nature is closer than you think."

"It's just that climate change has become integrated into all the other aspects. There’s no way you will address the issues of environment, governance, or peace and conflict transformation without bringing in climate change."

"I might be in Abuja but I like to touch the lives of these women out there because when you touch the life of one woman, you have touched the lives of a whole family."

"You have to understand the terms gender, justice before you can talk about environmental justice."

"..Talking about environmental justice, we are looking at the root causes of these issues; we are looking at system change. If we can change the system, the climate will change naturally."

"Climate change does not know the face of a woman, man, rich, or even the poor. We need to take environmental issues seriously. We need to plant trees; we need to make policies that touch human beings; we need to stop burning our bushes. The issue of wildlife is very important because we need to coexist with our nature."

"When the young people are not placed strategically to address the challenges especially environmental and climate change, then that nation is doomed. Young people are the strength of this nation; it is also, therefore very, imperative that youth can be pivotal to building social collation, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability."

"There is nothing bad in adopting a new culture but when you see nothing good in your own culture and thinks the other culture is the norm, then something is wrong. I call it slavery of the mind."

"Your identity is your identity. It is what makes you special. Don’t be trapped by Mental Colonialism."

"Climate change is a moral issue. It is not just science."

"We should care the most about the environment. That’s what the green on our flag symbolizes."

"....However, that should not stop us from doing our part. This planet is ours. When it thrives, we do the same."

"For me, it involves connecting more with nature. Going outside and stepping into nature. Experiencing its beauty and its importance. It is only when we appreciate alluring essence of Mother Nature, then, together, we would have the urge to make our planet great again."

"A healthy environment is vital for a healthy existence, and I wanted us to aspire to make our environment better for us and the generations to come."

"At that moment, it struck me that one single act can make an impact in the world."

"I realized that indeed it’s a small world after all, and one must learn the art of fostering relationships for you never know whose help you might need."

"Human relationships are not a zero-sum game if we need to be truly honest. We should often create a platform for negotiation and understand how to improve in our relationship."

"The gift of life comes but once, and you have in a lifetime to accomplish all your dreams, visions, goals, and ambitions unapologetically. Remember, happiness comes in the fulfillment of these dreams, visions, goals, and ambitions."

"Just start with what you have, and do it. Dreams begin from where you start. Even though ideas could be overwhelming and vague, unless you start with what you have and where you are, you may never clinch your aspirations."

"Environmental studies could be seen as an autonomous discipline, yet to get the best out of it, a multidisciplinary approach must be applied."

"Aside from being custodians of the environment, youths should understand the imminent threat of climate change on their collective futures. To manage what is unavoidable (adaptation) and avoid what is unmanageable (mitigation), youths must prioritise environmental studies as fundamental to their education."

"When we become conscious of reducing waste from kitchens to households, and on the streets, it is only then they will realise the health, environmental and economic benefits of waste management."

"Nigeria's approach to waste management (2020)"

"They should not play politics with the climate crisis. Now that they are in power, they should do whatever they can to act on the climate crisis. They should put people over profit rather than postponing the climate crisis into the future"

"There were these terrible clashes and people on both sides were losing everything"

"But what struck me most was how few people connected the dots. They saw the conflict as purely ethnic or religious. When in reality, it was the climate, this invisible hand, that was squeezing the life out of our land and pitting communities against each other"

"I saw that there was a need for me to take action. I began by asking myself what I could do differently. How could I champion climate action in my community and also involve more young people to begin to take action"

"If you don’t understand the problem, you can’t solve it. That’s why we’re laser-focused on climate education for young people. We’ve taken our message to schools, community gatherings and anywhere else we can find an ear"

"It’s inspiring to see the growing number of people championing climate education in Nigeria and elsewhere"

"We succeeded in bringing more young people to the climate justice space. Now we have many young people who want to do something for their communities and countries as well"

"I know first-hand how it consumes our time, which is why I identify as an ecofeminist. The water crisis disproportionately impacts women, forcing them to trek for very long distances. This hinders our self-empowerment and steals opportunities"

"Women have a lot to give – we cannot solve the climate crisis without women"

"We’ve equipped over 10,000 women with the necessary resources – organic fertilisers, indigenous seedlings, and tools – to become game-changers, channelling their traditional knowledge towards environmental conservation"

"Keep striving, keep dreaming. We are all working together towards a more sustainable, equitable future. The future we envision is within reach, and each action, each voice, is important. That is my message"

"Start locally, find ways to raise your profile, and utilise social media to amplify your efforts. Remember, the real impact of your work is what truly resonates"

"No leader should forfeit the future of younger generation."

"No one is immune to the climate crisis. The more we delay in acting on the climate crisis, the greater the loss and damage"

"Most African leaders have signed the Paris Climate Agreement; now it is time for our leaders to back up their commitments with urgent actions. Most times, our leaders don’t take immediate actions – not until things have gone beyond control. As the days pass by, we are approaching 2050 – a point of no return – and the elastic limit of climate action. We must act now"

"I found that many people including university graduates didn’t know what climate change was about; after I engaged them they were able to understand that climate change was real and happening"