By Zainab Ibrahim
With COP29 just around the corner, climate stakeholders in Nigeria are gathering momentum. Susty Vibes, in collaboration with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), recently hosted an engaging hangout in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The event brought together journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), climate advocates, and policy experts. The goal is simple yet crucial: strengthening climate change communication and aligning efforts ahead of the global summit.
Daniel Oladoja, a communications strategist, passionately underscored the importance of unity. “This year’s COP is a resounding call for solidarity; we either win in unison or perish in isolation,” he stated. His message highlighted that tackling climate change isn’t just about high-level meetings but also about grassroots movements that often fly under the radar. It’s a reminder that every big or small effort counts in this global fight.
The effects of climate change in Nigeria are hard to ignore—ranging from the severe floods impacting the Niger Delta to the desert encroachment in the north. However, amidst these challenges, stories of resilience are emerging. From farmers adopting traditional methods to adapt to changing climates to women-led groups championing sustainable agriculture and youth activists promoting renewable energy, these narratives must shine on the world stage at COP.
Lovelyn Andrawus raised a critical point during the session: “What should be Nigeria’s priorities at COP?” This sparked an active discussion, underscoring the need for local voices to participate in global conversations.
Gift Nwamadu, a sustainable practices advocate, emphasized the importance of sharing grassroots stories. “These are impact stories that show how communities adapt and keep the environment clean,” she noted. She highlighted community initiatives like repurposing waste into construction materials or recycling paper for crafts as examples of innovative solutions from within the communities.
There was a strong consensus on the critical role of CSOs in climate policy. “Climate negotiations should include more CSOs because they understand the grassroots better,” one participant stressed. CSOs bridge the gap between policy and the people, ensuring that local perspectives shape broader strategies. This grassroots involvement is not just a recommendation but a proven strategy supported by organizations like Oxfam that have shown that inclusive climate policies are more effective and sustainable.
Media also plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Yet, as journalist Michael Etta pointed out, the industry needs a better understanding. “The media shape ideas, but how knowledgeable are we about adaptation, mitigation, and transition?” he questioned. His comment highlights the opportunity to build journalists’ capacity, ensuring they can accurately convey the complexities of climate issues. He further advocated for funding support, arguing that journalists covering climate issues should receive resources to tell impactful stories rather than constantly scrambling for support.
The need for sustainable funding models was echoed, with calls for dedicated support for journalists committed to covering climate topics. Recommendations from bodies like the International Federation of Journalists emphasize that funding is crucial for fostering impactful environmental journalism. Supporting journalists would empower them to amplify critical stories and voices that need to be heard.
With COP29’s theme, “Enhance Ambition and Enabling Action,” the hangout was a strategic platform for Nigerian media and advocacy groups to align their narratives with global goals, focusing particularly on climate finance. Hannah Omokhaye, the Project Manager at SustyVibes, noted that this event is a unique opportunity for Nigerian journalists and sustainability advocates to strategize and make Nigeria’s voice louder globally.
Nicholas Adeniyi from CJID also shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of the event for networking and discussing policy strategies. He mentioned that this collaboration aims to highlight the role of climate change in Africa’s development agenda. By learning from each other’s experiences, Nigerian stakeholders are better prepared to participate effectively in COP29 discussions, ensuring that Nigeria and the wider African community benefit from the outcomes.
As the hangout concluded, it was clear that the event wasn’t just about preparation but a powerful step towards elevating Nigeria’s voice in climate discussions.
