On December 12th, 2024, The Olympus Consciousness Initiative (TOCI), in partnership with the Pulitzer Center and the Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies (INCDS) at the University of Lagos, hosted a transformative Climate Awareness Workshop. Themed “Inspiring Local Action within the University of Lagos Community,” the workshop, which is part of the activities of the Pulitzer ISF 2024 programme, brought together students, lecturers, and climate enthusiasts to amplify efforts in tackling climate change at the grassroots level.
A Platform for Change
The workshop was born out of a critical realization: while numerous climate initiatives exist within the University of Lagos community, awareness of these efforts remains low. This workshop aimed to bridge that gap by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable commitments to addressing climate challenges.
The event featured an engaging lineup of keynote addresses and expert-led sessions:
- Dr. AbdulGaniy Adelopo (represented by Musab Is-haq), Team Lead of UNILAG Green Hub, emphasized the importance of awareness in addressing climate challenges during his keynote address.
- Ruth Olowosile, Executive Director of the Sustainable Green Environment Initiative, highlighted tools and strategies for raising climate awareness.
- Deborah Edward, Head of Strategic Communications at the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, explored how circular economy practices can drive sustainability.
- Dr. Franca Agamah (represented by Godwin Ovioma), Coordinator at YabaTech UNEVOC Center, shed light on the role of technical and vocational education in equipping communities for sustainable futures.
- Opeyemi Alaran, Lead for Private Sector Engagement at TOCI, unveiled the structure of the Climate Action Network—a new platform for amplifying climate efforts within the university.
A Landmark Outcome: The Launch of the Climate Action Network
A key highlight of the workshop was the launch of the Climate Action Network, a platform dedicated to disseminating climate news, opportunities, and success stories within the University of Lagos community. This initiative seeks to connect stakeholders, foster collaboration, and amplify the remarkable work already being done in the space. It reflects TOCI’s commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to drive meaningful change through awareness and action.
Moving Forward: The TOCI / INCDS Climate Awareness Competition
As part of the workshop’s impact strategy, TOCI and the INCDS announced the Climate Awareness Competitions, offering three prizes of ₦50,000 each for:
- Content Writing on Climate Awareness
- Pitching Innovative Solutions to a Climate Challenge
- Social Media Campaigns for Climate Action
These competitions aim to inspire creativity and deepen engagement among students, educators, and other stakeholders in the university community.
A Call to Action
The Climate Awareness Workshop not only educated but also united participants around a shared commitment to sustainability. By fostering collaboration through the Climate Action Network, TOCI and its partners are ensuring that climate action becomes an integral part of the University of Lagos community.
If you missed the workshop, you can explore the event highlights, including presentations and photos, here. Interested in joining the Climate Action Network? Stay updated on upcoming opportunities by following The Olympus Consciousness Initiative Social Media Channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter / X, YouTube)
Together, we can inspire local action and drive global change. The time to act is now!