By Samson Adeyemo
Young climate leaders, innovators, and environmental advocates from across Nigeria and over 20 African countries converged for the 2025 Conference of Youth on Environment and Climate (COYEC), themed “Unlocking a Plastic-Free Future through Innovation and Action.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the high-energy hybrid gathering, which attracted over 2,000 registered participants, positioned youth at the forefront of tackling plastic pollution and broader environmental issues.
Held both virtually and in person, COYEC 2025 served as a dynamic platform for building capacity, fostering partnerships, and mobilising action. According to organisers, more than 1,000 people have already watched the livestream on YouTube, while hundreds gathered at various physical locations across Nigeria.
“This conference is more than just an event—it’s a movement,” said Olumide Idowu, a renowned environmental advocate and one of the keynote speakers. “Plastic pollution is a time bomb. The streets of Surulere in Lagos recently looked like a landfill. If we, the youth, don’t act now, we risk losing our environment entirely. But beyond advocacy, we must ask ourselves: What have you done?”
The event drew participation from all 36 Nigerian states and more than 20 African nations. Participants were predominantly aged between 24 and 35, reflecting the youth-driven nature of the forum. Of the total attendees, 64.7% were male and 35.3% female, with many representing civil society, academia, startups, media, indigenous groups, and government institutions.
Mr. Kekeyawo Quyum, Product Manager at Wastebanc, encouraged young people to begin their sustainability journey by engaging local recycling associations and waste networks. “Ideation is simple,” he said. “Implementation is the real work. Start small, but be consistent.”
Dr. Temitope Shogbamu underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation. “We must bring indigenous youth into climate conversations—they understand the land, the culture, and the solutions that work.”
Another panelist, Solomon Okonkwo, drew attention to the disconnect between national climate policies and the realities in local communities. “Climate communication must be simplified and localised,” he said. “We’re not going to make meaningful impact if people at the grassroots don’t understand what’s at stake.”
Environmentalist Ruth Olowosile echoed this, stating that every meaningful climate intervention must be grounded in context. “Youth must not be tokenised. We need to be in the room, at the table, and holding tools to act. We need urgency, not bureaucracy.”
The conference concluded with several recommendations: the need to strengthen youth access to funding and tools for eco-innovation, integrate climate education into both formal and informal learning systems, foster collaboration between youth, the private sector, and policymakers, promote localised climate messaging, and ensure inclusive policy-making. Participants also called for the creation of resilient community networks that can sustain environmental action long after the conference ends.
Beyond the event, momentum is already building. A WhatsApp group launched during COYEC 2025 has grown to include over 500 active members, providing a hub for continued engagement and collaboration. Many attendees have already begun launching climate-focused initiatives within their local communities.
For Aminu Nuhu, a participant from Kano State, the conference served as a wake-up call. “COYEC 2025 reminded me that youth-led innovation, when supported with the right tools, can drive lasting change,” he said. Egyptian delegate Nouran Farouk stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting, “Cross-border collaboration is essential for urgent, impactful climate action. We can’t afford to act in silos anymore.”
For Irekpita Eshofune Faith from Delta State, the key takeaway was empowerment through action. “Turning waste into opportunity is powerful. The emphasis on starting small but dreaming big is inspiring,” she said. Kenyan participant George Obiero Wachara added, “Despite Africa’s climate vulnerability, we can build resilience by embracing sustainable practices that align with nature.”
As COYEC 2025 draws to a close, its legacy is only just beginning. The young people who gathered—online and in person—are returning home with new ideas, stronger networks, and a renewed commitment to environmental action. “The future is not tomorrow—it’s now,” said Ruth Olowosile. “And we are it.”
