Attendants at the Convergence
The Young Climate Convergence Conference, hosted by a consortium of Youth Led Organizations, held at the iconic Ken Saro-Wiwa Innovation Center in Port Harcourt, brought together young climate advocates, student leaders, environmental activists, and media professionals—all under 35—to deliberate on the pressing issues surrounding energy transition, environmental justice, and accountability in the Niger Delta. The event saw participation from over 40 youth leaders, with a significant 75% female representation, reflecting the growing engagement of young women in climate action.
Setting the Stage: The Keynote Address
The conference commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Obuzor Mezewo, who emphasized the realities of climate change and the critical role of youth and women in environmental advocacy. He highlighted the urgent need for proactive engagement in climate policy and community-driven initiatives, warning that the next generation will inherit the environmental consequences of today’s decisions.
Conversations on Climate and Energy Transition
The Struggles of Ogoni Activism and the Responsibility of Youth
Elder Celestine Akpobari, a renowned activist for the Ogoni people, recounted his struggles and victories in holding oil companies accountable. He spoke passionately about the fight against environmental degradation in Ogoni, noting that while past efforts led to the withdrawal of oil companies, recent plans to resume drilling pose a renewed threat to local communities. He stressed that the baton has been passed to the younger generation, urging them to remain resolute in demanding environmental justice and holding International Oil Companies (IOCs) accountable. His message was clear: “We cannot afford to fail our generation.”
Data-Driven Climate Action and Energy Transition
Dr. Kelechi Amaechi stressed the need for data-driven solutions in tackling Nigeria’s climate issues. He noted that energy transition must be tailored to Nigeria’s realities, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge systems while acknowledging the role of natural gas as a transition fuel. He called for a more structured and specific approach to addressing energy challenges in the Niger Delta.
Renewable Energy and Grassroots Synergy
Eedee Goneh elaborated on renewable energy adoption, grassroots learning, and synergy, pointing out that the most effective climate solutions combine data, technology, and community-driven action. He emphasized the need for localized energy solutions, where rural communities can leverage solar and other renewable alternatives rather than remain dependent on polluting fossil fuels.
Climate Change Realities and the Role of Women & Youth in Advocacy
Dr. Obuzor Mezewo, in addition to his keynote address, led discussions on the climate realities of the Niger Delta. He highlighted the disproportionate impact on women and children, who often bear the brunt of environmental pollution, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. He urged young people to step up as advocates, lobbyists, and change agents, ensuring that community voices are heard at national and international climate platforms.
Dr. Obuzor Addressing the participants
Holding IOCs Accountable: The Role of Youth-Led Organizations
With discussions on the resumption of drilling in Ogoni, the need for youth-led organizations to hold IOCs accountable became even more urgent. Participants resolved to:
Monitor oil company activities through grassroots reporting and media documentation.
Engage policymakers and demand environmental audits before any resumption of oil exploration.
Leverage legal frameworks and data transparency tools to hold both government agencies and oil firms responsible for pollution and community harm.
Organize community town halls to educate and mobilize local populations on their rights and sustainable energy alternatives.
Strengthen collaboration between youth groups, NGOs, and international climate networks to amplify advocacy efforts beyond Nigeria.
Fortune Onyekwere of Project waste to wealth sharing her thoughts
BudgIT: Using Data for Environmental Justice
To wrap up the conference, Mercy Eze, Rivers State Coordinator of BudgIT, provided a masterclass on data-driven accountability. She demonstrated how citizens can track government spending, monitor contractors, and expose corruption using BudgIT’s open-data platforms. This session empowered participants with practical tools to demand transparency in climate finance and environmental projects.
Coordinators & Partnering Organizations
The event was coordinated by Perfect Johndick, Diolu Tobechukwu, Dumsyl, and Ibiso Ikiroma, who also managed online participation to ensure widespread engagement.
The following organizations played a vital role in making the conference a success:
Lincgreen Climate Change Initiative
Janikoba Life Touching Foundation
Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation
Rooted Rising
Partners Initiative for Good Development (PIGD)
Global Sustainable Development Network (GSDN)
Aspire Climate Vanguard (ACV)
Partnering Organizations and Speakers
Key Resolutions and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the Young Climate Convergence Conference, participants agreed to:
✅ Meet regularly to form a stronger youth climate network.
✅ Speak with one voice to demand environmental accountability from the government and IOCs.
✅ Leverage data-driven advocacy to monitor oil companies and expose environmental injustices.
✅ Engage in strategic climate actions, including policy advocacy, community mobilization, and litigation when necessary.
Represented Organizations
Janikoba Life Touching Foundation, Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation, Rooted Rising, PIGD, GSDN, Aspire Climate Vanguard, Oyigbo Youths CDC, Linc Green, Advocacy Centre, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University (RSU), Partners for Peace in Niger Delta, Lighthope Succor Worldwide Initiative, Voices for Change, Project Waste to Wealth, Prime Initiative, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), We The People, I-Tech Energy, Ogoni Peoples Mandate, Hopeful Centre for Peace and Development, BudgIT Foundation, ETC.
This conference marks the beginning of a more coordinated and impactful youth-led movement for climate justice and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. The fight for a cleaner, more just future continues, and this generation of young climate advocates is ready to lead the charge.
Signed:
Diolu Tobechukwu Prosper
Founder, Lincgreen Climate Change Initiative
On behalf of all participating organizations and youth advocates
