Lagos State Civil Society Participation for Development (LASCOP), an organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and good governance in the state through advocacy and coordination of civil society engagement, has launched an animated climate change campaign aimed at engaging youths and promoting environmental responsibility across Lagos State.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday, focuses on urban-poor and informal communities in Lagos Island and Apapa Local Government Areas. It targets young people aged 18 to 35, positioning them as change agents and future leaders of climate action and community change.
According to LASCOP, the campaign is designed to raise awareness and deepen public understanding of climate change while encouraging practical, citizen-led solutions. The organisation noted that the project is expected to improve waste management practices, reduce plastic pollution and flooding, and foster a more informed and actively engaged population.
Speaking at the launch, Director of the CLAIM for MCC Impact Project, Barrister Mrs. Dede Kadiri, said the initiative seeks to build sustainable and resilient communities that are better prepared to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
She added that the project would also strengthen accountability mechanisms and influence local climate policies and budgetary allocations.
Kadiri explained the initiative will mobilize youth and community stakeholders to confront critical environmental challenges such as flooding, plastic pollution, and weak enforcement of climate related policies, while stressing the need for collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and communities is critical to ensure that policies translate into tangible results.
In his goodwill message, Ayo Adebusoye, Chairman, LASCOP, commended the use of animation as a strategic communication tool, saying, it is accessible, relatable, and capable of reaching a wide audience especially young people and grassroots communities who are critical to driving long-term behavioral change.
He expressed optimism that the campaign would inspire greater environmental responsibility among citizens, stimulate engagement between communities and service providers, and promote a culture of accountability and sustainability across the state.
Adebusoye also urged the media to amplify the message to ensure it reaches homes and communities where behavioural change is most needed, calling on stakeholders to take ownership of the initiative.
Explaining the choice of animated videos, Mr. Akin Jimoh, Executive Director of DEVCOMS, said the format aligns with youths’ strong presence on social media and offers a cost-effective alternative to mainstream media.
“We want to be able to reach young people wherever they are regardless of them having data or not,” he said.
Jimoh disclosed that the animated videos have been produced in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba to reflect the linguistic diversity of the target communities, adding that a Hausa version will also be released.
Also speaking, Project Manager of the CLAIM for MCC Impact Project, Omolara Olusaiye, noted that while the campaign primarily targets youths, its message is relevant to all residents.
She urged Lagosians to take responsibility for their environment and contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
