By Michael Omotosho |
Civil Society, Experts Convene for Capacity Building
The Lagos Civil Society Participation (LACSOP), in collaboration with its partners, has began a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop under the Citizen-led Accountability Mechanism (CLAIM) for Mitigating Climate Change Impact Project. The workshop, held on January 28, 2025, brought together civil society actors and community representatives to strengthen local capacity for addressing environmental degradation and promoting accountability in climate policy implementation across Lagos State.
Project Director Highlights Urgency of Climate Action
Opening the workshop, Barrister Mrs. Dede Kadiri, Project Director of the CLAIM for Mitigating Climate Change Impact Project, underscored the urgency of responding to climate change at both global and local levels. She described climate change as a pressing issue affecting communities, livelihoods, and young people.
“Climate change is a huge global event and also cuts across local events, and how it changes things in our environment, communities, and youth,” Kadiri said.
She explained that the Training of Trainers model was designed to create a multiplier effect, translating policies and laws into concrete action at the community level. According to her, the CLAIM project seeks to move citizens from awareness to action, particularly in areas such as climate change mitigation and effective waste disposal.
Experts Examine Lagos’ Climate Vulnerability
The technical sessions commenced with a presentation by Dr. Sola, a project consultant, who examined climate vulnerability in Lagos using Lagos Island and Apapa as case studies. He described Lagos as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a population exceeding 30 million residents, and highlighted how rapid urbanisation has intensified environmental risks.
He introduced a three-module framework for participants, covering an introduction to climate change, an analysis of climate impacts in Lagos Island and Apapa, and strategies for adaptation through technical interventions. Participants were also introduced to funding opportunities, including resources such as terravivagrants.org, which provides access to environmental grants in agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation.
Waste Management and Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
In another session, consultant Mr. Iyke Kimemenihia focused on the role of trainers in advancing climate adaptation strategies. He encouraged participants to rethink waste as a valuable resource, noting that materials such as plastics and cassava residues can be converted into products like fuel and manure.
“Waste is everywhere and money can be made from it. It’s not just about disposing of every waste in the house, but categorizing it,” Kimemenihia said.
He argued that proper waste management could ease the burden on government services, reduce flooding in Lagos Island and Apapa Local Government Areas, promote community clean-up efforts, and create climate-resilient livelihood opportunities.
Call for Sustained Citizen Engagement
The first day of the workshop concluded with remarks from Ms. Omolara Olusaiye, Project Manager of the CLAIM for Mitigating Climate Change Impact Project. She urged participants to remain committed to the next phase of the programme and to fully execute their implementation assignments and outreach strategies.
Olusaiye emphasized that the trainers play a critical role in citizen engagement, including monitoring waste management services, reporting environmental concerns, and engaging policymakers to promote a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos State.
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