Lagos State Unveils Climate Change Awareness Campaign 

The Lagos State Government has launched a new initiative called Art for Climate Change, which aims to raise awareness about climate change and encourage action through artistic expression and youth involvement.

Mr. Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, announced the project during a press briefing at the Secretariat in Alausa.

He stated that the initiative is a collaboration between the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative – Solution17 for Climate Action and New York University, Abu Dhabi

“Art for Climate Change is a follow-up to the MoU signed between New York University Abu Dhabi and COP28 UAE, which aims to enhance the role of higher education institutions in knowledge-sharing, climate action, and youth engagement, in the lead-up to the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“This is expected to increase the contribution of youths towards an inclusive and solutions-oriented climate conference,” Gaji stated.

He added that artists from Lagos “will collaborate with tech innovators, experts in relevant fields, students from NYU Abu Dhabi and the Universities Climate Network UAE, to co-create innovative solutions to problems around key thematic areas relevant to COP28, which will be depicted in art.”

“Today, Lagos State Government and Solution 17 are proud to launch the Art for Climate Change project and kickstart a series of events including a co-creation innovation hub, live marathon painting events, dialogue series, and exhibitions,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He added, “These canvases and the projects they depict will be communicated in powerful storytelling via documentary, film production, music, and exhibition to create awareness and contribute to policy shaping and decision-making during COP28 and beyond.”

He announced that the events will be held periodically till the commencement of the COP28 conference in November 2023.

“It is our collective hope that this initiative will foster conversations about the role of art, culture, and citizenship development in addressing global challenges and shaping policies,” Gaji added.

Agronigeria/Shakirat Sadiq