Ahead of the COP30 Summit, the Inspired Youth Network (IYN), in collaboration with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Nigeria Organising Team, organised a South-West Regional Consultative Meeting for youth leaders, climate advocates, and organisations to deliberate on pressing climate issues, develop action plans, and produce policy recommendations contributing to Nigeria’s climate action agenda.
The event, themed “Youth at The Forefront of Climate Justice: Accelerating Action for a Just Transition,” was funded by the non-governmental organisation ActionAid and held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Zone Centre in Gbagada, Lagos State.
Attendees included the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, represented by Mr. Idris Adelakun; the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, represented by Deputy Director of Climate Change, Mrs. Zubair Azeezat; Bolaji Lawal; Youth Ambassador Obadare Adenekan; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Climate Change and Circular Economy; Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Bankole Michael; and carefully selected youths and farmers across the South-West region.
The Director of Climate Change and Circular Economy, Bankole Michael, commended the youths passion for consistently impacting society and pledged continuous support to climate action, environmental sustainability and youth led advocacy.
The event deliberated on policies yet to be implemented regarding sustainable adaptation and agriculture, renewable energy, youth innovation and leadership, climate education and gender inequality, urban sustainability, circular economy, and climate finance.
According to the Local Conference of Youth representative, Balikis Salaudeen, the event aimed to ensure youth inclusivity in the climate policies that would be tabled at COP30, and it would take place across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The COP30 Summit is scheduled to take place on November 10-21, 2025, in Brazil, with the Brazilian government hosting and promising to improve organisation and foster deeper reflection on climate change, strengthening the Paris Agreement, and international cooperation.
By Omowumi Abraham