By Abdullahi Lukman
Stakeholders at the Climate Equity Project’s Inception and Discovery Meeting in Ibadan have emphasized the importance of capturing personal experiences from Nigerian communities affected by climate change.
The event, held on June 30, 2025, was organized by the Youth Agroecological for Restoration Network (YARN) alongside Ushahidi and NETHOPE, under the theme “Amplifying Community Voices of Climate Change in Nigeria.”
Opeyemi Elujulo, Executive Director of YARN, explained that the initiative seeks to ensure community representation in climate change data to amplify those most impacted and collaboratively develop climate solutions.
Joseph Kirai from Ushahidi Kenya noted the lack of lived-experience data in climate studies and revealed plans to gather input from 5,000 community members across Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states to inform decision-making.
Aminat Adebayo of NETHOPE highlighted the project’s goal to include vulnerable voices to help create toolkits for climate adaptation and resilience within affected communities.
Representatives from Oyo State government shared ongoing efforts to support farmers in adapting to climate risks.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, announced government-led sensitization programs and urged farmers to insure their ventures to mitigate losses, especially with an expected 40-day drought forecast from mid-July to August.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ṣeun Ashamu, affirmed continued collaboration with stakeholders to raise awareness and develop climate change solutions.