Climate change issues require innovative media storytelling – SOS director
Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, has called on media professionals to report more about climate change issues, amplify conversation on it and drive meaningful action.
Erhumwunse made the call in Lagos on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at a climate change media workshop organised by the organisation.
He described climate change as one of the most pressing issues of the time, which must be given adequate attention.
The country director said that media professionals play a vital role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions.
He urged that media professionals should do more to influence decisions, actions and programmes that would address climate change.
Erhumwunse appealed to media organisations to explore innovative storytelling approaches to climate change reporting.
According to him, the media should give much support to young people making impacts on environmental sustainability.
The country director said that SOS Children’s Villages had identified some young climate actors and supported them to do more.
He said that amplifying the voices of such youths would inspire others to create changes that would help to address climate change and mitigate its effects on the environment.
The country director said that the organisation had identified few outstanding young climate actors and named them Eco Champions, urging support of stakeholders to enable them to drive climate change agenda further.
“I would like to particularly acknowledge the presence and participation of our young climate actors, Eco Champions, who are already making a significant impact in this space.
“Your energy, creativity and passion are crucial in driving the climate agenda forward.
“We recognise that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a social justice issue that disproportionately affects young people and future generations.”
He highlighted the importance of intergenerational collaboration, youth-led initiatives and inclusive climate policies that would prioritise the needs and perspectives of young people.
“I encourage you all to lend your expertise and learnings to our young climate leaders, and to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
“Let us harness the power of media to drive climate action and ensure that the voices of young people are heard and valued in this critical conversation,” he said.
Mr. David Lemuel, the National Coordinator of EcoChampions Programme of SOS Children’s Villages, noted that woman and children were more affected by climate change.
He said that disruptions in weather patterns would negatively affect food productions that could lead to malnutrition especially in children.
He said that there was the need to take climate issues more seriously, urging individuals, groups and organisations to contribute their quotas toward addressing climate change.
One of the Eco Champions, Miss Hannah Omokhaye, urged young people to lead actions on climate change.
“They should create action and not wait for others. It is about our future,” she said
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