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In Nigeria – where nearly 70% of the population is made up of young people, one group decided it was time to take climate change head-on. Leading that charge was Daniel Olajuyigbe, a passionate environmental advocate who, along with a team of like-minded youth, believed that awareness, action, and creativity could turn the tide against environmental degradation.
The “Youth vs. Climate Change” campaign was designed to tackle some of the most urgent environmental challenges in their local community—from plastic pollution and deforestation to climate illiteracy. Using funding from Season of Solutions, the team led beach cleanups, tree plantings, and educational sessions within their community
Cleaning Up the Coast
The beaches of Lekki, once a symbol of natural beauty, had become overwhelmed with trash—plastic bottles, food wrappers, straws, and microplastics choked the shoreline. Visitors often left their waste behind, unaware of the devastating impact on marine life.
Armed with garbage bags, gloves, and a determination to make a difference, the team organized cleanups across five key beaches: Atican, Baadun, Ajah, Elegushi Royal, and Alpha. They collected over 20 bags of waste, ranging from plastics to glass and food litter.
The team engaged with beachgoers and owners, sparking conversations about pollution and ocean conservation. With each cleanup, they planted seeds of environmental responsibility.
Restoring the Land Through Trees
Lekki is a city which has suffered from the loss of thousands of trees in the past decade through mass deforestation and terrible cases of erosion.
Daniel’s team knew they had to go beyond cleanup—they needed to restore. Their goal was simple but powerful: plant trees.
At Gbara Community Secondary School, they initially planned to plant 10 trees. With additional support and energy from volunteers, they planted 20. Each sapling represented more than just a tree—it was a promise of cleaner air, richer biodiversity, and a sustainable future.
This effort improved local biodiversity, reduced carbon emissions, and fostered ecological balance.
Community Connection Through Artivism and Education
Daniel and his team also recognized that lasting change required a shift in mindset. Many people in Lekki had only a vague idea of what climate change truly meant. So they turned to something that resonates with everyone: art and storytelling.
They hosted a lively artivism and public awareness event, bringing together 21 young participants from diverse fields—technology, healthcare, architecture, and more.
From eco-friendly pottery-making to painting sessions, attendees explored how creativity could promote sustainability. Reusable clay products replaced single-use plastics, and powerful conversations flowed alongside the artistic expression.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees left inspired to take what they had learned back to their communities—and many shared their experiences on social media, amplifying the campaign’s reach.
Thanks to the support from Season of Solutions, Daniel and his team turned an idea into real impact. Their project didn’t just clean beaches or plant trees—it sparked a movement driven by young people, rooted in creativity, and focused on solutions.
Today, the “Youth vs. Climate Change” campaign stands as a shining example of what can happen when youth are given the tools, the platform, and the belief that they can make a difference.