CLAIM unveils Climate Change Campaign Animated Video to raise awareness, educate the public
By Cyriacus Nnaji:
Citizens Led Accountability Mechanism (CLAIM) for Mitigating Climate Change Impact, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, had a Media launch of the Climate Change Campaign Animated Video—an initiative designed to raise awareness, educate the public, and inspire collective action on the pressing issue of climate change, it is also an effort geared towards bringing the effects of climate change to the barest minimum in Lagos State.CLAIM, an initiative of the Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP) a forum of the major civil society networks and coalitions working for the advancement of the people of Lagos State, and supported by Bread for the World (BfdW) came up with the Animated video which is in English, Yoruba and Pidgin versions.
The campaign leverages engaging animated storytelling to simplify complex climate issues, making them accessible and relatable to a wider audience, particularly young people and digital communities.
The launch event nonetheless brought together key stakeholders, environmental advocates, media professionals, and development partners to unveil the campaign, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration in amplifying climate action narratives.
Indeed Climate change in Lagos State manifests primarily through severe flooding, sea-level rise, and intense heat threatening over 500 educational centres, critical infrastructure and 14 local government areas with significant inundation. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall damage property and increase health risks, with projected annual GDP losses of $17 billion and up to $5 billion in infrastructure.
In his Goodwill message, Ayo Adebusoye, Chairman, LACSOP, expressed his deep appreciation for the animated video as a veritable channel of campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the environment. He said, “It is my pleasure to join you at this important milestone—the media launch of the animated video campaign under the Citizens-Led Accountability Mechanism (CLAIM) for Mitigating Climate Change Impact Project. I extend my warm goodwill to the project team, our partners, and all stakeholders whose commitment has brought this initiative to life.
“This campaign comes at a very critical time. Across Lagos State, we continue to see the real and immediate effects of climate change—particularly flooding linked to poor waste management practices. The animated video we are launching today speaks directly to this reality. It captures, in a simple but powerful way, how everyday actions—especially the improper disposal of plastics—contribute to environmental challenges that affect us all.
“More importantly, it highlights a pathway forward: one that places citizens at the center of solutions, encourages responsible behavior, and strengthens accountability between communities and public institutions,” he said.
Ayo Adebusoye, further commended the use of animation as, according to him, it is strategic, accessible and a relatable communication tool. ‘I commend the use of animation as a strategic communication tool. It is accessible, relatable, and capable of reaching a wide audience—especially young people and grassroots communities who are critical to driving long-term behavioral change.
“This initiative reflects an important shift—from merely discussing climate change at a policy level to engaging citizens in practical, actionable ways.
“As we move forward, it is my hope that: This campaign will inspire greater environmental responsibility among citizens; It will stimulate constructive engagement between communities and service providers; and it will contribute to building a culture of accountability and sustainability across Lagos State.
“I also wish to acknowledge the vital role of the media in amplifying this message. Your partnership is essential in ensuring that the message goes beyond this room and reaches the homes, streets, and communities where change must happen.
“On behalf of LACSOP, I reaffirm our continued support for initiatives that promote citizen engagement, strengthen accountability systems, and advance sustainable development. I encourage all stakeholders to take ownership of this message and work collaboratively to translate awareness into meaningful action,” he said.
According to the Project Manager of CLAIM, Omolara Olusaiye, expected outcomes of the animated video launch include increase awareness and understanding of climate change among citizens; informed and engaged citizenry actively participating in climate mitigating efforts; improved waste management practices leading to reduced plastic pollution and flooding; strengthened accountability mechanisms influencing local climate policies and budgetary allocations and more sustainable and resilient communities better prepared to adapt to climate change Impacts.
The project focuses on urban-poor and informal settlements in Lagos Island and Apapa LGAs, targeting youth aged 18–35 as change agents and future leaders of climate action.
Omolara revealed further, “In alignment with our mission, and with support from Bread for the World (BfdW), LACSOP is implementing the Citizens-Led Accountability Mechanism for Mitigating Climate Change Impact. This initiative mobilizes youth and community stakeholders in Lagos Island and Apapa Local Government Areas to confront critical environmental challenges such as flooding, plastic pollution, and weak enforcement of climate-related policies.
Speaking on the Project Background, she said “Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria and the seventh fastest-growing city globally, is a sprawling metropolis with an estimated population of approximately 30 million, according to the Lagos State Bureau of Statistics (LBS). The rapid urbanization that fuels its growth also exacerbates social and environmental challenges, making it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The social fabric of Lagos is as dynamic as its population, characterized by diverse ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups coexisting within the city’s densely packed neighborhoods. Still, the lack of adequate awareness about climate change and entrenched behaviors such as indiscriminate waste disposal limit the collective capacity to address ecological crises.
“While, the state government has shown commitment to tackling environmental issues through policies such as the Lagos State Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (LASCCAS) and the ban on single-use plastics, enforcement remains weak. Nationally, frameworks like the National Policy on Climate Change and the Climate Change Act of 2021 provide a policy foundation, but implementation at both the federal and state levels is inconsistent. Collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and communities is crucial to ensure these policies translate into tangible results,” she added.
Omolara added that the Project Objectives include Increase Awareness and Understanding
Enhance the awareness and understanding of climate change issues among community members; Promote Community Participation in Policy Dialogue
Empower project beneficiaries to actively engage in climate-related policy discussions and decision
making processes at the local level; and Foster Youth-Led Climate Innovations, Support and encourage youth to develop and implement innovative solutions that address climate change impacts, improve waste management, and build community resilience.
In their goodwill messages, while Barr (Mrs) Dede Kadiri, Executive Secretary, LACSOP and Project Director, CLAIM for MCC Project, said that the organisation has engaged with thousands of Lagos State residents, said, “We are producing this animated video to enhance Communication, so whichever way we speak either as civil society or as residents, most of the issues concern us especially the variations in nature affect us. The way we influence nature, they all affect us
“So CLAIM is our own way of enabling citizens’ response to the changes we see,” Dede stated.
Mr Akin Jimoh, Executive Director, Development Communications, on his part stated that it is one thing to create awareness, it is another for people to change behavior. He asked, “How can we make Government change their behavior, how can we make ourselves change behavior, we need to have knowledge, and what is being presented today is part of aspect of improving our knowledge so that we know in what situation we are and address it accordingly.
“I thank everyone that has come especially the media. Let’s look at this more critically, because there are quite a number of issues that are being addressed that have been there from time immemorial, and we are still addressing the same thing. Things that were addressed in the 90s, a lot of those problems still live with us. I would implore you to do your own bit, and leave the rest for others,” he said.
Akinlolu Akinpelumi, Communication Manager, CLAIM for MCC Impact Project gave overview of the Animated videos: Goals and Expectations.
Since its establishment in 2007, LACSOP has been promoting ownership of the governance process through collaborative interventions with the executive, legislature, and the media and by conducting independent assessments of the government’s performance.
LACSOP adopts a partnership model that empowers a wide range of civil society networks and coalitions and positions these to effectively engage with government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on evidence-based development priorities and reforms in Lagos State. With a 200+ civil society membership base, LACSOP strengthens democracy and good governance in the state through advocacy and coordination of civil society engagement to foster increased voice and accountability.
