An edition of Climate Fact File hosted by Ify Onyekwere on the 19th of February 2025 on People’s 105.5FM Abuja, was focused on “Climate Resilience for Vulnerable Communities”, which featured an environmentalist Uzochukwudinma A. Otakpor who shared insights on sustainability, personal responsibility, and grassroots initiatives that are driving change, particularly among marginalized populations.
Ms Otakpor’s highlighted that her passion for sustainable development is rooted in her childhood experiences in Benin City. She recalled how early exposure to environmental cleanups in the community, combined with seeing advanced recycling systems abroad, inspired her to embed sustainable practices in Nigeria. “We have the Environmental Protection Board that cleans the environment for us, but at this point, we should start looking at sustainable methods. The government should introduce policies for recycling. Instead of throwing all our waste into one bin, why don’t we have separate refuse bins and designated collection days?” she suggested.
Beyond advocacy, Ms Otakpor is actively involved in grassroots initiatives, particularly at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where she leads sustainability programs for women and children. Through partnerships with some other organizations, she has spearheaded environmental education, tree planting, and skill-building in upcycling. “The idea behind this started with keeping the camp clean. But then I thought, why stop there? These women need to understand that cleanliness is for them. So we engaged them in programs that not only promote hygiene but also provide economic benefits,” she explained.
Talking on partnership, Ms Otakpor made it known that women in the camp now receive training in recycling, solar energy, and jewelry making using plastic waste, turning waste into economic opportunities. “I have a regular 9-to-5 job, but that hasn’t stopped me from providing solutions to my community. I always say, leverage partnerships for the goals. Start volunteering. The government cannot do everything,” she urged.
Ms Otakpor emphasized that sustainability must be a collective effort, encouraging businesses and organizations to align their work with the five pillars of sustainable development—people, peace, prosperity, partnership, and planet. She highlighted the importance of tree planting, referencing her work with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Abuja, where she and other volunteers planted trees across schools and communities. “More trees are not just for shade. They help with air quality, soil nutrients, and overall environmental balance. It’s a simple yet impactful step toward climate resilience,” she noted.
For Ms Otakpor, the message is clear: everyone has a role to play in building a sustainable, climate-resilient future. “Look for the little space you can improve and develop. If you don’t have the funds, volunteer your time. Every small action adds up to a bigger impact,” she concluded.
The conversation served as a strong reminder that climate resilience starts with community-driven action, backed by policy reforms, sustainable practices, and grassroots engagement.
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