BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation that facilitates societal changes, has kicked off its 2025 Climate Champions Fellowship, a six-month programme designed to empower young leaders in climate advocacy and energy transition.
During a virtual onboarding session on Tuesday, Enebi Opaluwa, head, natural resource and climate governance, BudgIT, outlined the fellowship’s core objective: increasing the representation of marginalised communities in climate policy discussions.
“This project is aimed at increasing the representation of vulnerable and marginalized voices in national conversations and debates around the energy transition and climate change,” Opaluwa stated.
He emphasised that the transition to cleaner energy impacts different demographics in unique ways, noting, “The way transition affects women is different from the way it affects men. The way it affects women in urban areas is different from the way it affects women in rural areas.”
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Opaluwa traced the history of energy transitions, pointing out that previous shifts, such as from wood to coal and then to liquid fuels, did not spark global debates.
“When we were moving from wood to coal, I’m not sure a global conference was called about it. When we moved from coal to diesel in the early 1900s, people just adapted. Now, with fossil fuels, we’re heading toward cleaner technology, partly due to advancements, but largely because continued use of fossil fuels is detrimental to the survival of the planet and humanity,” he explained.
The fellowship structure includes mandatory weekly classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, interactive training, practical exercises, and a final capstone research project.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, which Alice Arogbonlo, research analyst, natural resource and climate governance, BudgIT, highlighted as essential for fostering connections within the climate ecosystem.
The BudgIT Climate Fellowship, supported by Publish What You Pay, aims to equip participants with skills in climate justice, environmental protection, policy engagement, fundraising, and advocacy branding.
With networking and mentorship forming a core part of the programme, fellows will gain direct access to industry experts and potential funding opportunities.
The initiative, according to BudgIT, seeks to ensure that climate policies and energy transition strategies in Nigeria and beyond reflect the voices and realities of the most affected communities. The fellowship is part of its broader mission to strengthen climate-focused advocacy and support inclusive discourse on energy transition in Nigeria.
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