During our momentous 50th leadership conversation, we engaged in a dialogue with Mr. Samuel C. Okorie, a POP Mentor and Ambassador representing the Africa Region. In response to Ana’s question on his understanding of leadership, Samuel eloquently expressed that leadership encompasses the art of galvanizing individuals toward the right course of action, effectively executing tasks, identifying challenges, and most importantly, inspiring others through guidance and example.

Delving into the impactful initiatives of POP Africa, Samuel highlighted their emphasis on climate education, agroecology, and tree planting in Nigeria. Their holistic approach, encompassing not only environmental aspects but also ensuring gender inclusivity, has been instrumental. However, Samuel candidly acknowledged the challenges they faced, primarily revolving around acquiring volunteers and forging partnerships essential for project implementation. He underscored their drive to address climate change issues within his community and empower people to recognize and tackle climate challenges at the grassroots level.

When Ana inquired about the strategies to foster sustained youth leadership and climate activism in Nigeria, Samuel outlined key factors. Providing a platform for young leaders to showcase their work, offering mentorship programs, and facilitating informed decision-making mechanisms were of paramount importance. Samuel underlined the significance of accessible funding opportunities, streamlining policy mechanisms to incorporate youth perspectives, and ensuring their active participation in governmental decisions. He stressed the significance of youth’s ability to identify pressing issues, setting priorities, and bringing their valuable input to policy-making discussions.

Samuel’s insights extended to serving as an exemplary model for budding leaders worldwide. He detailed the meticulous planning required for successful project execution, often taking around five months to lay the groundwork. The model they have cultivated in POP Africa is being replicated across different African countries, backed by the provision of essential resources for climate education and actions that directly impact local environments. Samuel highlighted the transformation these actions have brought about in his personal life and the perspectives of those involved, notably in areas like agroecology and tree planting.

When asked about advice for aspiring youth leaders, Samuel was resolute. He advocated cultivating a genuine passion for the cause, seeking opportunities to volunteer with established organizations, and harnessing the strength of local communities as catalysts for impactful change. Samuel encouraged young leaders not to be discouraged by the scale of their actions, emphasizing that small deeds can create meaningful transformations. He suggested seeking mentors and making use of abundant online resources to expand knowledge and insights.

In conclusion, the dialogue with Samuel C. Okorie illuminated the essence of effective youth leadership and climate activism. His experiences and insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

About the guest speaker: 

Samuel C. Okorie is a Climate and Environment Specialist Environment and the Founder/pioneer of the POP Nigeria Initiative https://thepopmovement.org/pop-nigeria-initiative/Samuel-C.-Okorie/ (Part of the EWA UN Education Emergency fund). He is the Communications and Policy Advisor for GLOBE (The official Parliamentary Focal Point for the UNFCCC) Nigeria Chapter, a Climate Reality Leader, and a of Global Landscape Forum and Fellow of Cambridge Existential Risk. He Was a European Climate Pact Ambassador for the EU; Investigative Journalist for Young British Climate Connect, British Council and the and Research associate at Centre for Human Progress, India. Samuel has been able to empower over 200,000 lives through his initiative on Climate Education and also supported youth with seed grants and capacity building programs as the POP (Protect Our Planet) Youth Mentor and Ambassador for Africa. He is the Research Working Group coordinator for the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC) and  Loss and Damage Research Consultant  with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), as well as the Contact Point for Loss and Damage, YOUNGO-UNFCCC (the Official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change-UNFCCC).