In commemoration of the 4th Coronation Anniversary of Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, 21st Olu of Warri Kingdom, and Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, the Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), humanitarian arm of the Warri Kingdom Monarchy, has successfully concluded a six-day Climate Action Bootcamp that empowered 66 children from 10 schools in Warri.

The participating schools included Nana College, Delta College, Yonwuren College, Basic Secondary School, Benchill International School, Uwangue College, Cambridge International School, Hussey Model College, Ugbuwangue Secondary School, and Higher Victory College.

Held from Monday, 11th to Saturday, 16th August 2024, at Ikengbuwa Primary School, Warri, the Bootcamp reinforced the Kingdom’s commitment to raising a new generation of climate champions who will return to their schools and communities as advocates for change and environmental restoration.

Over six days, the children explored the science of climate change and its local impact on Warri’s environment and livelihoods. A guided boat trip to the mangroves exposed them to the fragility of coastal ecosystems. They also tackled waste management and plastic pollution, taking part in an upcycling challenge that turned waste into functional household items. Renewable energy lessons saw participants build solar projects, highlighting the importance of clean energy solutions.

The Bootcamp also honed advocacy and leadership skills. Debate competitions on deforestation, the greenhouse effect, and community action showcased the children’s growing confidence in speaking up for the environment. Their Majesties attended the debates, encouraging the participants. Three groups emerged winners, while all 66 children received back-to-school cash prizes from the Olu in recognition of their commitment as Climate Action Ambassadors.

Participants also toured Renu Plastic Recycling Company, where they learned how waste plastics are transformed into reusable resources. Guided by experts from the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources, they produced bamboo waste bins, stools, and picture frames—bringing the principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to life.

Olori Atuwatse III, visioner of RIF, praised the children: “We are deeply proud of these children who have stepped forward as leaders. The survival of our lands and waters depends on the courage of our youth to protect and preserve what we hold dear.”

Ms. Yvonne Omashaye, Project Lead of the RIF Climate Action Club, added: “This camp has shown us that when children are given the tools to understand and lead, they become powerful voices for the environment.”

Dr. Akinyemi Ogunkeyede, Head of the Centre for Waste Management and Sustainable Resources, FUPRE, stressed:

“What we see here is the future of climate leadership in Nigeria. If such initiatives continue, the Niger Delta will not only recover but also lead Africa in grassroots-driven climate solutions.”

Mr. Mba Anthony Stanley, Manager at Renu Recycling, described the training as a survival strategy: “Teaching children to reduce, reuse, and recycle is more than an academic exercise — it is a way to transform entire communities.”

The Bootcamp ended with certificate presentations, eco-pledge signings, and a showcase of upcycled creations.

RIF’s Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Oge Ezeobiorah, concluded: “This is only the beginning. The future of climate action lies in partnerships. We welcome organisations and individuals who share our vision to join us in expanding this work to more schools and communities.”