The Women in Oil and Gas (WEOG) group says it’s important to keep raising awareness about climate change, especially as the world prepares for the 2025 World Decarbonisation Day.
They made this call during an online event (webinar) held in Lagos, before the main Decarbonisation Day.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), WEOG is a group that works to support gender equality in the energy, oil, and gas sector, which is mostly male-dominated.
The group helps women take on leadership roles and grow in their careers and businesses, following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
The President of WEOG, Mrs. Tolu Longe, said we need to talk about climate action in the right way.
She said it was an honor to be speaking as we count down to the 2025 World Decarbonisation Day (WDD).
She explained that this movement began in 2024 when women in oil and gas declared the first Decarbonisation Day on September 3.
She believes women aren’t just involved in energy change—they are key drivers of it. This event shows that decarbonisation isn’t just for scientists or the Western world, but for everyone.
She added that we need to talk honestly about climate change. The media can help share real stories about what’s happening and what’s being done.
She urged everyone to share stories that matter and inspire real change, even if the truth is uncomfortable.
She said the webinar’s main goal was to show how important climate communication is. It helps people understand climate issues, change their behavior, and shape climate policies.
Mrs. Toyin Alozie, who leads the WEOG Future Energy and Climate Action Committee (FERCA), said the group is ready to lead Nigeria’s journey toward reducing carbon emissions.
She said FERCA is dedicated to supporting clean energy and fighting climate change.
She added that WEOG and FERCA are part of the global Decarbonisation Day movement and fully support it.
Mrs. Toyin Yusuff, who is leading the WDD 2025 event, said it’s important to share the right message about Nigeria’s fossil fuel use.
She explained that while Nigeria still relies on fossil fuels, there are natural and sustainable solutions that can help the country reach its clean energy goals.
She said climate change brings both challenges and chances. Nigeria shouldn’t be a victim—it should lead by using its strengths to solve energy problems.
She warned against only blaming fossil fuels because many people can’t yet afford alternatives like solar energy. Decarbonisation can help develop local solutions and attract green investments.
She added that if Nigeria takes the lead in cutting carbon emissions, the world will notice.
She said we can’t make progress in secret—we need the media to focus on the good news and potential of decarbonisation, not just the disasters.
Environmental activist Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi also spoke, saying that fighting climate change is a shared duty, and journalists play a big part.
He said the media must show the real situation because time is running out to act.
He warned that the planet is reaching a dangerous tipping point and we must leave a better world for future generations.
He also said religious leaders should talk to their followers about the need to care for the Earth.
Climate change advocate Mr. Olumide Idowu encouraged the media to do more to promote climate action.
He said the media plays a key role because decarbonisation starts with awareness, and only they can spread the message widely.
He explained that journalism helps connect climate ideas to real action.
He warned that climate change is a ticking time bomb and if we don’t act, everyone will suffer.
He stressed that journalism is the foundation for telling the climate story and influencing policies.
NAN reported that in 2024, WEOG announced September 3 as World Decarbonisation Day.
The day was created as an African-led global initiative to speed up climate action in inclusive and sustainable ways.
The 2025 WDD Summit will take place on September 3–4 in Abuja, Nigeria. Over 3,000 people will attend to show Africa’s leadership in global decarbonisation and sustainable growth.
