Let’s get to meet you. Who is Anuoluwapo Adedeji?
My name is Anuoluwapo Adedeji, I am a 10 years old. I was born on the 11th March 2014 and I am presently the youngest photographer based in Lagos, Nigeria and an indigene of Osun State.
What inspired you to start climate change and environmental advocacy at a very young age?
My Parents role as volunteers with the Beach Samaritan Initiative based in Lagos introduced me to the importance of keeping my environment clean.
What tools are you proficient at and how have these tools helped your advocacy work?
I use a camera and the pictures I take with it has helped me to encourage other children to understand the effect of climate change on our existence through my photo exhibitions on the effects of climate change.
Has there been anyone who has served as a guide, coach, or mentor to you on this journey? What impact have they played towards your success?
Yes, My Father, Mr Pelu Awofeso, Co-Founder, Beach Samaritan Initiatives, and Mr AlexGreat Akhigbe II Founder of the African Cleanup Initiatives.
How did your photography contribute to empowering communities in understanding the direct impacts of their decisions and actions on the environment?
I used my photography to contribute to a better environment by organizing a photo-walk with the theme; climate through the Lens. This helped me to document and have a recycling class using some domestic wastes like paper cartons, and tree planting awareness.
What has been the greatest challenge for you doing this noble work that you do for the environment?
The Major challenge is the not having a camera of my own because I use my dads camera for now.
Have there been any significant attention, recognition, or support that you have gotten in trying to tackle this problem?
Yes, I was recognized as the youngest Beach Samaritan and I also had the opportunity to represent Nigerian Children to speak about the impact of Climate Change on BBC for COP26 Conference 2021.
I use a camera and the pictures I take with it has helped me to encourage other children to understand the effect of climate change on our existence through my photo exhibitions on the effects of climate change.
Anuoluwapo Adedeji
Environmental Photographer
What specific environmental problem bothers you the most and what are you doing or plan to do about it?
Single use of pet bottles and cans is one environmental problem that really bothers me. I will like to create more awareness with my mates to see the reason why they have to recycle to have a befitting environment. I will also be hosting paint and plant by kids as a way to encourage recycling of cans in our community by children.
How have you worked with your peers in achieving your goals towards environmental awareness?
Some of the ways I worked with my peer in achieving my goals towards environmental awareness is through the sharing of a book on climate change for children, through my photo-walk and exhibition of my works and tree planting with my friends on my birthday.
How do you navigate balancing this extra curricular activity with your academics and other important aspects of your life?
My advocacy activities mostly happens on weekends especially Saturdays and Sundays, while Mondays to Fridays are for school activities.
Lastly, what advice would you give to kids and young people about making a positive impact on the environment?
My advice to children is to contribute in taking care of our environment by avoiding littering their community with pet bottles, and nylon. They should start planting trees and flowers in their homes and environment.
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