A Nigerian environmental researcher and policy advocate currently based in the United Kingdom, Orisawayi Abimbola Oluwatayo, has urged African governments, industries, and academic institutions to integrate climate resilience and environmental governance into their national development strategies.
Oluwatayo, whose research focuses on environmental development and Africa’s integration into global sustainability frameworks, warned that Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is being exacerbated by the continent’s slow adaptation to science-backed environmental policies.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present crisis for Africa. From extreme weather events to food insecurity, the evidence is all around us. Yet, the continent’s policy responses remain largely reactionary, not preventive. This is a governance failure that requires urgent redress,” he stated.

He lamented the inadequate funding for environmental research across the continent, noting that this has crippled Africa’s ability to develop indigenous solutions to pressing ecological challenges. “We cannot continue to rely on imported models that do not reflect our realities. Environmental governance in Africa must be science-driven, context-specific, and community-oriented,” Abmbola said.

Highlighting issues such as deforestation, water scarcity, urban pollution, and land degradation, he called for multi-sectoral collaboration in crafting sustainable solutions. “Government ministries, research institutions, industries, and local communities must work hand-in-hand. Policies on waste management, clean energy transition, and climate-smart agriculture must not be treated in silos, they are interconnected pillars of national survival,” he noted.

Abimbola emphasised that climate adaptation strategies must focus on building community resilience. He said: “Grassroots participation is critical. When we design environmental policies, the local farmer, the fisherfolk, the artisan, must see themselves as stakeholders, not as passive recipients of policy outcomes.”
He also challenged the private sector to play a more active role in Africa’s climate resilience agenda by funding green innovations, investing in circular economy initiatives, and adopting eco-friendly industrial practices. “Environmental sustainability is not merely a corporate social responsibility checklist. It is a strategic investment in business continuity and economic stability,” Abimbola stressed.

The researcher further advocated for a curriculum overhaul in African educational institutions, stating that environmental literacy should be embedded across all academic levels. “Our education system must equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to tackle environmental challenges. We need innovators who can turn research into practical solutions for water purification, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation,” he said.

Animbola also underscored the pivotal role of the media in shaping public discourse on climate issues. He urged journalists and media organisations to spotlight local success stories in environmental innovation and hold policymakers accountable for sustainable governance. “When the media frames environmental issues as urgent development priorities, it drives public engagement and compels political action,” he added.