On Wednesday, 15th April 2026, We the People convened the first session of Eco-Hangout, a youth-centered engagement for young person aged 18-23 in Port Harcourt, designed to spark interest in environmental and climate issues among young people in the Niger Delta. The Eco-Hangout was created as a response to the growing disconnect between young people and climate conversations, which are often framed in technical and abstract ways despite their direct impact on everyday life. Through a blend of interactive learning, creative engagement, movie, and open dialogue, the initiative aims to nurture early ecological consciousness and build a pipeline of young people who can transition into deeper environmental advocacy and leadership. Participants for the event were selected through a shortlisting process following an open call, ensuring a diverse and enthusiastic group of young people.
The event began with opening and welcome remarks by Grace Appolos, Programs Manager at We the People, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing the importance of creating relatable spaces for young people to engage environmental issues. She also facilitated an introduction session, allowing participants to connect with one another and establish a comfortable and interactive atmosphere for the day’s activities.
This was followed by the screening of a documentary titled “The Human Cost of Methane Emissions in Nigeria’s Niger Delta,” produced by We the People and Policy Alert, with support from the Natural Resource Governance Institute. The documentary highlighted the often-overlooked human and environmental consequences of methane emissions in the Niger Delta, particularly how gas flaring and extractive activities contribute to pollution, health challenges, and the disruption of livelihoods in host communities. By centering the voices and lived experiences of affected communities, the film brought to life the direct link between environmental degradation and everyday survival in the region. Following the screening, participants engaged in an elaborate reflection and discussion session, sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and connecting the issues raised in the documentary to their own experiences and observations.
The next session, titled “Eco Bingo Game,” was facilitated by the Executive Director of We the People, Ken Henshaw. The game introduced a playful yet impactful approach to learning, where participants answered questions related to climate and environmental issues. Correct answers were rewarded with gift items, while incorrect responses came with a lighthearted twist—participants were asked to dance. This session created an energetic and inclusive environment, breaking down complex ecological concepts into simple, engaging interactions and reinforcing the idea that climate conversations do not have to be rigid or overly academic.
The event also served as an opportunity to launch a new publication by We the People titled “Foundational Concepts in Environment and Climate Change,” a simplified guide designed to help young people understand key environmental and climate issues in clear and accessible language. The publication reflects the organization’s commitment to making environmental knowledge more inclusive and easier to engage with, particularly for those just beginning their journey into climate awareness.
The Eco-Hangout concluded on a lively and engaging note, with participants expressing enthusiasm through interviews and informal conversations. Many indicated strong interest in participating in future engagements organized by We the People and its partners. The event ended with achieving its core objectives of creating an accessible entry point into ecological discussions and also demonstrated the power of youth-centered, creative approaches in building awareness to spark interest and inspire action.
