Rhymes for the Earth: How Oladejo Oluwaseun uses Spoken Word to tackle Climate Change in Nigeria

by Ruhamah Ifere

If the Earth had a voice, it would sound like us. This article will focus on one of the most passionate voices behind Climate Change movement in Nigeria. Oladejo Oluwaseun is using spoken word poetry as a tool to create change and strengthen Climate Resilience.

I met Seun whilst volunteering with the SWEEP Foundation and we hit it off as young people passionate about honing our leadership skills and understanding our roles as youths in Advocacy.

In Nigeria, Climate Resilience is a topic that we are beginning to embrace, as the effects stare us in the face: flooding, heatwaves, late rain etc. The need to innovate is urgent as it is no longer an option.

OLADEJO OLUWASEUN: The Poet with a Purpose

Words when used appropriately can shape the world. Spoken words tell stories leveraging on data and dreams and convey to target audiences the need for an urgent response to the threat of climate change.

Oladejo Oluwaseun is not your average climate activist. With a background in History and International Studies from Bowen University, her foundation in global affairs blends seamlessly with a passion for public speaking and creative expression. After finding her voice at the Friendship Leadership Institute in 2020, she honed her skills through certifications in creative writing and spoken word poetry.

Now a vibrant spoken word artist, Oluwaseun has performed climate-themed poetry at several high-impact events, including:

* Lagos Waste Forum 2.0 (2022) and 4.0 (2024), where she delivered a poem on plastic pollution and its environmental consequences.

* Youth-Led Climate Tech Innovation Exhibition (2024), where she shared a tech-focused climate poem that inspired innovation through sustainability.

* Climate Assembly Pitch Day (2024), where she debuted “Catalyst for Change”, a powerful piece calling for collective responsibility in protecting the planet.

Recognising Impacts: Awards and Achievements

Oluwaseun’s creativity and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the following awards:

* Creativity in Arts and Crafts – from Team Illuminate

* Top Volunteer of 2023 – from Team Illuminate

* Award for Exceptional Dedication as a Volunteer – from SWEEP Foundation

A Final Word to Young Change Makers

You cannot afford to be on the sidelines as we don’t have a Planet B as rightly alluded to by former President Barack Obama.

Identify the Climate issues in your environment. Whether you write, code, speak, paint or organise, there is a place for your talent in this planet and movement.

Speak for the Earth. Like Seun, you can be a catalyst for change.