Temitope Okunnu – A Pioneer in Environmental Advocacy and Empowerment

By Warrence Oghenevwegba 

Published on: October 1, 2024, 6:10 P.M 

In the realm of environmental advocacy, few individuals embody the passion and dedication required to drive tangible change as much as Temitope Okunnu. Over the course of her 17-year career, Temitope has become a powerful force in promoting sustainability, zero waste culture, and environmental education across Nigeria and beyond. As the founder of FABE International Foundation, her vision has evolved into a mission of empowerment—particularly for young people and women—while addressing critical environmental issues.

From Passion to Action: Temitope’s Early Journey

Temitope’s journey into environmental health and sustainability began with a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in her community. Early in her career, she recognized that Nigeria, like many parts of the world, was grappling with waste management issues, environmental degradation, and a growing disconnect between communities and environmental education. Instead of waiting for change, Temitope took the bold step of becoming a catalyst for it.

In 2007, Temitope founded FABE International Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a focus on environmental education, promoting a zero-waste culture, and fostering sustainability. Her aim was clear: to educate and empower people, especially youth and women, to take ownership of the planet’s future. What started as a small initiative has since blossomed into a nationwide movement that has impacted communities, schools, and industries alike.

Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

One of Temitope’s core missions is to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards. Through FABE International Foundation’s programs, she has created a platform for young people to engage with environmental issues in meaningful and practical ways. From promoting sustainable waste management practices in schools to organizing eco-friendly projects within communities, Temitope has helped over 10,000 students and teachers become environmental change-makers.

Her foundation’s Eco Schools NG program is particularly noteworthy, having transformed environmental education across Nigeria. By providing hands-on experiences, students are not only taught the importance of sustainability but also encouraged to implement these practices in their daily lives. Under Temitope’s leadership, the program has impacted over 100 schools, and she envisions this number growing to 200 in the coming years.

A Multi-Faceted Leader: Balancing Roles in Advocacy and Government

Temitope’s work extends beyond her foundation. In recognition of her expertise and commitment to environmental health, she was appointed as the Ambassador for Noise Pollution at Lagos State Government. In this role, she collaborates with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of noise pollution and its impact on public health.

Noise pollution, while less discussed compared to waste or air pollution, poses significant health risks, including stress, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances. As an ambassador, Temitope has been instrumental in driving public awareness campaigns, engaging stakeholders, and influencing policy changes that aim to mitigate the effects of noise pollution in Lagos.

Her ability to balance multiple roles is a testament to her dynamic skill set and passion for community health. With a master’s degree in occupational health and safety from the University of Bergen in Norway and a certificate in sustainable waste management from Lagos Business School, Temitope brings academic rigor to her advocacy work, ensuring that her initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.

Bridging Gaps: Youth, Women, and Environmental Resilience

Temitope’s advocacy is deeply rooted in the belief that empowering women and young people is key to driving lasting environmental change. Women, in particular, are often the most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change. As such, Temitope has made it a point to incorporate gender inclusivity into her work. By offering tailored programs that provide women with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt to climate change and take leadership roles in their communities, she is creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

Her focus on youth is similarly impactful. Through various mentoring and training initiatives, Temitope has inspired thousands of young people to take up the mantle of climate action. By equipping them with knowledge on sustainable waste management, organic farming, and circular economy practices, she has created a generation of climate-conscious citizens who will continue to lead the charge in environmental protection.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite her success, Temitope has faced numerous challenges along the way. Public perception around environmental advocacy is still a barrier, with many viewing sustainability efforts as niche or unnecessary. Infrastructure and financial constraints have also presented difficulties, particularly when it comes to scaling programs like Eco Schools NG. However, Temitope remains undeterred.

Looking to the future, her goals are clear: expanding FABE International Foundation’s impact, deepening its focus on climate resilience, and leveraging new technologies to create scalable solutions for environmental challenges. She plans to strengthen partnerships with both governmental bodies and the private sector, recognizing that collaboration is key to driving greater impact.

One of her most pressing goals is securing more funding to empower more women and youth. With additional resources, Temitope hopes to scale up her programs, reaching more schools and communities across Nigeria. Her ambition is not only to foster environmental education but to build resilient communities that can adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

A Visionary Leader with a Purpose

Temitope Okunnu’s journey is far from over. As an environmentalist, mentor, fitness coach, organic gardener, and philanthropist, she continues to inspire others with her unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Her diverse skills, ranging from fitness coaching to nutrition, reflect her holistic approach to environmental health. By integrating wellness and environmentalism, she champions the idea that the health of the planet and its people are intertwined.

Through her creative leadership, Temitope has managed to combine her passion for the environment with her commitment to community well-being. Whether she’s working in schools, mentoring young leaders, or driving policy change at the governmental level, her goal remains the same: to create a world where people and nature can thrive together.

As she forges ahead, Temitope Okunnu stands as a true change-maker, proving that one person’s vision can transform lives, uplift communities, and safeguard the future of the planet.