Lagos, November 20, 2024.

The Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has taken a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment and promoting green careers in Lagos through its innovative Internship Programme. This initiative offers talented young individuals valuable work experience in the fields of climate change, circular economy, and sustainability, while contributing to the socio-economic development of the city. 

The programme serves as a key platform for nurturing the next generation of professionals in the green economy, and highlights OCCE’s commitment to fostering sustainable business practices that promote both environmental stewardship and economic growth. 

Key Achievements: Shaping Future Green Economy Leaders 

The six-month Hybrid Internship Programme combines remote and in-office work, allowing interns to gain experience in diverse environments while benefiting from direct interaction with industry experts. This approach enables interns to work on real-world projects while learning about sustainability and circular economy practices. 

Interns have contributed to various OCCE initiatives, gaining experience in areas like marketing communication, programme management, finance, and web management. Their contributions have been essential in advancing the OCCE’s mission of promoting climate change mitigation and the circular economy. 

Highlighted Areas of Growth for Interns: 

• Social Media & Content Creation: Interns are utilizing their skills to engage the public, raising awareness around sustainability, circular economy practices, and environmental issues through creative social media campaigns. 

• Office 365 Tools: Mastery of tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint helps interns manage data, create reports, and contribute to the office’s operations. 

• Project Management: Interns are gaining hands-on experience managing sustainability projects, coordinating tasks, and meeting deadlines. 

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Effective communication is a key component of the internship, with interns preparing reports, participating in meetings, and delivering presentations to explain sustainability concepts. 

Global Impact: Shaping Careers for Sustainable Development 

The OCCE Internship Programme is aligned with global sustainability initiatives, particularly those related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By preparing interns for careers in the green economy, OCCE is investing in a future where sustainability is central to economic growth, job creation, and environmental conservation. 

The programme also reflects the growing importance of climate policies in driving international cooperation, local action, and the development of green business practices. As interns develop skills in sustainable project management, finance, and environmental advocacy, they contribute to the wider goal of reducing unemployment while nurturing green economic growth in Lagos. 

Conclusion: Committing to a Sustainable Future 

The OCCE Internship Programme is not just a platform for gaining work experience; it’s a long-term investment in Lagos’ future—a future where the green economy leads to job creation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable urban development. By offering these internships, OCCE is addressing both immediate unemployment challenges and building a foundation for a new generation of leaders who will shape Lagos into a sustainable, thriving city. 

As the programme progresses, the interns’ work and passion will continue to play a pivotal role in transforming Lagos into a hub for sustainable careers. Their contributions are already helping to define policies and strategies that will drive Lagos’ green economy forward. 

Through the Internship Programme, OCCE is reaffirming its commitment to shaping a greener, more inclusive future for Lagos, where sustainable careers are at the heart of the city’s growth and development.