By Daniel Tyokua
A Non Governmental Organisation, Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative has sought more support of strategic stakeholders to sustain its promotion of environmental standards.
Founder and president of the NGO, Brenda Max-Nduaguibe said there was the need to preserve the planet from activities that would affect it.
She stated this at a 2023 tree planting campaign held at Government Junior Secondary School, Idu-Koro in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Max-Nduaguibe urged the stakeholders to always take actions that will reduce carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future for themselves and for generations to come.
She revealed that the exercise, which was sponsored by Green Belt Movement of Nigeria, was in commemoration of this year’s World Environmental Day, aimed at making a positive impact on the environment and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the planet.
The president noted that PHECC is a mentorship platform of the NGO aimed at producing a generation treat the planet with care and environmentally conscious and aware of biodiversity.
According to her: “In the month of June is to commemorate the World Environment Day, we perform a simple yet effective way to combat climate change and preserve our natural resources.
“Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. They also provide valuable habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and improve air and water quality.
“By planting trees today, we are not only helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, but we are also leaving a legacy for future generations. It is important that we continue to work together to protect our planet, to promote sustainability and to make a positive impact in our communities.
“I am particularly proud of the PHECC members who participate actively in club activities, the Club masters who selflessly put in time to mentor club members and the School Principals and Vice principals who supervise Club activities.
“Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative through PHECC has impacted 250 students across 4 secondary schools in the FCT namely; LEA Primary School, Igu Bwari Area Council, GJSS Karimo, GJSS, Kuchigoro, GJSS Durumi.
“In the three years of Launching PHECC 36 students have been offered scholarships. PHECC is a platform through which students are offered scholarships, incentivized and motivated to stay in school, encouraged to do well in their studies and dream of a better future.”
The Programme Assistant, Green Bond Secretariat, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Bem Eunice Aunbur, said NGO’s initiatives was in line with the Federal Government’s resolve towards improving the planet.
She therefore called on stakeholders to emulate PurpleHands, in order to attain the desired goals of securing the environment.
On his part, Principal of the School, Yinka Crown Oyegoke, who described the initiative as critical to the protection and preservation of the environment of the school and community at large, assured that measures will be activated to sustain and maintain the trees planted.
