By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako has inaugurated the National implementation committee for the Green School Project with a mandate of scaling up the implementation of the project in the country.
The Minister was represented by the Director Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe of Federal Ministry of Environment at the event in Abuja.
He emphasized the importance of the Project in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among students and communities, informed of government’s interest and commitment to the Project which according to him aligned with the activities of the Presidential Climate Change Action Initiative.
The Minister stated that Nigeria stands at the forefront of both vulnerability and innovation, with rising temperature, erratic weather patterns and dwindling natural resources, the need for climate action has never been more urgent than now.
The Minister noted the uniqueness of the project in the integration of climate education as part of the project activities thereby helping students understand and address the impacts of climate crisis, empowering them with knowledge, skills, value and attitudes needed to act as agents of change in their communities. It is about nurturing a generation of environment stewards, “Catch them Young he stated.
He charged members of the committee to see their nomination from their MDAs as a call to duty for sustainable and resilient climate actions in Nigeria.
In his presentation at the inaugural meeting of the committee, the National Project Coordinator of the Project, Mr. Unyime Robinson gave an overview of project to include providing practical solutions in the fight against climate change, putting climate education and actions at the heart of school’s sustainability plan. It involves a combination of environmental protection and conservation, agricultural land management, community -led adaptive livelihood and sports activities.
Mr. Robinson stated that the project started in Nigeria in 2020 and Akwa Ibom was selected as a pilot State and so far, 35 schools have participated in the Project with recorded milestones on sustainable practices, eco-friendly infrastructures within schools environment, gardens and renewable energy installations.
Robinson said that by instilling a sense of environmental responsibility, the project is fostering a generation of social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who are poised to tackle climate challenges head-on.
“Through carbon emissions reduction, sustainability literacy, and improved food security, the Green School Project is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future in Nigeria,” he said.
He thanked the Federal Government and other partners in scaling up the project in the country.
Members of the committee are drawn from relevant MDAs with responsibility of overseeing and coordinating the scaling up of the Project. Other functions include;
(i) Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and framework for the Project.
(ii) Monitor progress and ensure timely project implementation.
(iii) Foster collaboration among stakeholders including states government, developing partners, institutions, NGOs, schools, etc.
(iv) Promote environmental education and sustainable practices within the school curriculum.
(v) Ensure effective use of resources and funds mobilization.
The Green School Project is implemented in Nigeria by African Center for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development with support from Sports For Future e.V and coordinated by Zenaga Foundation
