KOICA Nigeria and FCT UBEB has organized a one-day awareness and sensitization program titled “Zero Waste in School Promoting Waste Management and Environmentally Sustainable Practices for Young African Leaders” at the Model Girls’ Junior Secondary School, AMAC Estate, Abuja.
In his keynote address, Mr. Baik Kihyun, the Deputy Country Director of KOICA Nigeria, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, said 150 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students were engaged and encouraged the students to apply what they learned to succeed and make Nigeria proud.
Kihyun informed that a significant outcome of the sensitization program was the establishment of a student-led environmental club, designed to promote leadership and a culture of environmental protection among young people.
He said that there was presentations, interactive sessions, and practical demonstrations which aimed at fostering proactive environmental protection lifestyles. The initiative’s goal is to create awareness and educate students on sustainable waste management practices, including waste sorting and segregation.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe and sustainable environment, highlighting KOICA’s belief that youth are a vital component for a sustainable future for Nigeria. He assured continuous support from KOICA in facilitating programs that drive positive change and development.
“KOICA, the agency of the South Korean Government, is mandated to implement development aid programs in partner countries, reaffirming its commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship among Nigeria’s youth”.
The Principal, Model Girls’ Junior Secondary School, AMAC Estate, Hajia Titilayo Nimota Yahaya in her remark, expressed her joy to be at the event and assured that the participating students would pass on the knowledge acquired to other students.
SKICAN President, Mr. Joseph Oboh Esq, congratulated members Salawu Ahmed, Program Analyst at the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN); Olamide H. Eniaiyejuni, Senior Planning, Research and Development Officer at the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC); Veronique Ojo Ogbanje, Principal Education Officer at the FCT Education Secretariat; and Adewunmi O. Ogunrinde, Senior Scientific Officer at the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, for emerging as beneficiaries of the $1,000 2024 1st Capstone Project Grant.
“This initiative by KOICA Nigeria aims to promote the “Give Back to Society” drive by SKICAN, providing an avenue for CIAT (Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow) beneficiaries to showcase the skills and knowledge they have gained in Korea. CIAT, a program by the Government of Korea, is designed to build the capacity of citizens in partner countries across various development sectors”.
“Highlights of the program was also the donation of waste bins to the school and educational materials to the students”.
