By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari has urged students of secondary schools to be advocates for sustainable practices both at school and at home.
He made the call on Thursday in his opening remarks at the 2 day Climate Change Awareness tagged Eco-Schools initiative in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The event was organized by the Department of Climate Change, DCC, Federal Ministry of Environment.
The Permanent Secretary represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs Victoria Pwol said the solutions to climate change challenges lie not only in the hands of policymakers and experts but crucially in the hands of the next generation.
“As the leaders of tomorrow, you possess the creativity, energy, and passion needed to drive meaningful change. The Eco-Schools initiative aims to empower you by integrating environmental education into your schools, providing you with the knowledge and skills to understand the impact of climate change and foster a culture of sustainability.
“It is designed to inspire you to take climate action not just within the walls of your classrooms but throughout your communities and beyond.
“Addressing climate change requires a multi-faceted approach that engages everyone. It calls for collaboration between students, educators, local communities, and government bodies.
“Together, we can make a significant impact, the Eco-Schools initiative will serve as a platform for learning, sharing ideas, and implementing eco-friendly practices such as recycling, energy conservation, and conservation of biodiversity within your schools.
He urged the students to engage in discussions, form eco-clubs, participate in environmental projects, and be advocates for sustainable practices both at school and at home.
“Each small action, when multiplied across schools and communities, has the potential to create a significant ripple effect.
“You are the future change-makers, conservationists, and climate innovators. Embrace this opportunity to learn and grow. Let your voices be heard, and let your actions reflect your commitment to the sustainability of the environment.
The Director, DCC, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe in her welcome address said the Eco-School Initiative represents a remarkable step towards fostering environmental stewardship among our youths.
Represented by a Deputy Director in DCC, Dr. Musa Aliyu Yauri, she said climate change is one of the most pressing challenges and it is imperative to equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to tackle this crisis.
“By integrating environmental education into our curricula, we cultivate informed citizens who are capable of making sustainable choices and advocating for the health of our planet.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the FCT Mandate Secretary’s for Education Secretariat and Health and Environment and UNICEF.
