The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nigeria, in conjunction with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), and the South Korea International Cooperation Association (SKICAN) in a one-day awareness and sensitization program titled “Zero Waste in School – Promoting Waste Management and Environmentally Sustainable Practices for Young African Leaders urged secondary students to adopt sustainable waste management practices.
Deputy Country Director of KOICA Nigeria, Mr. Baik Kihyun said the initiative is aimed to foster proactive environmental protection by creating awareness and educating students on sustainable waste management practices, including waste sorting and segregation.
The event Held at the Nigeria Korea Model School in Piwoyi, Abuja, engaged 150 Junior Secondary School (JSS) students through presentations, interactive sessions, and practical demonstrations.
According to him, this gave a significant outcome of the program to the establishment of a student-led environmental club designed to promote leadership and a culture of environmental protection among young people.
He encouraged the students to apply what they learned to succeed and make Nigeria proud. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and sustainable environment, highlighting KOICA’s belief that youth are vital for a sustainable future for Nigeria. Mr. Baik 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”.
In the same vein, SKICAN President, Mr. Joseph Oboh Esq, thanked the winners of this year’s 1st Capstone Project Grant who initiated the idea of “Zero Waste in School – Promoting Waste Management and Environmentally Sustainable Practices for Young African Leaders.
“This project has already been implemented in three schools in Abuja. The beneficiaries of the $1,000 2024 1st Capstone Project Grant are Mr. Salawu Ahmed of the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN); Olamide H. Eniaiyejuniof the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC); Veronique Ojo Ogbanje of the FCT Education Secretariat; and Adewunmi O. Ogunrinde of the Federal Ministry of Environment. Mr. Oboh urged the students to understand the essence of maintaining a sustainable and safe environment and encouraged them to be volunteers, collaborators, and champions of promoting a zero-waste environment.
He said, this initiative by KOICA Nigeria aims to promote SKICAN’s “Give Back to Society” drive, 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 included the donation of waste bins to the school and educational materials to the students”.
In her keynote address, Hajiya Rahmatu Nusa, Director of JSS FCT UBEB, thanked KOICA and SKICAN for bringing the message of zero waste to schools within the FCT.
She emphasised that FCT UBEB would continue to provide a favorable environment for international organizations to thrive. She also encouraged SKICAN and KOICA to reach out to more schools in the FCT with this message.
The Principal of the Nigeria Korea Model School, Mrs. Pamela Mbanefo, expressed her joy and assured that the participating students would pass on the knowledge acquired to others. She thanked KOICA and SKICAN for their continued support in various areas and hoped for more collaborative activities in the future.
