Foundation trains 30,000 students in environmental sustainability

The Foundation for a Better Environment has trained over 30,000 schoolchildren in environmental sustainability through its EcoSchoolsNG project, which began in 2016.

Founder of the FABE Foundation and convener of the EcoSchoolsNG project, Temitope Okunnu, made this known at the project’s 2024 closeout ceremony held recently in Lagos.

“The EcoSchoolsNG initiative was borne out of a vision to empower young people with knowledge, skills, and mindset to become champions of sustainability, stewards of the environment, and pioneers of the circular economy,” Okunnu said.

The initiative, endorsed by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, is sponsored by Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Access Bank, and Danone, among others, to promote environmental sustainability.

At the ceremony, Okunnu emphasised the importance of collaboration in building a generation of eco-conscious leaders.

“It is with immense joy, pride, and gratitude that we welcome you to the EcoSchoolsNG Close-out Ceremony.

It marks 10 months of hard work and commitment to sustainability and climate action,” she said. “We are celebrating the birth of a new generation of eco-conscious leaders, climate advocates, green entrepreneurs, and eco-ambassadors ready to take bold steps in protecting our environment and shaping a more sustainable future for Nigeria and beyond.”

According to Okunnu, 20 secondary schools across various communities participated in the programme, with students gaining hands-on experience in waste-to-wealth solutions, climate action strategies, conservation practices, and eco-preneurial business models.

“Let us commit to being not just spectators but active participants in the fight against climate change,” the FABE founder urged. “The fight against climate change is not something we can put off for the future. The reality is that no one is immune from the impacts of climate change.”

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, lauded the project’s impact on students.

“Since 2016, EcoSchoolsNG has trained and empowered over 30,000 students, youths, and women, a testament to what happens when knowledge meets action,” Oshodi asserted. “You students have learnt how to turn plastic waste into useful materials, how food scraps can become rich compost, and how even an old tyre can have a second life. You are the superheroes our planet needs.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, represented by Bolaji Badru, commended FABE Foundation’s efforts in promoting environmental sustainability.

“This groundbreaking project has not only instilled eco-conscious values in young minds but has also empowered students and teachers with practical skills in sustainable living, thereby paving the way for a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future,” Tajudeen said. “We are shaping eco-conscious leaders who will champion sustainability across communities.”

The programme manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Abiodun Owo, praised the initiative’s innovative approach to environmental education.

“We are very proud of what FABE Foundation is doing with young people on environmental sustainability,” Owo said. “The impact of this training will result in a greener environment, more trees planted, and a shift away from single-use products towards reusable materials. At the end of the day, we will be protecting our planet, which is the long-term goal for climate action.”