By Angela Atabo
A youth advocacy group on Wednesday, took its campaign against air pollution to markets and schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The youths, led by Ms Daniella Omotola, a young Rotaractor (Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, District 9111) and behavioral advocate, said the campaign aimed to promote the adoption of clean energy solutions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group distributed handbills, fliers and held talk shows.
Omotola explained that the “Breathe Clean Air Abuja” project, which is scheduled for launch on Nov. 13, is a flagship public-private partnership initiative under the FCTA.
“The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, aiming to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas stoves.
“It will also reach over 5,000 households across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly in underserved communities.”
Omotola said her passion was to mobilise young people, especially students in secondary and tertiary institutions to take the lead in protecting the environment for future generations.
She said: “Air pollution affects our planet, it affects our lives. Therefore, as youths, we must get involved in whatever that needs to be done to protect our environment.
“For us, we have employed interactive and creative approaches for youth engagement.
“We are introducing competitions, debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social media challenges, and the formation of environmental clubs.
“We will give incentives and prizes to outstanding participants to further motivate their involvement.”
Omotola commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, for ensuring the collaboration and having confidence in the youths.
Also speaking, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, said that the Secretariat was in collaboration with Rotaract Clubs in the FCT and other stakeholders.
According to him, this is aimed at sensitising young people to the dangers of air pollution and the importance of adopting clean energy solutions.
“Members of these clubs are to join the outreach efforts to further expand the campaign’s reach and impact among young people.
“The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves.
“This is to encourage the switch to cleaner cooking methods using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and promoting habits that protect the environment from pollution and hazardous substances.”(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
