By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Management of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte. says it has planted 70 economic trees in the premises of Federal Government Girls College, Benin,  in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that this year’s celebration has its theme as “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

Speaking during the tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the foundation’s mission was to support environmental sustainability through impactful initiative such as reforestation, conservation and education.

Represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager, Education and Health care Programmes, Arukwe said that NNPC Ltd. was passionate about executing positive and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the country.

“The World Environment Day is a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.

“As a recently transited private company, NNPC Ltd. is positioned to align with global best practice in the energy industry and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“NNPC Foundation was established as the social arm of NNPC Ltd. to be the connect between the stakeholders, who are the more than 200 million Nigerians, and the company, through the execution of impactful CSR initiatives.

“One of the key focus areas of NNPC Foundation is to undertake impactful initiatives on Environment, and in commemoration of the World Environment Day.

“We have lined up strategic programmes such as tree planting campaigns in schools and quizzes competitions to sensitise the citizenry to the need for environmental preservation.

“According to the UN Convention,  more than  40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded and is directly impacting half of the global population, and threatening economies, ” She said.

She, therefore, called for the collective affirmative action to take responsibility for the survival of immediate environment that would bring about positive spiral effects to the global habitat.

Earlier, Mrs Aghedo Osariemen, Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Benin, commended the management of NNPC Ltd/Gte. Foundation for chosing the school as one of its locations for the trees planting campaign initiative.

The highpoint of the event was a panel session by the students who discussed the important of trees planting in the society.

The students also engaged in drama presentation as well as cultural display depicting the cultural heritage of Edo, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

By Amina Ahmed

The NNPC Foundation has planted 500 tree seedlings as part of campaign to preserve the environment and mitigate climate change in the country.

The Managin Director of the Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said this during a tree planting campaign on Wednesday at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Nasarawa in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of the state.

She said the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Environment Day, to reclaim degraded lands, conserve the environment and biodiversity.

The Day is being observed annually on June 5, to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.

The theme of the Day is: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

Represented by Mohammed Hashim-Bawa, Manager, Environment of the foundation, Arukwe said the intervention focused at empowering students, who are members of the environmental clubs to become champions of environmental preservation.

She said tree planting was central to its engagement focussing on practical activities to ensure that students participate actively in tree planting, to instill sense of responsibility and ownership towards environmental conservation.

The manager said the foundation is geared towards supporting environmental sustainability through impactful activities such as reforestation, conservation, and education.

“This year’s theme underscores the critical need to address land degradation, combat desertification, and enhance resilience to drought for present and future generations.

“This year, we extended our campaign to all geo political zones across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Sustainability in tree planting ensures long term benefits. The NNPC Foundation is committed to continuous monitoring of these plants at all localities to restore degraded lands, build resilience against drought and improve livelihoods,” Arukwe said.

She, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the foundation in its drive to restore Nigeria’s landscapes and build a greener and more resilient future.

The District Head of Azare, Alhaji Magaji Duhuwa, lauded the gesture, adding that it would improve afforestation and control desertification in the state.

Duhuwa said the community leaders would educate their people to the importance of tree planting to preserve the environment.

He enjoined youths and women, especially housewives to plant trees and engage in horticulture to conserve the environment and mitigate climate change.

Also, Mr Abdullahi Alka, the Principal of the school, commended the gesture, adding that it would provide green environment and enhance beautification of the school premises.

He said the management would ensure effective monitoring to nurture to maturity the 70 tree seedlings planted in the school.

Some of the students, Aisha Isa and Mohammed Dahiru-Umar, said the exercise had exposed them to the importance of tree planting in building resilience against drought and enhancing environmental sustainability.

They promised to step down the knowledge learnt to their peers in their respective communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event featured sensitisation, quiz, cultural dance and tree planting sessions.

The NNPC Foundation, incorporated in February 2023, focused at promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services as well as new energy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has inaugurated Climate Justice Youth Ambassadors (CJYA) as part of activities to commemorate the World Environment day.

CJYA is an initiative of Oxfam Nigeria geared towards promotion of sustainable environment.

The Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal while inaugurating the ambassadors on Wednesday in Abuja, lauded Oxfam for mobilising youth to be vanguard of  environmental protection.

He said that the constitution of the  ambassadors was a great progress in the nation’s efforts to ensure environmental sustainability.

Lawal said that environmental protection was not the responsibility of the Federal Government and States alone,  but for all and sundry.

“We need to continue to propagate the issue of climate justice from big cities like Kano, Lagos Port Harcourt among others who are major polluters of the environment.

“We in the ministry are on it and we need to fight for climate justice at all levels.

“l assure Oxfam that the ministry will continue to support and provide all that is required to achieve climate justice across board to ensure sustainable environment for our future generations,”he said

Kenneth Akpan, Climate Justice Project Coordinator, Oxfam Nigeria said the organisation through the African Activist for Climate Justice (AACI) Project, has deepened its engagements towards ending poverty.

Akpan said the vulnerable populace includes women, youths and persons with disability in the face of climate reality and injustice.

He said the climate justice  ambassadors was borne out of the AACI project to tap into the strength,  and capacity of  youths as solution bearers to the country’s climate challenges.

According to him, it is also to support the government as foot soldiers to deepen and carry out governments drive to solve the global climate crises at the grassroot, local, states, national among others.

“The mission is to see how Nigerian youths can become global leaders and reference point to the global climate crisis starting from home.

“We have encouraged them to take charge as climate activists,  leaders of tomorrow in climate space.

“Among these ambassadors are youth that are converting plastic into interlocking tiles, youth that are taking care of Jabi Lake by removing water hyacinth and recycling it and others.

”They have come up with climate gain that children can play and improve their knowledge on climate action, “he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Environment Day is commemorated annually on June 5 with the theme ”Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

Event to mark the day was a quiz competition by Government Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) Wuse, Maitama and Jabi.

JSS Jabi emerged winner, JSS Wuse came second while Maitama came third. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Sani Idris

The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) says it is mobilising students and young people in Kaduna state to drive climate change solutions in their respective communities.

WISE founder and Programme Director, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, stated this during a one-day Green Awareness Walk in Kaduna on Wednesday, with the theme, “Generation Green: Taking the Lead in Tackling Land Degradation and Drought”.

The walk, which took place within the College of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, was organised by WISE, in Collaboration with National Association of Environmental Science Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic.

It was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) with the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.

Olanike Olugboji said that the campaign became necessary considering the anxiety among young people caused by the chaos associated with environmental challenges and global warming.

She attributed global warming and other environmental degradation to the excesses of human activities and stressed the need for young people to join the campaign against climate change and environment degradation.

“It is, therefore, crucial to create awareness among young people on the need for them to begin to take the lead and think outside the box on issues affecting our climate and the environment.

“The goal is for the youths to drive solutions, take action and create initiative that will help reduce some of the environmental problems affecting humanity.

The founder said that sustainable development was only possible if everyone realised the need for collective responsibility in protecting the climate.

She said that the WISE had been mobilising women and young girls in Kaduna and other parts of the country to take part in providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

“We have realised, over the years, the wide gap in terms of women’s access to environmental resources, even when they are the most vulnerable to the impact of environmental challenges and climate change.

“Women are the most vulnerable and yet their voices were missing at the decision-making table.

“We will keep building the capacity of women and young girls to become authors of their own fate, as it concerns the environment and the climate challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for policy makers and residents to begin to identify solutions and take actions to reverse environmental degradation and climate change.

She also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to equip communities with the needed knowledge and skills to plan trees and adopt eco-friendly technology in everyday life.

According to her, adopting eco-friendly technologies like clean cooking stoves and solar technology will significantly replace the use of traditional cooking methods and lighting systems.

“This will go a long way in preventing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, kerosine lamps and candles in our homes.

“Climate change is real and not far away. It is close next door. Do something; tell someone to do something and we will be doing a lot to reverse climate change,” she said.

Dr Patrick Kigbu, Head of Department, Environmental Science, Kaduna Polytechnic, commended WISE for targeting the youths in its climate change campaign.

Kigbu said that climate change and other environmental challenges could be dramatic and might consume humanity if action was not taken.

He urged the government to be proactive, and outlaw activities that negatively impact the climate.

According to him, people need to know that when they destroy one tree, they should plant five more to sustain the environment.

Similarly, one of the students, Aishatu Ibrahim, said that the awareness was apt, and would motivate students and young people to take action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the event included a panel discussion and tree planting. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Angela Atabo

Save the Children International (SCI) and other stakeholders in the environmental sector have stressed need to imbibe the culture of tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The stakeholders made the call at a climate sensitisation activity and Tree planting exercise to celebrate the 2024 World Environment Day on Tuesday in Abuja.

The programme was organised by SCI Nigeria under its Children’s Generation Hope Campaign, in partnership with Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), at Junior Secondary School, Piwoyi Community, FCT.

According to Mr Ifedilichukwu Innocent, Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager, SCI, the effect of climate change is on the rise and children bear the brunt of it most.

Innocent said that as a child-centred organisation, SCI designed its programmes around health, nutrition, livelihood, climate change and others and works towards protecting children.

“We are happy as an organisation to be part of this year’s tree planting working with government and other stakeholders.

“We are using this opportunity to also encourage school children to also be part of the tree planting.

“What that is doing is helping them to know is that they have to work hard to safeguard the environment.

“So we are happy that the children are adding their voices and participating in planting these trees,” he said.

Innocent said that there were lots of benefits associated with tree planting ranging from health to economic, among others.

He added that the action informed children about their environment and helped them to work towards safeguarding it.

Innocent encouraged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tree planting to promote green environment and tackle climate change.

Ms Rebecca Mamven, Deputy Director Environmental Management Department, AEPB, said the theme for 2024 World Environment Day was “Land Restoration, Rehabilitation and Drought Resilience.”

Mamven explained that AEPB’s purpose was to sensitise communities to seeks ways to restore the land back from degradation and stop desertification.

She added that the board was also working to promote drought resilience with planting of different types of trees and plants.

“In the north especially, we experience drought a lot; so, we are here to celebrate this day with our children and to teach them how to address these things,” she said.

Mrs Pauline Nwagugu, Deputy Director, Education and Principal, Junior Secondary school Piwoyi, commended the stakeholders for bringing the tree planting project to the school.

Nwagugu said she was a lover of green environment and had been plating tress in the school since she was transferred there.

She, however, expressed gratitude that the students were being carried along to promote green environment and assured the group of the school’s commitment to sustaining the project.

The Chief of Piwoyi, Tanko Bahago, said the idea of planting trees in communities and schools was a welcome development.

Tanko said that the community had plans to plant trees around but was waiting for the rainy season to do that.

“By planting trees on this day, we actively contribute to the preservation of our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,’’ he said.

He thanked the stakeholders for the initiative and for remembering his community for such a laudable project.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Ecolife Conservative Initiative, an NGO, has established an ‘Eco Heroes Club’ at the VineCare Schools, Abuja, to mitigate the effect of climate change.

The Executive Director of the initiative, Mr Chibuzor Akubuike, spoke during the event in commemoration of the World Environment Day on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the club was necessary to train children how to protect their environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5 annually, with the aim of raising awareness on the need to fight global warming and climate change.

The 2024 theme is tagged “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.’’

According to Akubuike, the club will take up the ‘zero litter campaign’, presently at the VineCare Schools to other schools in Abuja and across the country.

“The campaign is aimed at building an army of students that will be aware of the need to take care of the environment to mitigate the effect of climate change,’’ he said.

Also, the Head of Basic School, VineCare Schools, Mr Taiwo Odanaogun, said the hands-on experiences received by the students played significant role in preserving the country’s natural resources.

Odanaogun said that all hands must be on deck especially educators, to instill in the young minds the values of environmental stewardship and sustainable living.

“Our ‘Eco Heroes: Zero Litter Campaign’ is a testament to our commitment to creating a cleaner and greener future.

“Through this campaign, we aim to empower our pupils to take active roles in reducing litter, recycling and participating in tree planting activities.

“These actions, although small, have a profound impact on our environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker, Mr Absalom Jimba, charged the young Eco heroes to take responsibilities as their collective efforts were powerful steps to a cleaner and greener world.

“The theme reminds us of the vital role we play in protecting our environment. Littering only not tarnishes our beautiful surroundings but also harms wildlife and pollutes our water and soil.

“Each piece of litter we see is a small reminder of the impact human actions have on our planet,” he said.

NAN reports that the commemoration featured tree planting exercise by the initiative and students of VineCare Schools as well as presentation of recyclables, non-recyclables and organic waste baskets to the school. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria has announced that the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy will address all Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) concerns in the country.

The organisation said this would be done through partnership with the Federal Government, key line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and the media.

This was the thrust at the 2024 Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene day celebration with the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, which held at the Government Secondary School, Zuba, FCT.

The event was is in partnership with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, said the WASH policy is aimed at addressing WASH issues including safely managed sanitation, institutional arrangement, sanitation in the rural, peri-urban and urban settings.

This, she noted was in line with the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG). 

Mere said the goal would be achieved through policies, programmes, and related budgets for people to get the needed support.

According to her, the goal is to also ensure that public and school toilets cater to the needs of young girls, women, and persons with disabilities.

Mere, represented by Ms. Idowu Adebayo, WaterAid WASH Manager, said the day also coincided with a decade of efforts to bring menstrual health to the forefront and enable women and girls reach their full potential.

She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in accessing menstrual products, facilities, and education due to societal constraints and discriminatory norms.

Mere said the barriers contributed to unhygienic practices, misconceptions, and negative attitudes, often resulting in shaming, bullying, and gender-based violence.

Citing data from the 2021 WASHNORM report, the country director underscored the dire situation in communities lacking proper water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

“The report revealed that 94 per cent of healthcare facilities, 89 per cent of schools and 96 per cent of markets and motor parks lacked basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“This exacerbates the challenges faced by marginalised communities and young women, leading to their exclusion from public spaces and schools during menstruation.

“WaterAid, in partnership with organisations like Cummins, has committed to addressing these issues by providing clean water, sanitation facilities, and raising awareness about menstrual health,’’ she said.

Mere said that the theme was a collaborative approach to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure universal access to essential products, education, and infrastructure is more urgent than ever.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet, HOD Sanitation, FCT RUWASSA, emphasised the importance of stakeholders uniting to promote menstrual hygiene in schools and communities.

According to her, FCT RUWASSA, in collaboration with WaterAid, is building female-friendly toilets in schools, aiming to destigmatise menstrual hygiene.

Bakpet said the agency had constructed one of such toilet, featuring amenities like mirrors and menstrual pads, saying that plan to replicate the design in other schools they support was ongoing.

She added that the agency was funding hygiene promotion activities to foster a hygienic environment.

Representative of Cummins West Africa, Mrs Alice Akinbode, said the organisation valued the support of women and their children, and acknowledging the vital importance of menstrual hygiene for health and well-being.

She said that menstrual hygiene awareness was important for everyone, regardless of gender.

Akinbode stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene for current and future health, noting that supporting and educating each other createed a healthier environment for everyone.

A representative from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs Abasiama Ebreso, educated the school children on the connection between menstrual health hygiene and WASH, emphasising its prioritisation.

According to her, access to WASH is a human rights issue, and its importance cannot be overstated, calling for hygiene promotion at all times.

The Vice Principal Administration of the school, Mr Usman Hayatudeen, commended the dedication to addressing menstrual health challenges and encouraging open discussions that advanced progress and dignity within the communities.

He spoke on the importance of initiatives like installing hand-washing stations in classroom corridors, toilet entrances and administration blocks, which not only aligned with environmental standards, but also elevated hygiene practices throughout the school.

“Nevertheless, we acknowledge the pressing need for additional restroom facilities to accommodate the expanding school population, as well as the critical requirement for a consistent water supply to support sanitation and drinking needs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting good menstrual hygiene practices for women and girls around the world.

It is observed on May 28 every year as a reminder of the challenges faced by women and girls in managing their periods; particularly in low-income countries where access to clean water, sanitation, and hygienic products is limited. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abigael Joshua

Sustainable Environment and Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA), an NGO, says it has empowered communities in Jos and environs for environmental sustainability.

Mrs Ololade Adegoke, Chief Executive Officer, SEFFA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

She said that SEFFA, a Jos-based NGO, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection as well as empowering young girls in the fight against climate change.

“Since its inception in 2008, SEFFA has been a pivotal force in empowering communities, especially women, to improve their livelihoods and contribute to environmental sustainability

“The organisation continues to complement the efforts of government and development partners in promoting climate-friendly actions and ensuring a sustainable environment for humans, livestock, and plants.’’

According to her, the foundation welcomes partnerships with development organisations and government bodies to further their mission of advocacies, actions and sustainable practices.

The chief executive officer emphasised the importance of raising awareness about climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.

According to her, by providing education and resources, SEFFA aims to create a new generation of “climate smart ambassadors” who can drive change in their communities.

“By educating young girls about climate change and its impacts, we prepare them to ask the right questions and take meaningful actions to address these challenges.’’

She said SEFFA recently conducted a three-day training programme from May 16 to May 19 in Jos with the theme “Building Life Resilience for Climate Change in Jos, Plateau.’’

Adegoke said that the young girls who participated in the training would not only serve as ambassadors but also become influential voices for change in their communities and beyond.

“The involvement of future leaders in climate advocacy is crucial.’’

She said that SEFFA also recently concluded a programme in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme/ Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA).

Adegoke said that the collaboration brought together 48 young girls from selected secondary schools and communities in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas.

“During the training, participants engaged in sessions such as: Introduction to Climate Change and Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices, Financial Literacy for Young Farmers Building Synergy through Cooperatives and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene(WASH).

“Others are General Hygiene Practices for Girls and the Introduction to Solar Charging Point Business.

“SEFFA has a series of climate-smart activities planned for July, which will expand their outreach to more communities,” she said.

On his part, Newton Akpona, acting Chairman of the National Sector Skills Council for Agriculture and Agri-processing, highlighted the significance of creating awareness among young farmers.

He said that fostering a positive mindset and adopting climate-smart practices were essential steps in mitigating the effects of climate disasters.

NAN recalls that on May 14, 2024 SEFFA also distributed farm inputs to communities in Gurapwana, Dahwol-Bob, and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area.

SEFFA is collaborating with the Federal College of Veterinary Research and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, to build a greenhouse facility and to support individuals, families, and societies in adopting smart agricultural practices. (NAN) (www.nananews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo