The EcoSchoolsNG project, an initiative of the Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE), culminated its 2024 cycle with a resounding celebration of achievement, marking a significant milestone in environmental education and youth empowerment in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2016, the project has reached over 30,000 schoolchildren, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to champion sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the principles of a circular economy. The recent closeout ceremony in Lagos served as a platform to acknowledge the project’s accomplishments, recognize the dedication of participating students and schools, and reiterate the urgent call for collective action in addressing the escalating climate crisis.
The EcoSchoolsNG project, driven by the vision of its founder, Temitope Okunnu, addresses a critical need for environmental awareness and action among young people. Okunnu emphasized the program’s role in cultivating a new generation of eco-conscious leaders, climate advocates, green entrepreneurs, and eco-ambassadors. The project’s success is predicated on its collaborative approach, bringing together students, schools, government agencies, and corporate sponsors to foster a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. The endorsement and support from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, along with sponsors like Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Access Bank, and Danone, underscore the project’s significance and its potential for wider impact.
The 2024 iteration of the program engaged 20 secondary schools across diverse communities in Lagos, providing students with hands-on experience in a range of environmental sustainability practices. The curriculum encompassed waste-to-wealth solutions, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into valuable resources. Students delved into climate action strategies, exploring innovative approaches to mitigating the impacts of climate change. The project also emphasized conservation practices, instilling in students the importance of protecting natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, the EcoSchoolsNG initiative fostered entrepreneurial skills by introducing students to eco-preneurial business models, empowering them to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly enterprises.
The closeout ceremony featured prominent figures from the government and partnering organizations, who lauded the project’s impact and its contribution to environmental sustainability in Lagos. Titilayo Oshodi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, commended the project’s tangible achievements, highlighting the training and empowerment of over 30,000 students, youths, and women since 2016. Oshodi praised the students’ ability to turn waste into useful materials, emphasizing their role as “superheroes” in addressing the planet’s environmental challenges. Dr Gaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, echoed these sentiments, recognizing the project’s contribution to shaping eco-conscious leaders who will champion sustainability throughout their communities.
The innovative approach of the EcoSchoolsNG project to environmental education was particularly praised by Abiodun Owo, Programme Manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation. Owo highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiative, anticipating a greener environment, increased tree planting, and a shift away from single-use plastics towards reusable materials. This focus on tangible outcomes and long-term impact underscores the project’s commitment to making a real difference in addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
The EcoSchoolsNG project stands as a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and youth engagement in tackling the complex challenges of environmental sustainability. By empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become environmental stewards, the project is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future for Nigeria. The project’s emphasis on practical solutions, hands-on experience, and entrepreneurial skills equips students not only to understand the challenges but also to actively participate in creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world. The continued support and collaboration of government agencies, corporations, and organizations like FABE are crucial to scaling the project’s impact and ensuring a brighter environmental future for generations to come.
