Group to raise green champions in schools

A non-governmental group, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation plans to raise a generation of green champions through establishment of environmental clubs in schools.

The Executive Director, David Michael, explained that the programme would also serve as capacity building of the students to address climate change mitigation and job creation on recycling of waste.

Michael said: “The climate change is scourging globally and Nigeria is not spared, rainfall patterns are changing all over. That is why we want to embark on the programme starting from primary to secondary schools in Abuja and other cities.”

He hinted that they established environmental clubs in 73 schools in Federal Capital Territory and students have been embarking on planting of trees, recycling and solar installations to mitigate climate change in their immediate environment.

“Last year, we carried out exhibitions in schools and made book presentations on climate change, which will go a long way to educate not only students but also the general public by creating awareness on this global phenomenon,” Michael added.

An environmentalist, Mr. Gafar Odubote, called for adaptation and adoption of renewable energy to address climate change effects and mitigation to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the country.

Odubote stated that building should be designed and constructed to adapt to climate change effects so that the construction materials and use of solar energy will become paramount.