By Simeon Shodimu
The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) according to Business day report, has in the last five years, trained over 23,000 students across 112 schools in Lagos and Ogun States on green skills to prepare young people for opportunities in the circular economy.
Green skills is essential for sustainable agricultural development through sustainable farming, climate-smart agriculture, agro-ecology, renewable energy, and waste management, improving productivity, income, and environmental sustainability in Nigerian agriculture.
Speaking at the event, Temitope Okunnu, founder of FABE, said the EcoSchoolsNG climate and circular economy summit in Lagos recently, said equipping school children with knowledge on climate change, waste management and circular economy practices would help build a generation capable of addressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods.
She made it known that the initiative has so far impacted over 23,000 students across 112 schools in Lagos and Ogun states, equipping them with skills such as recycling, composting and upcycling.
“Our young leaders are people who should be leading today,” she said.
She noted that the green economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, stressing the need to prepare young people to participate actively in it.
The programme, now in its fifth year, began in 2020 through a partnership with Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, and runs as a 10-month intensive training programme focused on climate and environmental education.
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said initiatives that focus on environmental awareness among children align with the state government’s sustainability and waste management policies.
Wahab, was represented by Michael Bankole, director of Climate Change of Environmental Planning department, said teaching children about environmental responsibility could help drive behavioural change within families and communities.
Furthermore Abiodun Owo, programme manager at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, said that many students involved in the programme are beginning to turn environmental solutions into entrepreneurial opportunities by converting waste materials into useful products.
