A groundbreaking initiative has been launched by the Clean Ecosystem Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), to establish environmental change agents (environmental clubs) in secondary schools across Delta State.
While addressing the Students of Master Care International School, Asaba, Comr Timothy Ogheneovo Emorhakpor, Director of Communication and advocacy, Clean Ecosystem Foundation, stated that the mission of the foundation is to champion a greener future, one community at a time, by creating a world where every community could thrive in a clean, safe and sustainable environment.
Through education, mobilization, and direct action, the NGO aims to empower individuals and organizations to join hands in tackling climate change and environmental hazards.
He further stated that the establishment of environmental clubs in schools is a crucial step towards achieving this mission, as it would inspire and educate the next generation to become environmental ambassadors.
According to Comrade Emorhakpor, the lack of implementation of environmental policies and laws had led to environmental disasters, such as climate change, ozone layer depletion, and loss of certain species.
By encouraging young people to become environmental ambassadors, the foundation hopes to create far-reaching awareness and inspire them to lead lifestyles that are harmonious with the environment.
The first environmental club was established at the Master Care International School in Asaba, while Government College, Ughelli, and Beach Secondary School, Koko will follow suit.
In order to accomplish their set goals of establishing environmental change agents in secondary schools across Delta State, the Clean Ecosystem Foundation continued to Beach Secondary School, Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State where they established an environmental club.
Members of the club are expected to serve as environmental change agents in line with the vision of the foundation.
Addressing the students, the Director of Programmes, Ambassador Akpobi Obas Elvis, said “We don’t have another place we can live as humans; we are therefore bound to protect the environment for our existence on earth.
“We may not be able to completely stop all the negative occurrences affecting the environment, but we could consciously lead a lifestyle that could protect our environment from complete destruction,” he noted.
Also speaking at the Beach Secondary School, Koko, the Director of Communications and Advocacy of the foundation, Comr. Timothy Ogheneovo Emorhakpor, stated the need for young minds to be involved in practices that would protect the environment.
“Natural disasters that could adversely affect the environment may occur, but our desires to live better and comfortable lives have affected our environment more negatively.
“Here in Nigeria, there are a lot of policies and laws that have been made to protect the environment, but lack of decisive implementation has been responsible for most of the environmental challenges we have been facing as a people,” Comr. Emorhakpor opined.
“I believe that if young minds like you are encouraged to become environmental change agents and you grow up with such mindset and given the opportunity to serve your local, state or Federal Government in such capacities as Councillors, Council chairmen, Commissioners, Ministers, Legislators, Governors, Ambassadors or even Presidents of this country, you would understand the urgent need to formulate and implement environmental laws and policies that would protect the environment from destruction,” he added.
“I am sure you have heard about the flood that wrecked havoc in Maiduguri, Borno State, a fortnight ago. Perhaps, it would have been averted, if there were people in Maiduguri as environmental change agents to forestall the occurrence,” Comr. Emorhakpor maintained.
The highlights of the event was the establishment of the environmental club and distribution of free notebooks to the members of the club in the school.
At Government College, Ughelli, the Foundation charged the students to become environmental transformational agents.
Addressing the already eager waiting students,the Director of Communication and advocacy Comrade Timothy Ogheneovo Emorhakpor noted that it has become imperative for young people to be involved in the fight against environmental degradation so that as they grow up , they will never depart from it.
The phrase “catch them young” is often used to emphasize the importance of instilling good values, skills, and habits in children and young people while they are still impressionable.
Comrade Emorhakpor highlighted some reasons why children became the target audience in this project to include the following, Children’s brains are more plastic and adaptable, so they are more receptive to learning new things ,teaching children and young people early can help prevent bad habits from forming ,early experiences and education can have a lasting impact on a person’s development ,children and young people can be more open to change and new ideas than adults.
The Director of Communication and advocacy noted that there are several benefits to establishing an environmental club, including:
Educating members and the community about environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices such as recycling and energy conservation, raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, encouraging members to volunteer in environmental projects, and building a sense of community and camaraderie among members as well as providing networking opportunities for members with similar interests to mention but a few.
“I am sure you may be wondering why would children become environmental change agents, Comrade Emorhakpor asked, the answers are not far-fetched,” he continued.
“You people are the future, so it’s important to teach you about environmental issues and how you can help make a positive impact.
At your level, you are often more open to learning about the environment and are more likely to adopt eco-friendly habits than your parents, you can influence your parents and other adults to become more environmentally conscious, you can also be powerful advocates for environmental causes and can raise awareness among their peers as well as be more creative and innovative in your approach to solving environmental problems.”
Receiving the team in his office earlier, the Principal of Government College, Ughelli Mr Obor Samson eulogized the NGO for taking these bold steps to establish environmental change agents (environmental clubs) in secondary schools in Delta State adding that the project is laudable and worth emulating the Principal noted.
The NGO ended its one-week-long program by paying a courtesy call to the Delta State, Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Honorable Jamani Tommy Ejiro in his office at the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba.
While introducing the Foundation to the Honorable Commissioner, Comr Timothy explained the motive behind the NGO’s aim for establishing the Environmental Clubs in all Secondary Schools in Nigeria but decided to start the program in Delta State the corporate Headquarters of the Foundation.
In his welcome address, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Honorable Jamani Tommy Ejiro thanked the Foundation for taking the bold step of establishing the Environmental Clubs in the state, an initiative that aligns with the Governor Sheriff Orovwedor Oborevwori MORE AGENDA.
Hon Jamani took time to explain his Ministry’s action plans to curb environmental menace as well as implement the existing laws meant to protect the environment.
“We are planning to activate Mobile Courts that will try environmental offenders and make them do social work when they are found guilty,” Hon Jamani noted.
The Honourable Commissioner assured the team of his Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Foundation.
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