Environmental Conservation: 3,000 Jigawa Students Join Greener Nigeria Project

Over 3,000 secondary school students have joined the campaign for environmental conservation as the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched the Green Nigeria Project to tackle environmental degradation in Jigawa State.

Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, spoke at the launch of the programme at Dutse Capital Stadium.

She said the Renewed Hope Agenda, under which the Green Nigeria Project was developed, was designed to mobilise families, communities, government, and private institutions to join hands in environmental conservation to protect livelihoods, lives, dignity, growth, and a sustainable future.

The First Lady said that environmental degradation was one of the global challenges that militate against social and economic development, and that it requires all hands on deck to tackle it before it is too late for humanity.

According to her, the campaign will focus on encouraging families and the general public to plant trees, use environmentally friendly energy sources, and avoid activities that threaten the environment. At the government level, all necessary policies, projects, and commitments shall be put in place for environmental conservation.

“Securing our environment means securing our source of livelihood, protecting our lives, and providing an enabling environment for sustainable future growth and development,” she said.

“Jigawa is one of the states prone to desertification and flooding. I am sure that planting trees, including economic trees such as date, guava, neem, mango, and moringa, among others, will significantly help tackle the challenge. I am assuring you of the federal government’s commitment and support for this campaign of Green Nigeria for a Green Future,” she stated.

In his speech on the occasion, the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, revealed that his government has been working tirelessly to promote environmental conservation through various projects and programmes that encourage community participation.

He stated that, for the Green Nigeria Campaign, over 3,000 secondary school students were mobilised from various Environment/Climate Clubs to work on tree-planting and recycling campaigns. In contrast, at the tertiary institution level, students are being supported to champion advocacy for a clean environment.

Governor Namadi added that, to encourage innovation and grassroots participation further, a ₦50 million grand prize has been set aside to reward outstanding Environmental Societies and youth organisations participating in the Green Nigeria Challenge.

“As we inaugurate the State Governance Structure for the Green Nigeria Challenge, I wish to reaffirm that this initiative aligns perfectly with our strategic development priorities and the recently approved Jigawa State Climate Change Policy. It complements our efforts to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and responsible natural resource management,” Governor Namadi stated.