By Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
A youth advocacy group has taken a campaign to schools and markets to raise awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, emphasising the importance of adopting clean energy solutions.
The youth advocacy group visited some major markets and schools in the capital, Abuja, to distribute handbills, fliers, and talk to students and members of the public.
The Breathe Clean Air Abuja project, which is scheduled for launch on November 13, is a flagship public-private partnership initiative under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, aiming to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas stoves and reach over 5,000 households across the six area councils of Abuja, particularly in underserved communities.
Led by Ms. Daniella Omotola of the Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, the youth group included members of Rotaract Clubs in Abuja and Youth Corps members.
They educated students and members of the public on environmental protection and the upcoming “Breathe Clean Air Abuja” project.
The Mandate Secretary, FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, who declared the youth-focused advocacy campaign open, announced that the Secretariat was collaborating with Rotaract Clubs in Abuja and other stakeholders to sensitize young people on the dangers of air pollution and the importance of adopting clean energy solutions.
“Members of these clubs are to join the outreach efforts to further expand the campaign’s reach and impact among young people,” she said.
The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, encouraging the switch to cleaner cooking methods using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and promoting habits that protect the environment from pollution and hazardous substances.
Speaking during the advocacy visits, Omotola said her passion was to mobilize young people, especially students in secondary and tertiary institutions, to take the lead in protecting the environment for future generations.
She said, “Air pollution affects our planet; it affects our lives. Therefore, as youths, we must get involved in whatever that is needed to be done to protect our environment.
“For us, we have employed interactive and creative approaches for youth engagement. We are introducing competitions, debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social media challenges, and the formation of environmental clubs.
“We will give incentives and prizes to outstanding participants to further motivate their involvement.
“We are immensely grateful to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, and the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, for ensuring this collaboration and having this level of confidence in the youths.”
Olusola Akintonde