A non-profit organisation, Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative QMA has called on governments across all levels to create more awareness of issues relating to climate change in Nigeria.
The group said doing this would provide the needed education and understanding of the causes and possible solutions to climate change challenges in the country.
The Chairperson of the group and Vice Chairman of the House of Oduduwa Foundation, Mrs Aderonke Ogunwusi, made the call in Osogbo while unveiling the programme of activities for this year’s QMA Leadership and Cultural Pageant.
Mrs Ogunwusi said the QMA Leadership and Cultural Pageant is different because finalists are camped and mentored on leadership, culture, and environmental sustainability.
She said: “While in camp, there are various things we teach and mentor them about, especially on leadership, culture, and environmental sustainability.
“We have the privilege of having the UN Climate Change Ambassador, Yemi Olapeju who is here to teach the girls about sustainability because we must be all aware of climate change and environmental sustainability,” she added.
Mrs Ogunwusi who is one of the wives of Ooni of Ife said the culture and environment part of the QMA initiative is integral to building a new generation of responsible leaders.
According to her, imbibing good cultural values is the foundation of a leadership that appreciates how global challenges affect the local population and how indigenous people proffer local solutions to global problems.
She said, “it is our moral obligation and our duty to make sure that we keep this planet and sustain the planet for generations to come.
“That is why His Majesty, Oonirisa, is at the forefront of enlightening the girls on the importance of sustainability, working with things that are not harmful to the planet like you are seeing the beautiful baskets the ladies are carrying which were given to them by the ambassador.
“They are bio-degradable baskets made with natural things that are not harmful to the environment.”
The UN Ambassador on Climate Change, Yemi Olapeju, who also reiterated the need for more climate change awareness in the country, said it must begin at the grassroots.
She noted that for the campaign to care for the environment to become effective, all hands must be on deck, starting from individuals in their little ways.
”Lately, the world has been having problems emanating from climate change and this awareness is not well spread in Nigeria I think that as a Nigerian, I should be able to come home and spread this awareness on climate change and this awareness begins from the grassroots not, the government,” she said.
Finalists of the Year 2022 QMA Leadership and Cultural Pageant have been in camp since 27th November preparatory to the grand finale held on 3rd December 2022.
Dominica Nwabufo
