By: Timothy Choji, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, says the vibrant youths of the country can contribute a lot in the area of keeping the environment clean, as well as creating awareness on the need to maintain good sanitation.
She was speaking at the National Launch of the Environment Club and Environment Society to be coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The First Lady has therefore called on the youth to lead the country’s crusade for environmental sustainability.
Opening with a warm tribute to the inspiring contributions of young voices, the First Lady singled out Esther Abraham, a Senior Secondary 3 student from Government Senior Secondary School, Mabushi, Abuja, for her moving poem on the environment.
She said, “From Esther, I see the passion and the love. When she recited, I saw a woman in love with the environment. It was like a message of love. I look forward to working with you all in the future, by the grace of God.”
At the event, the First Lady unveiled membership kits to selected representatives of the clubs and societies and highlighted the importance of practical tools for their mission.
Mrs Tinubu informed the gathering about her passion for a tidy environment, saying: “I am a biologist professionally. I studied educational biology, and my love for plants inspired me in my studies. Teaching environmental sanitation in Lagos was part of my early work, and I believe young people are the right ambassadors to drive this programme we launch today.”
“The Environment Club and The Environment Society will develop young Nigerians committed to environmental preservation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource use. These clubs cultivate a national mindset prioritizing ecological responsibility, alternative livelihoods, and entrepreneurship opportunities for our youth.”
Her rallying motto resonated throughout the hall: “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow captures the spirit of sustainability and collective responsibility.”
“Members of the Environment Club will keep their schools and communities clean, promote recycling, plant trees, and discourage plastics. They will become young champions of climate awareness, inspiring peers and families to take action. The Environment Society in tertiary institutions will lead clean-ups along shorelines and beaches, participate in reforestation, and conduct advocacy on sustainable practices.”
Mrs Tinubu called for the support of other officials and Governors’ wives to sustain the programme, which will subsequently be launched in the various states across the country.
“When your Commissioners for Environment come up, please support them. You are the key champions of this cause. Take pride in your environment. Be creative, be bold, and lead with purpose. Remember, the future is green if we make it so,” she said.
Addressing Challenges
Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, reiterated the need to address Nigeria’s urgent environmental challenges and the key role of the youth in doing so.
“Nigeria faces a severe waste management crisis driven by inadequate infrastructure, weak enforcement, and negative attitudes toward proper waste disposal.
“A key factor is limited access to structured education, especially among young people. Awareness remains low, and unsustainable habits like indiscriminate littering and open burning persist.
“This initiative will drive awareness, community projects, and groom young leaders for Africa’s waste goals,” he said.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, affirmed the global community’s support for Nigeria’s environmental agenda and the crucial role of young people.
She said the launch of the environmental clubs and societies is the right step that places the youth in a position to contribute their quota towards addressing challenges associated with climate change.
“Today is a truly inspiring day. We are not just launching clubs; we are launching a movement led by young people and powered by their ideas, their energy, and their imagination.
“Across the world, climate change is reshaping how we live; floods, pit ways, food systems destruction, polluted air, plastics, and disappearing species. That’s what we face today. It is one of the most complex development challenges of all environmental issues.
“But today sends a different message as young Nigerians are not waiting. They are stepping forward to lead a solution, that is what it is,” the UNDP Rep stressed.
Olusola Akintonde