By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening youth participation in climate action with the official launch of the Environment Club and Environment Society, an initiative unveiled by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised the programme, describing it as a catalyst for climate resilience, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development among young Nigerians.
He said the initiative is designed to build environmentally conscious citizens from the foundational level of education through tertiary institutions and even during the National Youth Service Corps, ensuring a continuous pipeline of eco-aware leaders.
The Minister explained that the clubs will offer hands-on experience in critical environmental activities such as tree planting, waste recycling, climate awareness campaigns, and eco-business development, enabling young people to convert environmental knowledge into practical economic opportunities.
According to him, the programme will not only deepen environmental literacy but also create a generation equipped to innovate within the circular economy, drive community action, and contribute meaningfully to national climate goals.
Balarabe urged State Governments, Local Government Chairmen, teachers, and youth groups nationwide to support and adopt the initiative, assuring that the Federal Ministry of Environment remains fully committed to providing technical guidance and institutional backing for its smooth implementation across all states.
While launching the initiative, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that the programme is aimed at raising environmentally responsible youth capable of confronting major ecological challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and poor waste management.
She noted that the nationwide rollout, driven by the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, is expected to revive community consciousness on environmental sanitation and strengthen Nigeria’s overall response to pressing ecological threats.
The First Lady reiterated that empowering young people with environmental knowledge and leadership skills is key to securing a sustainable and healthy future for the country.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Ministry of Environment, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar (Mrs), commended the First Lady for her longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, education, and environmental stewardship.
She also applauded the Minister of Environment for his dedication to advancing a cleaner and healthier Nigeria, while acknowledging development partners, educators, and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the launch.
The Director encouraged Nigerians to adopt responsible environmental practices, reminding citizens that solutions begin with individual actions and advising, “Please don’t be part of the pollution but be part of the solution.”
With the establishment of the Environment Club and Environment Society, Nigeria positions its youth at the center of national environmental transformation efforts, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainability and climate resilience.
