By Abbas Nazil
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has launched an environmental advocacy initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s escalating waste management crisis and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among the younger generation.
Speaking at the official launch on Friday, Hajiya Namadi emphasized the urgent need to engage students in combating environmental degradation, highlighting the role of youth as key agents of change in creating a cleaner and greener state.
“Nigeria today is facing a serious waste management crisis, driven largely by environmental mismanagement and poor waste disposal practices,” she stated, adding that students must be encouraged to take ownership of their environment and lead efforts to maintain it clean, safe, and sustainable.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Environmental Club and Environmental Society and receives support from the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment and the Rural Health Initiative (RHI).
It is designed to promote waste reduction through reuse and recycling while instilling lasting environmental consciousness among students, ensuring that the campaign goes beyond simple sanitation to foster a deeper sense of responsibility.
Hajiya Namadi stressed that empowering youths with the right knowledge and orientation could transform them into influential advocates for sustainable environmental practices, contributing significantly to tackling the state’s waste challenges.
“This is a crucial step toward building a cleaner Jigawa and contributing to a greener Nigeria,” she noted, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to sustainability, environmental preservation, and the development of eco-conscious communities.
The campaign includes activities that educate students on proper waste management, demonstrate innovative recycling techniques, and encourage active participation in environmental protection programs.
By involving schools and youth organizations, the initiative seeks to create a long-term impact, ensuring that students not only learn about environmental issues but also actively participate in solving them, fostering civic responsibility from a young age.
Hajiya Namadi also highlighted the broader importance of environmental stewardship in public health, noting that improved waste management practices could reduce pollution-related illnesses and create healthier communities.
The advocacy initiative forms part of a wider effort by Jigawa State to address environmental degradation, strengthen local governance in waste management, and inspire similar actions across other states in Nigeria.
Through this program, the First Lady aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who will continue to promote sustainable practices, contributing to both local and national goals of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
The launch has received positive reception from students, educators, and community leaders, who recognize the critical role of youth in driving meaningful environmental change and sustaining the momentum of the campaign over time.
By prioritizing education and engagement, the initiative represents a strategic approach to tackling Nigeria’s waste management crisis, fostering both immediate improvements and long-term cultural shifts toward environmental responsibility.
