By Milcah Tanimu

Stakeholders recently convened in Abuja for a Climate and Sensitisation Activity and Tree Planting exercise to commemorate World Environment Day. Hosted by Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria in collaboration with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the event took place at Junior Secondary School in the Piwoyi Community.

Ifedilichukwu Innocent, SCI’s Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager, underscored the vulnerability of children to climate change effects. He highlighted SCI’s dedication to child protection through programs encompassing health, nutrition, livelihoods, and climate change awareness. Innocent emphasized the significance of involving school children in tree planting activities to instill environmental consciousness and foster a sense of responsibility for safeguarding nature.

Rebecca Mamven, Deputy Director of the Environmental Management Department at AEPB, elaborated on the theme of World Environment Day 2024, “Land Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Drought Resilience.” She emphasized AEPB’s commitment to educating communities on land restoration strategies and promoting resilience against drought through tree planting initiatives.

Pauline Nwagugu, Deputy Director of Education and Principal of Junior Secondary School Piwoyi, expressed gratitude for the tree planting project. She emphasized her dedication to maintaining a green environment within the school and welcomed the involvement of students in the initiative.

Tanko Bahago, Chief of Piwoyi, commended the tree planting initiative and expressed the community’s readiness to contribute. He highlighted the significance of tree planting in preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

The event showcased the importance of collective efforts in environmental conservation and underscored the crucial role of community involvement in promoting sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.