BY IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna
In its quest to ensure safe and clean environment for sustainable ecosystem, a non-governmental organization has taken an awareness and youth engagement campaign to Federal Government College, Malali, Kaduna.
The NGO known as Atlanticare Support Initiative (ASI) staged the awareness programme in commemoration of United Nations’ World Cleanup Day usually marked on September 20.
The programme targeted students of Junior Secondary School ll to Senior Secondary School lll who were lectured both in theory and practicals on basic rudiments and practices of waste management aimed at promoting a cleaner environment.
Resource persons at the event drawn from academia, environmental protection agencies and activists delivered comprehensive talks to the participating students with illustrations on key principles and the exigencies of having and ensuring a better and eco-friendly atmosphere for terrenian and marine life.
Theme of the day was Tackling Urban and Marine Wastes for Sustainable Future.
An environmental activist Zakariyah Adonike in a paper presentation titled: Tackling Urban Waste, emphasised the need to adopt workable strategies capable of reducing agents of environmental degradation and improving hygiene required for healthy and sustainable future for all.
Mr. Adenike while highlighting short, medium and long term benefits of recycling waste such as polymer and plastic bottles for the ecosystem, expressed optimism in a brighter future and cleaner environment with relentless awareness campaign by stakeholders, particularly non-profit organizations.
Another resource person Sulaiman Muazu from National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), focused on challenges posed by waste in water bodies and the need for concerted efforts to protect marine ecosystem.
Muazu enjoined individuals and corporate organizations to practise high level of proper waste disposal and management, adding that a state of environment determined the state of mind and sanity of mankind.
Director of IT and Digital Inventions of Atlanticare Mr. Sha’akaa Manasseh described youth as agents of change and integral partners in the campaign for cleaner environment.
He charged the students to take the initiative and lead in waste management efforts in their respective communities.
Manasseh underscored critical role he said the students could play in shaping sustainable future by practising and promoting proper waste disposal and recycling habits.
Vice principal Administration of FGC Uthman San who led other management staff of the school commended Atlanticare for choosing the college as beneficiary institution for commemorating this year’s Global Campaign for Clean Environment.
He charged governments at all levels to partner and support the organizations in the fight against environmental pollution and degradation.
State Lead of Atlanticare Gabriel Terfa stated that the organization had served as an avenue and platform to inspiring young Nigerians to adopt and adapt responsible environmental behaviour while advocating and reinforcing commitment to set goals of achieving an ideal environment to empower the next generation of leaders.
Highlights of the event were hands-on demonstration of knowledge gained on how to collate, sort and recycle materials such as plastic bottles and paper waste.
