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Remi Tinubu launches national Environment Clubs and Societies for climate action
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UNDP, UNICEF, UNIDO back initiative to raise new generation of eco-champions
The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has urged young Nigerians to take the lead in protecting the environment and avoid depending solely on government for all their needs. She made the call on Thursday while launching the Environment Club and Environment Society at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The initiative, introduced under the Renewed Hope agenda in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, is designed to empower students in secondary schools and higher institutions to become active climate advocates and problem-solvers.
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Top government officials, wives of state governors, service chiefs, lawmakers and the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah described the programme as a nationwide movement that places young people at the forefront of environmental innovation. She said the clubs will serve as hubs for climate action, clean-energy ideas and environmental protection, adding that the UNDP will support the initiative fully.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abba Lawal, stressed the importance of involving young people in tackling environmental challenges. He noted that a cleaner environment directly supports good health and warned that issues such as plastic pollution are now global threats.
According to the Ministry, the clubs will focus on four key areas:
– Advocacy: Encouraging students to influence their peers on climate issues.
– Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges like blocked waterways and local flooding.
– Research: Supporting projects such as rainwater harvesting for agriculture.
– Circular Economy: Promoting recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
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The clubs have a structured leadership model, with the President as Grand Patron, state governors as patrons and the Minister of Environment serving as National Environment Marshal. Local governments and schools will nominate students, while logistics will be provided for outreach activities.
Partners in the project include UNICEF, UNIDO and UNDP.
The event also featured a spoken-word performance by Esther Abraham, a student of Government Secondary School, Mabushi, which drew applause from the audience. The First Lady also unveiled the official handbook for the clubs and decorated the Environment Minister with his new role.
In her address, Senator Tinubu said young people remain the most effective ambassadors for environmental stewardship.
“Don’t depend on the country to give you everything you need,” she told students, urging them to lead clean-up exercises, take part in advocacy and ensure Nigeria does not lag behind in global climate action.
