By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
In a bid to fight air pollution and maintain environmental sustainability, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, said it is mobilizing youths, specifically from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, to involve them in taking the lead in protecting the environment for future generations.
The initiative, convened by Ms. Daniella Olayinka, a young Rotaractor (Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, District 9111) and behavioral advocate, will involve visits to schools and campuses across the FCT to educate students on environmental protection and the upcoming “Breathe Clean Air Abuja” project.
Declaring the youth-focused advocacy campaign open in Abuja on Monday, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, announced that the Secretariat is collaborating with Rotaract Clubs in the city, including the Rotaract Club of Abuja Maitama, Rotaract Club of Apo FCT, and Rotaract Club of Abuja Wuse II, along with other stakeholders, to sensitize young people on the dangers of air pollution and the importance of adopting clean energy solutions, with members of these clubs expected to join the outreach efforts to further expand the campaign’s reach and impact among young people.
“We recognize the critical role of young people as agents of change, especially on issues that affect our planet. That’s why we are partnering with the Education Secretariat and other stakeholders to ensure students are included in this important campaign,” Dr. Fasawe stated.
The campaign will employ interactive and creative approaches to engage the youth, including competitions, debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social media challenges, and the formation of environmental clubs.
These activities aim to inspire environmental responsibility, promote behavioral change, and encourage innovation among students.
Incentives and prizes will also be given to outstanding participants to further motivate their involvement.
The media aide to Dr. Dolapo, Bola Ajao, said that the campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, encouraging the switch to cleaner cooking methods using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and promoting habits that protect the environment from pollution and hazardous substances.
The Breathe Clean Air Abuja project, scheduled for launch on November 13, is a flagship public-private partnership initiative under the FCTA.
It aims to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas stoves and reach over 5,000 households across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Ms. Olayinka reaffirmed their readiness to support the Secretariat in spreading awareness and inspiring behavioral change.
She highlighted key focus areas such as tree planting, carpooling, switching to LPG, avoiding open burning of refuse, and promoting the use of eco-friendly products.
The project’s theme, “Renewing Hope, One Household at a Time,” reflects FCTA’s commitment to building a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Abuja through youth-driven advocacy and community engagement, Ajao explained.
