Daud Olatunji
In a bid to instill environmental awareness and responsibility in Nigeria’s youth, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has successfully concluded its annual Art and Essay Competition, a cornerstone of its Education and Awareness programme in the formal school system.
Mrs. Adedamola Ogutuga, a staff of the NCF, revealed that the competition, which began in 1988, serves as a national platform for primary and secondary school students to express their understanding of topical environmental issues.
She added that the competition, spanning both the Art and Essay categories, aims to foster a positive mindset among students across the 36 states in Nigeria.
According to her, the focus remains on primary and secondary students, as the NCF believes in catching them young.
Mrs. Ogutuga emphasized the importance of introducing environmental concepts early, encouraging students to consider career paths related to the environment from their secondary school days.
She said this year’s theme, “ecosystem restoration,” aligns with the United Nations’ global focus for the decade 2020-2030.
She disclosed that the students delved into issues such as deforestation, plastic pollution, and improper waste disposal, proposing thoughtful solutions to these challenges.
Addressing the issue of indiscriminate waste dumping, Mrs. Ogutuga highlighted the foundation’s daily enlightenment programmes and interventions aimed at promoting responsible waste disposal.
She said that many schools now actively practise waste sorting, transforming their waste into viable products, thus contributing to the reduction of waste in landfills and mitigating the impact on climate change.
The competition received an impressive over a thousand entries from 30 states across the country, with 15 winners emerging from primary and secondary categories.
Notable winners hailed from Lagos, Oyo, Cross Rivers, Calabar, and Abuja, showcasing a nationwide engagement in environmental conservation.
Speaking about th choice of Abeokuta as the competition’s location, she praised Abeokuta for its richness in natural resources and historical significance, housing landmarks like Olumo Rock.
According to her, Participants explored these sites, gaining firsthand appreciation for nature and wildlife.
She siad the visit to Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library zoo further emphasized the threats facing various animal species and the need for conservation.
Mrs. Ogutuga extended advice to parents, emphasizing the critical role of a healthy environment in sustaining human life.
She stressed that the knowledge gained by children through the competition would be carried home, urging parents to actively engage in environmental preservation.
As the NCF continues its mission to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens, the Art and Essay Competition stands out as a crucial initiative, molding young minds into stewards of the environment for a sustainable future.
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