Health
Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA), an NGO, has called on Federal Government to introduce practical environmental studies in primary and secondary schools.
The group said this is to instil environmental behavioural change among young persons in the country.
Mr Moses Agbara, Director of Communication, YiSHDA, made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the Young Environmental Exhibition and Awards in partnership with the FCT Department of Science and Technology.
The event was held in commemoration of 2018 World Environment Day which is declared by the United Nations, with the theme: `Beat Plastic Pollution’.
The participating schools include Government Girls Secondary School, Abaji; Model Secondary School, Maitama; and Government Secondary School, Kubwa.
He said environmental education was extremely important in ensuring that new generations understand the importance and significance of the environment and how to protect it.
Agbara said the inclusion of practical environmental curriculum in elementary and secondary schools would help the younger generation become environmental ambassadors that would provide solutions to various environmental challenges.
“ The initiative is born out of passion to safe the mother earth, the need to come up with practical ways which will reduce environmental disasters from man’s activities.
“The world is faced with environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution; flood through blocked drainages thus the life both on land and in water are adversely affected by the activities of man.
“It is therefore critical for citizens to take conscious effort in putting the environment first and also young people becoming responsible in creating best form of management waste.
“ The Foundation is focused on educating students on current environmental issues facing Nigeria while providing skills for them to participate in preserving their environment through peer learning meetings,’’ he said.
Mrs Christy Ibrahim, Director, FCT Department of Science and Technology, also called on Nigerians to have attitudinal change towards achieving a healthy and habitable environment.
Ibrahim who was represented by Hajiya Hadiza Ingawa, Gender Department of Science and Technology, added that the dumping of plastic bags, pure water sachets, plastic bottles and pollution from fumes are unhealthy to the environment.
Ibrahim further called on Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to put more effort in ensuring that the environment is protected while encouraging parents to teach their children to be responsible in waste management. (NAN)
– Jun 5, 2018 @ 18:28 GMT |
Tags: an NGO Director of Communication Mr Moses Agbara YiSHDA Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA)
