Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on young people nationwide to embrace self-reliance and take a frontline role in safeguarding the environment.
She delivered the message during the inauguration of the Environment Club and Environment Society at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Her address underscored the need for young Nigerians to act decisively rather than wait for government solutions.
According to her statement, Nigerian youths shouldn’t “Don’t depend on the country to give you what you need.”
The ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, attracted several prominent guests. Wives of state governors were in attendance.
Also present were top National Assembly members, senior government officials, and the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
The initiative forms part of the Renewed Hope Programme and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
It aims to build a network of young environmental advocates who will promote climate awareness and champion eco-friendly practices in schools and communities.
Speaking at the launch, UNDP Resident Representative Elsie Attafuah described the effort as more than a conventional club. She said it represents a platform for youth-led innovation.
Attafuah added that the clubs will inspire clean-energy concepts, climate activism, waste-management initiatives, and other environmental solutions. She reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to support the programme.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abba Lawal, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that environmental cleanliness directly affects public health.
Mr. Lawal pointed to global environmental challenges, including plastic pollution—particularly in waterways—as issues requiring urgent intervention.
Under the new structure, secondary schools will operate Environment Clubs, while tertiary institutions will run the Environment Society. Students are expected to engage in activities such as:
Advocacy on climate issues
Practical solutions to flooding and blocked drainage
Research projects like rainwater harvesting
Recycling and circular-economy initiatives that convert waste into useful products
According to the First Lady, the goal is to equip young people with the knowledge to understand climate challenges and lead sustainable efforts within their communities.
The programme is also expected to equip students with hands-on skills that can enhance their future economic prospects.
During the event, Senator Tinubu commended a spoken-word performance by Esther Abraham from Government Secondary School, Mabushi.
She proceeded to unveil the clubs’ handbook and decorated the Minister of Environment as the National Environment Marshal.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu reminded the youths that the responsibility for protecting the environment ultimately rests with them.
She encouraged them to organise shoreline clean-ups, raise their voices on climate matters, and champion environmental campaigns in their schools and neighbourhoods.
Remi Tinubu stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to fall behind in global environmental action.
The First Lady concluded by reiterating her call for self-reliance, saying: “Don’t depend on the country to give you what you need.”
