By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has trained Girls Secondary School Students from selected Schools to become ‘Champions of Environmental Awareness’ campaign in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi.
The Foundation also trained the students on practical tree planting skills as part of activities marking the 2024 World Environment Day with the theme: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Residence held at the Government Girl’s Day Secondary School Azare, Katagum LGA.
Speaking during the sensitization, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe said that the mission of the Foundation is to support environmental sustainability through impactful initiatives such as reforestation, conservation and education,
The MD also said that the Foundation is planting 70 tree seedlings at the Government Girl’s Day Secondary School Azare, Katagum LGA,.
According to her, “Today, we celebrate yet, another World Environment Day. A day to remind us of our responsibility to protect our planet. We only have one Earth, our home. We must all join hands together to keep it clean, green, and beautiful.”
The MD who was represented by Engineer Mohammed Hashim Bawa, said that the focus of the tree planting to inculcate practical, hands-on skills to ensure active participation in the tree planting exercise to instill a sense of responsibility and ownership towards environmental conservation.
She added that, “The NNPC Foundation is committed to continues monitoring these plants at all locations to restore degraded lands, build resilience against drought and improved livelihoods.”
The MD further said that, “Let’s plant more trees, reduce our carbon footprint, and conserve water. Let’s say no to single-use plastics and yes to sustainable living. Let’s protect our wildlife and their habitats. Let’s make a promise to ourselves and to future generations for a safe and sustainable environment.”
Emmanuella Arukwe however explained that the Foundation is focused to engage students who are members of environmental clubs in secondary schools nationwide.
“We aim to educate and empower these young individuals to become champions of environmental preservation.We can make a difference, one small step at a time, with commitment and faith. Let’s start today, and let’s work together to create a better future for all,” She added.
She also said that, “Let’s plant more trees, reduce our carbon footprint, and conserve water. Let’s say no to single-use plastics and yes to sustainable living. Let’s protect our wildlife and their habitats. Let’s make a promise to ourselves and to future generations for a safe and sustainable environment.”
The MD added that, “We can make a difference, one small step at a time, with commitment and faith. Let’s start today, and let’s work together to create a better future for all.Remember, every small action counts, and together we can make a big difference. Remember, every small action counts, and together we can make a big difference!”
In his remarks, representative of the District Head of Azare Engineer Magaji Dahuwa thanked NNPC foundation for selecting Azare,for the environmental protection project and for targeting girls students to participate in the trees planting campaign which requires collective efforts to reduced the global warming.
The District Head charged the participants to put into practice what they learnt by planting a tree in their respective home and stepdown the training to other women in the society with a view to intensify the awareness tree planting campaign to reduced environment.
