The Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st), along with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, recently introduced the Environmental Bees Club at the Apostolic Faith Secondary School. This exciting initiative aims to inspire students to engage with urgent environmental issues.
The launch event buzzed with excitement as students and staff gathered. Aminat Davies spoke on behalf of C21st Executive Director Ms. Titilope Ngozi Akosa, highlighting how the club empowers students to protect the planet. She stressed that understanding our environment is the first step toward fostering real change.
Through the club, students will tackle vital topics like climate change, recycling, and clean energy while participating in hands-on projects. These activities will help them grow into informed and active citizens.
Simileoluwa Adewale, a Programme Officer at C21st and the Project Lead, explained that Apostolic Faith Secondary School was chosen due to its alignment with the club’s goals and its enthusiastic support for the project. He expressed hope that the club would not only thrive but also cultivate a culture of environmental awareness.
Jolaolu Opeyemi, C21st’s Programme Assistant, led an informative session on air pollution, discussing its causes, such as industrial emissions and vehicle fumes. She also pointed out its health effects, which include asthma and heart disease. A live demonstration using an AirBeam3 air monitor revealed a moderate air quality reading of 25%. This sparked discussions on how students can improve their environment through actions like tree planting and responsible waste disposal.
Mrs. Idoko Oladele, the Vice Principal (Academics) at the school, applauded the club’s timely launch. She remarked on the pressing environmental issues in Lagos, such as flooding and waste management, and expressed hope for continued support for the club’s growth.
Student reactions were enthusiastic. Osage Lois shared her insights on air pollution and the importance of cleaner energy. She noted, “Climate change affects the regular patterns of the Earth, and change begins with us—the younger generation.” Another student, Otugo Uche, pledged to advocate for waste management practices as a dedicated member of the club.
This initiative is a vital step toward building environmental literacy among young Nigerians. Experts warn that the average global temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, significantly impacting weather patterns and ecosystems. The more knowledge students gain now, the better prepared they will be to combat climate challenges in the future.
The Environmental Bees Club is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s an investment in the future generation who will be responsible for preserving our planet. As this partnership unfolds, there’s optimism that the enthusiasm ignited today will encourage lasting environmental change in the community and beyond.
For further insights, you can explore relevant resources from organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme.
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Apostolic Faith Secondary School,Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st),Climate champions,Environmental Bees Club,Lagos school
