The C-Circle Research Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, an NGO, has conducted an inter-school debate competition to promote environmental sustainability and awareness among young people.
The founder of the NGO, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, stated that the event was part of activities commemorating the 2024 World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
The event, which held in Abuja on Friday was in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and other partners.
Ohajinwa said that 10 schools participated, engaging in discussions on climate change, environmental impacts, policy solutions, and sustainable practices.
According to her, the debate competition is a way to broaden children’s knowledge about the environment, climate change, and their impacts.
“The debate also aims to improve public speaking and critical thinking skills in the students.
“The competition is planned to be held three times a year, with other topics organised for debate.
“From the presentations, tree planting is used to control erosion, prevent deforestation, and mitigate other natural disasters.”
Ohajinwa explained that the second discussion concluded that both infrastructure and public awareness were important for effective waste management.
He further said that the event would educate participants, raise awareness, and inspire proactive measures among the younger generation.
On his part, Oritsejolomi Ayomike, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Rotary is a humanitarian organisation that collaborates with the government and educational institutions.
According to him, the club works to create public awareness about harmful environmental practices and their health implications, such as open defecation and deforestation.
Ayomike emphasised that the goal was not to determine the best school but to raise awareness and educate students about environmental maintenance and its health implications.
“Our focus areas are the environment and basic education, which led to bringing students from different schools to debate environmental issues,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 schools were invited, but nine participated in the competition.
The debate topics were “Tree Planting Improves Restoration and Reduces Desertification” and “Is the biggest challenge to effective waste management in Nigeria as a result of lack of infrastructure or lack of Public Awareness”.
Regina Pacis College Garki, Abuja won first place, followed by Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, in second place.
Bristol Academy, Karu, took third place, and Government Secondary School, Life-Camp, secured fourth place.
The schools received drought-resistance trees donated by Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives.
The trees would be planted in the schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.
It would be monitored by C-Circle Research, a sister organisation to C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment.
NAN also reports that World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, encourages awareness and action for environmental protection.
It is supported by numerous non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day for the environment. (NAN)
By Tosin Kolade
