…as SCI begs Nigerians to change attitude, protect environment

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AHEAD of Conference of Parties, COP29, children, yesterday, lamented poor treatment of the environment in Nigeria with different paintings to pass their messages across to Nigerians as sensitization and awareness creation.

The children did the exhibition tagged Eco-Exhibition in Abuja as part of Save the Children International Nigeria’s ‘Generation Hope’ Campaign, which the exhibition is basically to amplify children’s voices in the climate change dialogue, particularly as Nigeria gears up for COP29, which Faith Osaretin of SCI Nigeria’s Advocacy Campaign Media Unit explained that,the Eco-Exhibition is closely tied to the COP29 simulation, ensuring that the voices of young Nigerians are considered in the nation’s climate strategy.

According to Osaretin, the children highlighted pressing concerns about the State of the environment including the menace of plastic pollution and devastating flooding, which disproportionately affect their lives and education.

The exhibition had 45 students from seven schools in the Federal Capital Territory, each contributing their unique perspectives on climate change.

She said: “Today, we are in Abuja with the children who are communicating about the impact of climate change and the actions they want to see taken.

“They designed the activities, implemented them, and are also the ones delivering the key messages. These are not just artworks—they carry strong messages. They are calling for urgent action to address these challenges.”

One of the participants from Federal Government Boys College, Garki, Okoro zuchukwu who showcased his artwork that pointed out the world before and after climate change, which made the contrast so real and troubling.

His illustrations made it imperative for Nigerians to promote a green environment and also recycling practices as seen in other climes including dedication to reforestation to safeguard the environment, “What inspired these paintings was a drawing I made back in school.”

Meanwhile, a participant and student from Junior Secondary School Jabi 1, Nazirah Jimoh, artwork’s materials were sourced from recycled materials, which indicated Jimoh’s creativity and resourcefulness to solve serious environmental issues affecting Nigerians on daily basis, “This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my artwork. Climate change is a dreadful issue, particularly affecting children, especially those with disabilities.”

Meanwhile, the Country Director, Save the Children International, SCI, Nigeria, Duncan Harvey, appealed to Nigerians to change their attitude towards the environment and also ensure to safeguard it.

“In Save the Children, we give children opportunities to express themselves, make their views and voices heard at all level. When it comes to our environment and how we protect it, children needs to have a say because what we adults do today would affect the children tomorrow.”