L-R: Gombe State Commissioner of Environment Mr Idris Mahdi and his counterparts from Bauchi and Zamfara States Messres Mahiru Wundi and Mouktar Lugga respectively, during the meeting of Commissioners for Environment in Eleven Frontline States in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN

Governor Babatunde
Fashola of Lagos State has commended children for their participation in the fight against climate change.
Fashola gave the commendation at the 6th anniversary of climate change clubs in Lagos Schools, with the theme: “Children Across Boundaries Unite to Combat Climate Change.’’
The governor said that the children’s participation was noticeable in the areas of energy conservation and efficiency, recycling, greening, resource conservation and recovery, among others.
“I am highly elated with the choice of your anniversary theme, this year.
“This theme as a matter of fact, is a timely wake-up call inviting all our young ones globally to join hands in the fight against climate change,’’ he said.
Fashola, represented by his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the exercise would engender shared knowledge and best practices in addressing the challenge of climate change among the children.
The governor said that the establishment of climate change clubs in schools was part of the government’s strategic and complementary efforts to correct the mistakes of the past and make a sustainable choice.
“I have it on good authority that the knowledge and skills displayed by climate change members in their respective schools clearly shows that our immediate and future environment is going to be safe and secured,’’ he said.
The governor said that the clubs, in the last six years, had yielded bountiful harvests through innovative actions and participation among the youth.
He, however, encouraged the youths to take advantage of new environment-friendly entrepreneurships.
“This is a pointer to a new economy, the green economy.
“I, therefore, like to emphasis that you all begin to look the way of green collar jobs, as against white collar jobs.
“These are the jobs that have high consideration for the environment, while we make money; as a matter of fact, it is the future,’’ the governor said.
He also encouraged governments at all levels to embrace the development of climate change education programmes, policies and materials. “By now, we should also be on the way toward including them in our school curriculum,’’ he said.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of awards to winners of the Lagos State Climate Change quiz competition.
Other highlights were the presentation of the environment creed by students and its endorsement by the State Government.