Over 500 Nigerian students received training on eco-friendly environments as part of the activities marking African Child Day. Seed for Change Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting an eco-friendly environment, organized a one-day program across five secondary schools in Akure, Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria.
The students were enlightened on the importance of tree planting and the significant role that young people play in national development during a sensitization lecture. The Sustainability Manager of Barry Callebaut Nigeria, Mujeeb Oniyide, encouraged the students to explore the opportunities available in climate and environment-related courses, urging them to actively engage in eco-friendly activities.
“We are in an ever-changing world, and it is crucial for you as young individuals to participate in activities that will make our world a safer place,” Oniyide emphasized. He advised the children to prioritize their studies and utilize their digital skills to contribute to the various challenges faced by cocoa farmers in the country.
Oniyide also highlighted ways in which the children can become change agents in a world grappling with climate-related issues, particularly in the cocoa farming sector. This event provided an opportunity for the students to understand their role in shaping a sustainable future.
Aligning with the company’s commitment to an eco-friendly planet, a total of 150 trees were planted across the five schools in Akure. The students were urged to become tree-planting ambassadors, taking responsibility for nurturing the trees to maturity. This legacy will serve as a reminder of their contribution to a greener future.
Prior to the training, the Seed for Change initiative organized a speech contest for students from selected schools. The contest revolved around two topics: ‘The Future of Cocoa and Our Planet’ and ‘My Part in Shaping Sustainable Cocoa in Nigeria’.
African Child Day is celebrated under the theme ‘The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment’. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for environmental conservation, initiatives like these play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future generation.
Emmanuel Ukoh
