The German Consulate in Lagos, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has partnered with the Lightout Highschool Initiative to educate students on the urgent need to curb the negative impacts of climate change.
The initiative, which includes a climate action and recycling campaign, was supported by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi.
The event took place at Ireti Grammar School and Falomo High School in Ikoyi, where Programme Officer at the German Consulate General in Lagos, Udochukwu Okeahialam, emphasised the significance of educating children about climate change.
He highlighted that the topic is crucial not only to Nigerians but to the global community.
“We take the topic of climate change as a very important one because it impacts not just the lives of people in Nigeria, but also the lives of people globally. It is inevitable, so we have to either take action or sit down and let the negative impact of climate change just come upon us like that,” Okeahialam said.
He added that the consulate supported the initiative due to the significant role young people, who represent Nigeria’s future, can play once they are aware of climate issues.
The convener of the Lightout Highschool Initiative, Akinade Ibuoye, noted that the initiative, which began in 2017 at Kings College, has expanded to reach both private and public schools across Lagos State.
Ibuoye, an environmentally conscious musician, explained his motivation behind the initiative, emphasising the importance of inspiring young people to make responsible choices and adopt sound values.
“This is our 22nd edition and this is the first time that we are getting international support,” Ibuoye stated, expressing optimism about the impact of the program on the students.
He stressed that delaying gratification and making right decisions could foster a sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Nigeria.
The event serves as a platform to foster environmental awareness and action among young Nigerians, equipping them to address the challenges of climate change.
