Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has officially launched the Environment Club and Environment Society of Nigeria. The event took place on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
This nationwide programme, introduced through the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, aims to build a new generation of young Nigerians who understand climate action and are ready to respond to challenges such as waste management, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the introduction of the club comes “at a critical juncture” as Nigeria faces environmental threats that affect public health and sustainable development. He explained that the initiative is designed to guide students from primary school to the university level, including NYSC members, toward becoming active environmental advocates.
According to him, “This initiative will nurture environmentally conscious citizens from primary schools to tertiary institutions and even NYSC members. It will champion climate action, drive circular economy solutions, and turn environmental responsibility into entrepreneurial opportunity.”
The programme will operate through four major focus areas. These include student-led advocacy and policy influence, climate change adaptation, circular economy activities such as recycling and upcycling, and disaster risk reduction linked to natural resource management. Members will also work under six core mandates that promote discipline in waste disposal, practical skills in recycling and gardening, hands-on projects that improve critical thinking, livelihood development through waste-to-wealth activities, eco-friendly entrepreneurship, and leadership development through environmental campaigns.
A nationwide structure has been created to ensure the initiative reaches all communities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Grand Marshal, while State Governors and the FCT Minister serve as Patrons. The Minister of Environment takes the role of National Marshal, with State Commissioners for Environment and Local Government Chairmen serving as State and LG Marshals. Each state will establish its own chapter led by designated desk officers and council supervisors.
Minister Lawal noted that young people will gain real experience in areas like tree planting, recycling, eco-friendly business activities, and climate awareness efforts that connect knowledge to action. He encouraged State Governments, Local Government Chairmen, teachers, students, and youth across the country to support the initiative. He assured that the ministry will provide full technical and institutional backing.
The launch represents an important step toward strengthening Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts and placing young people at the centre of building a cleaner and more resilient future.
