The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Abia State Chapter, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has launched the Abia Youths Environmental and Innovation Campaign to promote environmental sustainability, climate action and youth participation in community development.
The campaign was flagged off in Umuahia, the state capital, with youth leaders, volunteers and stakeholders from across Abia State’s 17 local government areas in attendance.
The event attracted the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. Mrs Justina Oluchi Eboh.
Their participation underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and youth organisations in advancing environmental protection and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Ogbonna commended the NYCN Abia State Chapter for mobilising young people towards positive environmental change.
He said the initiative aligned with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of building a cleaner, greener and innovation-driven Abia State, urging young people to become environmental ambassadors in their communities.
The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Ananaba, also praised the youths for taking the initiative and pledged continued support for youth focused programmes.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. Eboh, applauded the campaign and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting youth led initiatives that promote innovation, environmental awareness and sustainable development.
She encouraged participants to extend the campaign beyond the launch event by taking its message and activities to their respective local government areas.
Highlights of the ceremony included the unveiling of campaign materials and sensitisation activities on proper waste management, recycling, tree planting and climate innovation.
The Chairman of the NYCN Abia State Chapter, Comrade Engr. Smith O. Sylvanus, led the campaign activities, emphasising the role young people can play in promoting environmental responsibility and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
In his appreciation remarks, Sylvanus thanked the Ministries of Youth and Sports Development, Environment, and Science and Technology, as well as the commissioners, permanent secretary and youth structures, for their support in making the flag-off successful.
The campaign is expected to encourage greater youth involvement in environmental protection and promote sustainable practices across communities in Abia State.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
