By Tosin Olasehinde
In continuation of its advocacy for Climate Justice, a non-profit organization, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, BBYDI, on Thursday, visited Sentu, a remote community in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria, to educate members of the community on the impacts of climate change and actions needed to combat the global phenomenon.
Themed “Fostering Climate Adaptation and Addressing Global Environmental Challenges Locally”, the one-day immersive climate education programme featured series of lectures and hands-on training sessions, involving community elders, farmers, women, youth and students.
Facilitators at the programme sensitized residents of the community on the negative effects of climate change on their immediate environment and the world at large, how humans are contributing to it, and the need to embark on climate adaptation and mitigation actions.
Additionally, farmers in the community were enlightened on the various sustainable agricultural practices they can embrace to improve their farming activities and enhance food production. There was also an Upcycling Workshop for school children in the community; they were trained on how they can turn their used bottles, plastic spoons, old clothing materials, and more into plastic seats and a flower vase.
The facilitators are Mrs Waliyat Oloyede, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ilorin; Dare Akogun, a Climate Advocate and Journalist; Mariam Hamzat, another climate journalist, and Paul Ayomide Eweola, a Climate change advocate.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of seedlings and an economic tree to the community.
In her remarks, the project lead for the Sentu Community Climate Education Ramat Jadesola Owolabi, emphasized the importance of environmental protection, noting that climate change is a global challenge that requires a collective understanding and efforts to tackle.
“We must all take responsibility for the environment and work towards building a resilient communities and sustainable future,” she said.
Speaking on the climate education programme, the Global Director of BBYDI, Abideen Olasupo, said “Our organization is committed to spreading to climate education in rural communities across Nigeria. From engaging curriculum to dialogues and hands-on activities, we left no stone unturned to provide Sentu community dwellers with the knowledge and skills to address climate challenges in their own backyard.
“With our dedicated team of facilitators, passionate teachers, and the enthusiasm of the students and rural dwellers, we witnessed incredible growth and transformation. We saw young minds ignite with curiosity, critical thinking, and a newfound passion for sustainability.”
Olasupo assured that his orgnaisation would continue to supporting the communities in Kwara in their efforts towards environmental conservation and climate adaptation.
