Climate Change: Lagos launches ‘Trees from Art’ campaign in schools

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide-Sanwo Olu, has taken environmental campaigns to school communities to reiterate his commitment to climate action and sustainable environmental education.

This is in a bid to actualise the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the State.

Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) created ‘Trees From Art-TfA’ in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria), to champion climate education and the planting of 100,000 economic trees in Lagos Secondary and Technical Schools.

TfA was launched by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, represented by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, on April 7, 2022, at Nike Art Gallery, Lekki.

The governor commended the initiative, and called on stakeholders, environmentalists, and all young persons to join in effort to make the environment and the world safe, habitable, and green.

The CYCDI CEO and Project Director, Foluke Michael said that the Climate Action campaign began in January 2020 with Solution 17 for Climate Action in Africa (CAA).

The project was designed to spark creativity among young people in building the desired future through Climate enterprises; the goal is to promote the natural environment, Green Entrepreneurs and prosperity in different communities.

The project, which produced 17 Climate Enterprises and 17 Climate Art, was launched by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on September 25, 2020.

“In 2021, CAA scaled to Naija Climate Now with the support of the German Consulate, United Nations Information Centre for Nigeria and Sterling Bank Plc to develop solutions to climate adaptation, green economic recovery, and low-carbon development for Nigeria.

Trees from Climate Art, an offshoot of Naija Climate Now, was officially announced on November 1, 2021, at the Italian Consulate in Lagos during the unveiling of COP26 Virtual Climate Art Gallery. The event preceded Naija Climate Now Exhibition, hosted by Deputy British High Commissioner Ben Llewellyn-Jones in October 2021.

TfA pilot phase began in February 2022 with School Inspection, Data Collation Activities, and set-up of the Creative Club50 in 40 approved schools in 6 Education Districts, with the support of the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investments and Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The pre-launch planting operation commenced on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. A total of 250 Hybrid and Traditional Tress comprised of Avocado, Tangerine, Orange and Mango were planted in Vetland Junior and Senior Grammar Schools, Lagos State Model Junior and Senior College and Caleb British International School”, Foluke added

TfA aims to mobilise young people creatively and innovatively to care for the environment whilst preparing them as green innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, designers and technologists for climate change. The project will introduce Hydroponics Farming and Entrepreneurship Education at the participating schools.

The Economic Trees will help restore life quality in school communities, contribute to the environment, reduce climate change, save water, purify the air, provide renewable energy sources, air conditioning, erosion control, reinforce soil and prevent water pollution.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo reiterated the ministry’s support for Solution17 projects in Lagos State in the area of comprehensive school systems and sustainable education.

At the event, Katharina Felgenhauer, delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, stated that AHK Nigeria, and its partners are pleased to be a part of this project and would continue to support the project and the Lagos State Government THEMES’ agenda to build ‘A Greater Lagos’.

She confirmed the endorsement of the German Consulate in Lagos and the full participation and support of Weststar Nigeria Ltd. (Mercedes-Benz) and Big Dutchman Nigeria. She’s looking forward to onboarding more German companies in the coming weeks.