The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Benue Links Nigeria Limited, and Makurdi local government council have organized an advocacy campaign for greener schools and communities across the three senatorial zones of Benue State. The campaign, which took place at various locations, including RCM Pilot Primary School, Tordonga, Katsina-Ala, and RCM Primary School, Engila, Agatu, brought together traditional rulers, local government officials, education stakeholders, parents, and community representatives.
The campaign aimed to deepen grassroots ownership of environmental protection and promote education. According to Msughter John Ataigbough, Corporate Communications and Community Engagements, the event featured an overview of the greening initiative by the Director-General, Benue State Council on Climate Change, Dr Daniel Mailumo, represented by Dr Steve Ahile. Dr Mailumo explained the realities and effects of climate change and emphasized the need for deliberate action to protect the environment.
The Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Benue SUBEB, Comr. Patricia Gbuuga, highlighted the implementation of Project BRACE-UP, an initiative designed to identify, enroll, and support children who are currently out of school. She disclosed that 500 out-of-school children had so far been enrolled through Project BRACE-UP and provided with learning materials. The project aims to improve access to basic education in the state.
The Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr Grace Adagba, connected the greening campaign to the broader vision of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, stressing that schools and communities must remain central to efforts to address climate change. Dr Adagba noted that when environmental consciousness is instilled in children and reinforced within their communities, schools become powerful platforms for creating lasting behavioral change.
Benue SUBEB has undertaken various greening interventions, including the Tree Planting Campaign, under which 80 trees were planted in 40 schools, and the establishment of Greening Clubs in 20 schools. The board also trained 80 teachers from 40 schools across the three senatorial districts on greening schools and climate change education. These efforts aim to promote environmental protection and education in the state.
A major component of the campaign was the provision of 100 school kits for out-of-school children for each zone identified for enrollment under Project BRACE-UP and the symbolic planting of trees. The event featured notable speakers, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and education stakeholders, who lent their support to the campaign and lauded the achievements of Governor Alia in education.
The advocacy campaign and provision of school kits demonstrate the commitment of Benue SUBEB and its partners to promoting education and environmental protection in the state's grassroots areas. The campaign is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of out-of-school children and the environment in Benue State.
Key points
- The campaign aims to deepen grassroots ownership of environmental protection and promote education.
- 500 out-of-school children have been enrolled through Project BRACE-UP and provided with learning materials.
- Benue SUBEB has undertaken various greening interventions, including the Tree Planting Campaign and the establishment of Greening Clubs in 20 schools.
