Green Tomorrow Takes Root in Kwara as Government, Schools Champion Youth-Led Environmental Revolution

The Kwara State Government on Monday, July 21, 2025, launched a youth-centered environmental initiative dubbed “Green Tomorrow: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Kwara.”

The event, held at Bishop Smith Memorial College in Ilorin, brought together students, educators, environmentalists, and government representatives in a shared commitment to sustainability, tree planting, and youth-driven conservation.

Organized by the Kwara State Government, in partnership with STEAM UP Kwara, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Education, the conference marked a crucial moment in the state’s journey toward climate responsibility.

Students from five secondary schools across Kwara were the heart of the programme, as they participated in inspiring workshops, engaging speeches, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, and the official inauguration of Conservation Clubs in their schools.

The event was championed by Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, then Special Adviser on Education and Sustainable Development to the Kwara State Governor, who the Nigerian Government has recently appointed as Special Adviser on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Science) and Corporate Sector Engagement to the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Salau emphasized the significance of early environmental education, particularly in preparing young Nigerians to become responsible global citizens.

“We are building a new generation of thinkers, doers, and green ambassadors. These students are now part of something bigger than themselves,” she said.

Dr. Salau’s vision is clear: to embed climate consciousness into education, empower students to take action, and foster a pipeline of future leaders who understand both the science and the ethics of sustainability.

The keynote address, delivered by Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative of Wild Africa, was a deeply personal reflection on the dangers of deforestation.

Sharing a story from Cross River State, he recalled the lament of an elder who pointed to a barren hill and said: “We didn’t know we were cutting away our future.”

That experience, Iyorah said, transformed his work from a career to a calling.
 
“You are not too young to lead. You are not too small to make a difference. By planting trees, speaking up, and taking action, you are shaping a better future —not just for Kwara, but for Nigeria,” he told the students.

Citing youth-led climate movements across the continent, he called on Kwara’s youth to lead boldly, learn fearlessly, and live sustainably.

Following the speeches, students from the participating schools took part in a tree-planting exercise.

Each student planted a tree on the school’s grounds and pledged to nurture it, symbolizing their personal commitment to environmental protection.

The event’s atmosphere was charged with youthful energy, excitement, and a sense of purpose.

Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge, the Director of Forestry, Mr. Abdulrahman Olumoh, commended the inter-ministerial collaboration and urged students to see themselves as catalysts for change.

“Today is a movement. As you plant trees today, you are standing up for the planet and taking bold action for your future,” he said.

Mr. Olumoh challenged students to ask the tough questions: How can we turn waste into wealth? How do we reduce pollution in our schools and neighborhoods?

According to him, the answers lie within the creative energy and problem-solving drive of young people.

He reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s commitment to supporting youth-led green initiatives throughout the state.

The Green Tomorrow initiative aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly: SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 4: Quality Education.

In his closing remarks, Festus Iyorah promised continued collaboration with Kwara schools by offering mentorship, learning materials, and media tools to help students become storytellers and advocates for nature.

“We want to see every school planting trees every term, organizing cleanups, and building their eco-stories.”

Dr. Salau echoed the vision, stressing that conservation clubs are not mere extracurricular activities; they are vehicles for transforming education into action and advocacy.