Rahimat Salihu Takes ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ Climate Campaign to Abuja Schools
Climate advocate, Rahimat Salihu, has launched a grassroots climate action and recycling campaign in schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The campaign which began at Junior Secondary School Gbazango, Kubwa, on Tuesday aims to promote environmental sustainability and youth empowerment.
Supported by the Youth Can Lead Fellowship (YCLF) Cohort Grant, the programme equips students with knowledge and tools to tackle climate change while encouraging recycling as a source of value for schools.
Salihu explained that while climate change is natural, current global warming is largely driven by human activity, citing impacts such as flooding, deforestation, irregular rainfall, pollution, and rising temperatures.
“These changes affect health, food security, and development,” she told students.
She introduced the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging students to actively support global sustainability efforts.
To aid implementation, Salihu donated sanitation materials including recycling cages, waste bins, and cleaning tools, aimed at improving waste management and hygiene in the school.
A key feature of the campaign is the “Waste-to-Wealth” initiative, which encourages students to collect plastic waste for recycling.
“Proceeds from sales to recycling companies will be reinvested into maintaining sanitation facilities and improving the school environment,” she emphasised.
She also encouraged tree planting, highlighting its role in improving air quality, reducing heat, and preventing erosion.
The school’s principal and staff praised the initiative as timely and impactful, urging students to maintain cleanliness and participate actively.
The campaign is expected to expand to other schools across Abuja, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious students committed to sustainability.