The POP Nigeria team met with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability in Edo State on July 23, 2021. The team also had a session with the National Youth Service Corp (NYCS) members and other stakeholders in Benin.

The team was requested to help the State work on its green and clean environmental goals. The State gave the POP team access to 30 schools with environmental clubs, and sought further collaboration with the team on their subsequent programs, including reforestation, conservation, landscaping, and land restoration. The POP Nigeria Initiative, the State Ministry of Environment, and the Boys’ Brigade representatives visited Queen Ede Secondary School, Nifor Secondary School, and Unified Secondary School in Benin City. Over one thousand students in these schools were taught about sustainable environmental practices, advocacy strategies, climate change, proper waste disposal methods, and climate and environmental action. In addition to this, waste baskets were donated to the schools, and economic trees and flowers were planted on the school grounds.

The team further conducted an awareness program with the NYSC on sustainable Environmental Practices. A cleanup was organized along with NYSC members, and a demonstration was conducted with the NYSC state coordinator and other stakeholders.

Most notably, these events led to the POP Nigeria Initiative being endorsed by the Edo State, and being given an official partnership with the state.

Watch videos of the Nigeria initiative on climate education and mobilization for sustainable environmental practices here and here.

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