A corps member serving in Ilorin, Adizue Favour Chukwudumebi, has taken a significant step toward promoting sustainability by organizing a student competition focused on creative environmental solutions.
The initiative, themed “Empowering Innovative Minds for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” was held on October 30, 2024, at Bishop Smith Senior Secondary School, Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State.
As part of the Personal Community Development Service (CDS) under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the event aimed to equip secondary school students with practical knowledge on waste management and sustainability.
“Young people must take the lead in protecting our environment. Initiatives like this provide the knowledge and skills necessary to create lasting change,” said AbdulAziz Olasunkanmi Ishola, who represented the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in his keynote address.
A total of 30 students from five secondary schools—Government Day Secondary School Opolo, Danialu Senior Secondary School, Government Day Secondary School Agbabiaka, Government Day Secondary School Gaa-Akanbi, and Bishop Smith Senior Secondary School—participated in the program. Each of the four visiting schools sent five students, while the host school provided ten participants.
The event featured interactive sessions, workshops, and hands-on training, designed to encourage students to develop innovative solutions for converting waste into useful products.
“We want students to see waste not as a problem, but as an opportunity to create something valuable,” said Richard Afahaene, one of the facilitators.
Other speakers, including Perekosufa Obudah, guided students through topics on design thinking, waste management, and sustainable solutions.
The project was funded through donations from organizations and individuals, raising a total of ₦85,000, alongside contributions of plastic bottle packs. Sponsors included the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor on SDGs, Seven Up Bottling Company in Ilorin, Alon Green Recycling, and the Foundation for A Better Environment (FABE).
“This initiative is proof that when individuals and organizations come together, meaningful environmental change is possible,” said Chinedu Adiegwu, one of the individual donors.
A key highlight of the event was the practical workshop, where students worked together to create decorative items from waste materials such as cartons and plastic bottles.
“We learned how to turn old materials into something new and useful. It was exciting and fun!” said Adebayo Tolu, a student participant.
With the first phase of the project successfully completed, preparations are now underway for the final exhibition, scheduled for November 22, 2024.
During this event, students will showcase their innovative projects, reinforcing the importance of sustainability within their communities.
“The solutions to our environmental problems lie in the creativity of young minds. This project is just the beginning,” said Adizue Favour Chukwudumebi, the corps member leading the initiative.
By engaging young minds in environmental education and practical sustainability efforts, the initiative highlights the power of knowledge and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
