FCTA launches youth-led campaign to tackle air pollution

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) has launched a youth-focused campaign to tackle air pollution and promote environmental sustainability in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The initiative, themed ‘Renewing hope, one household at a time’ and organised by the health services and environment secretariat, seeks to empower students in secondary and tertiary institutions in the FCT to champion environmental protection in their schools and communities.

Declaring the campaign open on Monday, Dolapo Fasawe, mandate secretary of the secretariat, said the programme is being implemented in collaboration with several Rotary clubs, including those of Abuja Maitama, Apo, and Wuse II, as well as other partners.

Fasawe said young people have a critical role to play in shaping sustainable habits and leading behavioural change.

“We recognise the critical role of young people as agents of change, especially on issues that affect our planet,” she said.

“That’s why we are partnering with the education secretariat and other stakeholders to ensure students are included in this important campaign.”

The sensitisation drive, convened by Daniella Olayinka, a behavioural advocate and rotaractor from the Rotary Club of Omole Golden, District 9111, will include visits to schools and campuses to educate students on air quality and the upcoming ‘Breathe clean air Abuja’ project.

Fasawe noted that the campaign will use creative activities such as debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social media challenges, and the creation of environmental clubs to inspire responsibility and innovation among students.

She noted that incentives and prizes will also be given to outstanding participants.

According to Fasawe, the advocacy will emphasise the dangers of charcoal and firewood use, promote cleaner cooking methods through Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and encourage sustainable lifestyle choices that reduce pollution.

The Breathe Clean Air Abuja project is a flagship public-private partnership (PPP) under the FCTA, scheduled for launch on November 13.

It aims to distribute gas stoves to over 5,000 households across the six area councils, particularly in underserved communities.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, Olayinka reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the secretariat in driving awareness and behavioural change through actions such as tree planting, carpooling, switching to LPG, and discouraging open burning of refuse.

“Our goal is to promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Abuja — one household at a time,” she said.