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Fawaz Adebisi
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has rewarded outstanding students of the 2025 National Art and Essay Competition with an educational eco-tour of Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of efforts to deepen environmental awareness among young Nigerians.
The competition, organized in collaboration with the Amb. The Aduke Alakija Memorial Program attracted registrations from across the country, tasking students to creatively express solutions to environmental challenges under the theme “Healing the Earth.”
Participants presented essays and artwork highlighting issues such as deforestation, pollution, climate change and unsustainable resource use, while also proposing practical interventions to address environmental degradation.
According to NCF Environmental Education Unit Manager, Adedamola Ogutuga, a total of 15 students emerged winners in three categories: first, second and third place.
Ogutuga said the top performers were subsequently selected for a field trip to key conservation and ecotourism sites in Abeokuta, where they participated in hands-on learning experiences aimed at strengthening their understanding of environmental protection.
He explained that the initiative was designed to go beyond classroom learning and expose students to real-life conservation practices.
“This initiative continues to serve as a platform to cultivate environmentally conscious youth and inspire collective action towards a more sustainable future,” he said.
The winners were from Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Oyo, Osun states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Their contributions reflected growing concern among young people about environmental decline, many of whom advocated tree planting, improved waste management systems, a culture of recycling, and tighter pollution control.
One of the winners, Emmanuella Tamunonengiofori Kereni-Roberts of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, used her works to depict the delicate balance between environmental destruction and restoration.
“The earth is in our hands,” he said, explaining that his work has shown how human actions can damage or restore the environment depending on individual and collective choices.
Similarly, Mathew Jeremiah of Bolade Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos State, presented a project focused on environmental protection through cleaner environments and responsible behavior.
Another participant, Babalola Favor Oluwatosin of Unique Minds International College, Ile-Ife, Osun State, highlighted the importance of planting trees and discouraging indiscriminate felling of trees as a vital step towards environmental sustainability.
Ogugua Chidera Ignacia of Mayhilltop International School, Abule Ado, Lagos State, also highlighted in her presentation the contrast between a polluted environment and a well-preserved ecosystem.
The eco-tour, which included visits to conservation and heritage sites in Abeokuta, was described by participants as educational and transformative.
One of the highlights of the excursion was a visit to Olumo Rock, where students were able to experience Nigeria’s natural and historical landscape firsthand.
For many students, the hike allowed for a deeper appreciation of nature beyond classroom instruction.
“It was exciting to step out of my comfort zone and experience nature firsthand,” Emmanuella said after the climb, describing the experience as memorable and inspiring.
Other participants expressed gratitude to the organizers, noting that the program offered a rare opportunity to combine academic competition with practical environmental education.
They also called for the continuation of such initiatives, saying this would further strengthen youth involvement in environmental conservation and sustainability advocacy across the country.
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