Lagos – 9thSeptember 2019
In GreenHubAfrica’s bid to increase awareness on the negative effects of climate change, Africa’s first environmental sustainability media platform kicked of one of their inaugural activities with a seminar at Yaba College of Technology.
On the 5thof September 2019, GreenHubAfrica visited the Yaba College of Technology popularly known as YabaTech, to launch a disruptive campaign to change the mindsets of the younger generation by edutaining the students on dangers of not participating in environmental sustainability efforts. Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, is yet to lead the continent in addressing climate changes challenges of ccean pollution, recycling, tree planting and renewable energy. Our shorelines, forests, gutters, streets and the air we breath are generally unsafe due to contamination from our action or inactions. The seminar educated the students on the possibilities for a healthier environment with quizzes, videos; and entertained them with giveaways, music and a dancing challenge.
The forward thinking institution under the dynamic, world class leadership of the Rector, Engr. Femi Omokungbe, hosted the event at the college’s over 2,000-seater multipurpose hall, which was filled to the brim with infectious youthful energy of over 1000 GreenHubAfrica registrations. The students of YabaTech thrillingly participated in all segments of the seminar, with the high point being the De-Deon’s dance challenge, powered by Daily Need Industries. Over 150 students won different freebies for their performances at the event. The star prize winner, shared her excitement saying “I am happy that GreenHubAfrica as a media platform, is addressing environmental challenges in an exciting way, I cannot believe the cash gift that I won!” Another student who won a movie tickets and airtime expressed his delight on GreenHubAfrica’s visit to the college saying, “It was great having you in my school, we are ready for you next year!”
The Dean of Yaba College of Technology; Mrs. Olajumoke Shobande also in attendance, expressed her gratitude and commended GreenHubAfrica’s engaging presentation, which kept the students thrilled from start to finish for over two hours. Another high point, was a presentation from an undergraduate student of another university, Mr. Peter Owkor, an Agro-Retailer, who shared his practical experience of incessant flooding at his farm in Abeokuta, and how he eventually overcame the menace. Other GreenHubAfrica partners in attendance were the executives of JCI international. Messers, Seun Osikalu, Leke Odubote, Mrs Jumoke Willians and the country director Mr Olumide Coker, who presented remedies to tackle plastic waste pollution in Nigeria.
The founder, GreenHubAfrica, Mr. Henry Bassey, CEO, DigiBrands Limited, highlighted the need for everyone to develop a relationship with their environment, but recognized the youth as the future of the continent. He said “Though we already have a clear focus of our target audience who are made up of 3Ps, being People, Private Sector and Public Sector, who are doing great work in the environmental space, it is important for this revolution to start with the younger generation.” He encouraged the students to send and share engaging social media content, of people doing awesome things in the green space, by tagging #GreenHubAfrica and following @GreenHubAfrica_ on Instagram , noting that these people could qualify for special rewards and recognition as GreenHubAfrica Heroes, based on the best performing content.
Other GreenHubAfrica partners acknowledged at the event include the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Heritage Place, Dupont, DailyNeed Industries and the Kids Beach Garden. These partners with JCI and YabaTech Students will be embarking on an environmental clean up exercise, slated for the 21stof September 2019, the globally recognized day for Zero emission, International Coastal Cleaning and the World Clean-up Day. GreenHubAfrica aligns with these dates and will be driving the exercise commencing from 7am, at the Kid’s Beach Garden on Oba Elegushi beach and at Obalende, in Lagos Island.
