By Joseph Hans Apuu

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in collaboration with the Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN) says it will establish climate change clubs in some selected secondary schools in Nasarawa State to add more impetus to the climate change campaign.

Mr Ango Adamu, Executive Secretary YMCA Mada Hills, disclosed this during inter – schools debate on impacts of climate change in Lafia.

According to him, the campaign against climate change in the secondary schools will disabuse the contrary perceptions among the students and the teachers as to whether or not climate change is real.

“Today we are in the Nasarawa south senatorial zone in continuation of the school debate on climate change to expose ignorance and myths people have about climate change.

“We want the people of the state to be aware, especially those who have some beliefs and myths that climate change does not exist to know that it is real, we count on you to step down this awareness in your schools.

“We also want to establish a climate change club in these two schools for a start, we will continue to collaborate and work with you in our next year programmes as we continue in the fight against climate change,” he said.

The Executive Secretary said that the YMCA had organised similar inter school debate in the West and North Senatorial Zones of the state where students and teachers alike turned out in large numbers to witness.

He explained that the school debate programme was part of activities of the African Activists for Climate Justice Project (AACJ), which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and carried out by OXFAM through the YMCA.

Adamu said AACJ is a Pan Africa project that is being implemented in Nigeria of which Nasarawa State is a beneficiary.

“The goal of the project is to amplify and unite the voices of Africans, demanding that the most vulnerable groups; women, youths and local indigenous communities in the target countries have the capacity to defend and realise their human rights.

“And also live a decent and dignified life in a healthy and sustainable environment within the context of a climate emergency,” he said.

Earlier speaking, Mr Adamu – Ephraim Agbashim, Principal, Aunty Dele College, Shinge, Lafia thanked the YMCA for organising the debate, adding that it would enlighten students more about climate change.

Also speaking, Mr Obadiah – Ewuga Akpu, Principal, ERCC Calvary Secondary School, Bukan Sidi, Lafia, appreciated the YMCA and partners for sustaining effort in combating climate change, noting that the debate would equip students and teachers with more knowledge.