- As GGPI declares war on plastic pollution
The Chief Executive Officer of Global Green Pillars Initiative (GGPI), Chief Ladi Ahmed Jatto Esq., has flagged off a large-scale tree planting and educational support programme in secondary schools across Kogi Central Senatorial District. The programme combines environmental protection, climate education and the empowerment of the girl-child.
The programme is one of several personal initiatives Chief Jatto has championed in environmental advocacy, climate education and girl-child empowerment. It included the distribution of 15,000 copies of writing and learning materials, eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads and climate-friendly materials. Economic trees were also planted in selected schools.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Barr. Jatto, who also serves as the State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, said the school outreach is not a one-off event. She described it as a deliberate and sustained effort to catch children young and instil in them a culture of environmental stewardship.
She explained that the programme goes beyond the distribution of materials. Students also received intensive lectures on how best to use and protect the environment. She charged them to see themselves as custodians of their surroundings, stressing that a friendly and healthy environment is a shared responsibility.
Chief Jatto disclosed that GGPI, her Non-Governmental Organisation, has continued to preach against the indiscriminate use of plastics. She described plastics as a major threat to the environment, drainages, soil fertility and human health. She called for the discouragement of plastic use and urged the adoption of biodegradable materials as a sustainable alternative for everyday needs.
To discourage disposable pads, which add to plastic pollution, the GGPI boss distributed reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in the benefiting schools. The pads are washable and can be reused for up to twelve months. They are meant to promote menstrual hygiene, keep girls in school and reduce environmental waste.
In a symbolic demonstration of her message, Barr. Jatto led students, teachers and volunteers to plant economic trees, including mango, cashew and moringa. The trees will provide shade, nutrition and future economic value to the schools.
To ensure sustainability, the CEO inaugurated Green Pillars Clubs and decorated Green Pillars Ambassadors in each school visited. The Clubs will serve as environmental vanguards. They are charged with nurturing the planted trees, promoting climate education and championing the campaign against plastics in their schools and communities.
Barr. Jatto also awarded scholarships to indigent but brilliant students across Kogi Central, covering Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori-Magongo Local Government Areas. She said the 15,000 copies of writing materials were meant to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage school retention and improve learning outcomes.
Stakeholders, including principals, teachers, traditional leaders and parents, commended her personal commitment. They described her as a rare blend of environmentalist, philanthropist and education advocate. In their view, her initiatives are making the environment friendly and healthy while securing the future of the girl-child.
They noted that the initiative fuses tree planting, the discouragement of plastics, the promotion of biodegradable materials, the distribution of climate-friendly materials, learning support and girl-child dignity. They called it a world-class model that aligns with the objectives of the World Bank-supported ACReSAL Project. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on climate action, quality education and gender equality.
