Fawaz Adebisi
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has honoured outstanding students in 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, organised in collaboration with the Amb. Aduke Alakija Memorial Programme, drew entries from across the country, tasking students to creatively express solutions to environmental challenges under the theme “Heal the Earth.”
Participants submitted essays and artworks highlighting issues such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, and unsustainable resource use, while also proposing practical interventions to address environmental degradation.
A total of 15 students emerged as winners across three categories—first, second, and third place—according to the NCF Environmental Education Unit Lead, Adedamola Ogutuga.
Ogutuga said the top performers were subsequently selected for a field excursion to key conservation and eco-tourism sites in Abeokuta, where they participated in hands-on learning experiences aimed at strengthening their understanding of environmental protection.
She 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 for nurturing environmentally conscious youth and inspiring collective action toward a more sustainable future,” she said.
The winners were drawn from Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Oyo, Osun States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Their entries reflected growing concern among young people over environmental decline, with many advocating tree planting, improved waste management systems, recycling culture, and stricter control of pollution.
One of the winners, Emmanuella Tamunonengiofori Kereni-Roberts of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, used her artwork to depict the delicate balance between environmental destruction and restoration.
“The earth is in our hands,” she said, explaining that her work showed how human actions can either damage or restore the environment depending on individual and collective choices.
Similarly, Mathew Jeremiah of Bolade Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos State, presented a design focused on environmental protection through cleaner surroundings and responsible behaviour.
Another participant, Babalola Favour Oluwatosin of Unique Minds International College, Ile-Ife, Osun State, stressed the importance of tree planting and discouraging indiscriminate felling of trees as a key step toward environmental sustainability.
Ogugua Chidera Ignacia of Mayhilltop International School, Abule Ado, Lagos State, also highlighted the contrast between a polluted environment and a well-preserved ecosystem in her submission.
The eco-tour, which included visits to conservation and heritage sites in Abeokuta, was described by participants as both educational and transformative.
A major highlight of the excursion was the visit to Olumo Rock, where students experienced Nigeria’s natural and historical landscape firsthand.
For many of the students, the outing provided a deeper appreciation of nature beyond classroom instruction.
“It was exciting coming out of my comfort zone and experiencing nature firsthand,” Emmanuella said after the climb, describing the experience as memorable and inspiring.
Other participants expressed gratitude to the organisers, noting that the programme offered a rare opportunity to combine academic competition with practical environmental education.
They also called for the continuity of such initiatives, saying it would further strengthen youth involvement in environmental conservation and sustainability advocacy across the country.
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