Abia Seeks Climate Clubs In Tertiary Institutions

The Abia State Government has urged tertiary institutions across the state to establish Environment/Climate Clubs to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen climate education among students.

The Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, made the call during a visit to the Ministry of Tertiary Education where he met with heads of government-owned and private tertiary institutions.

Ogbonna urged institutional heads to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant stakeholders to establish and coordinate the clubs, which are expected to provide platforms for environmental education, innovation and practical climate action.

He said the initiative followed a communication from the Minister of Environment dated March 31, 2026, concerning the establishment of Environment/Climate Clubs and Societies in schools.

According to him, the initiative was launched nationally on November 21, 2025, by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Ogbonna said the programme was particularly relevant to Abia following the state’s movement from 28th position to second place in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking.

He added that Governor Alex Otti had called for the involvement of different sectors and stakeholders to sustain the state’s progress and improve its position in subsequent assessments.

The commissioner said the clubs would equip students with knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges while promoting proper waste management, tree planting, climate education and environmental entrepreneurship.

He added that the initiative would expose students to the circular economy, alternative livelihoods and opportunities in green jobs.

” Clubs demonstrating outstanding performance could have opportunities to participate in international climate conferences, including the Conference of the Parties (COP)”. Ogbonna said.

He urged tertiary institutions to take ownership of the initiative and ensure the clubs become active platforms for learning and practical environmental activities.

Responding, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Uche Eme Uche, assured Ogbonna of an immediate positive response to the initiative, indicating the ministry’s readiness to support environmental awareness and climate action in educational institutions.

Ogbonna was accompanied on the visit by the Head of the Department of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Chris Ike.