Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative (GRENCHI) has reaffirmed its commitment to raising a new generation of climate champions as students from secondary schools across Anambra State unveiled innovative environmental solutions at the fourth edition of its Climate Bootcamp Green Schools Exhibition.
The exhibition featured student-designed projects on hydroponics, vertical farming, solar energy, biodiversity conservation and water-saving technologies, highlighting months of practical training aimed at equipping young people with skills to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, GRENCHI Programme Associate, Princewill Okoye, said the Climate Bootcamp had evolved from a climate awareness campaign into a hands-on learning platform that empowers students to develop practical solutions to environmental challenges.
He explained that while the initiative initially focused on educating students about climate change, it now emphasizes experiential learning and innovation.
“When we launched Climate Bootcamp 1.0, our focus was to build awareness and foundational knowledge. As students’ understanding grew, we recognized the need to move beyond theory and encourage them to create practical solutions that benefit their schools and communities,” Okoye said.
He revealed that participants underwent a three-day intensive training in February 2026, where they received practical lessons in solar energy technology, biodiversity monitoring, mapping, air quality assessment and water conservation for agriculture.
According to him, the schools were subsequently challenged to implement sustainability projects within their campuses.
“The projects on display today are outcomes of those student-led initiatives. They prove that young people can transform knowledge into practical climate solutions. Our goal is to inspire them to become ambassadors of environmental sustainability and leaders of climate action in their communities,” he added.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Odoemena, represented at the event, said the state government remained committed to promoting climate-smart agriculture as part of efforts to strengthen food security.
He noted that the state’s Green School Exhibition and Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Unit was helping to translate national and global climate commitments into practical interventions.
“As a government committed to agricultural transformation and food security, Anambra is building resilient and sustainable food systems. Programmes like this complement our efforts by preparing young people to drive environmental sustainability,” he said.
Environmental and climate change expert, Mrs. Ifeoma Onuzulike, urged individuals and communities to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles, stressing that human activities remain the major driver of climate change.
She advocated sustainable forestry, environmental education and intensified public awareness campaigns, while also promoting cleaner transportation options such as compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicles, alongside climate-smart farming practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Chief Executive Officer of Greenniche Initiative, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, said empowering young people with practical green skills would not only protect the environment but also create employment opportunities in the growing green economy.
She encouraged students to embrace sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation and responsible land management, noting that small actions can collectively make a significant impact.
Also speaking, the Director of Forestry and Wildlife Resources in Anambra State, Mrs. Miriam Achugamonye, represented by Mr. Chidera Elvis, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting climate education and environmental sustainability programmes for young people.
Students and teachers who participated in the bootcamp expressed satisfaction with the practical knowledge gained.
A teacher at Holy Ghost Academy, Awka, Theodore Onuchukwu, praised the students’ creativity and teamwork, particularly in developing sustainable agricultural technologies.
One of the participants, Victoria Nwankwo of St. John of God Secondary School, Awka, said learning hydroponics and vertical farming had expanded her understanding of modern agriculture by demonstrating that crops could be grown efficiently with limited land and water.
Similarly, Emmanuel Chinedu of Capital City Secondary School, Awka, showcased his team’s circular pyramid-shaped vertical farming system equipped with drip irrigation technology designed to minimize water wastage while improving crop production.
The event ended with the presentation of gifts to participating principals, teachers and students in recognition of their commitment to climate education and environmental sustainability.
Organisers said the exhibition underscored the importance of investing in young people through practical green skills as a strategy for building climate resilience, enhancing food security and preparing the next generation to drive Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
