By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A newly constructed sustainability learning facility has been handed over to Green Fingers Initiative, a beneficiary of the 7th season of the Airtel Touching Lives corporate philanthropy programme.
The facility was presented to the organisation by the leading telecommunications service provider on June 11, 2024, in Lagos as part of activities to mark this year’s World Environment Day.
Recall that in celebration of this year’s World Environment Day themed Land Restoration Desertification and Drought Resilience, Airtel Nigeria had earlier hosted an enlightening session for its employees, with a focus on strategies to combat plastic pollution.
The chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Carl Cruz, while presenting the project to Green Fingers, stated that the facility embodies the telecom giant’s belief and commitment to sustainability practices, expressing confidence in the positive impact of the company’s support for Green Fingers Foundation on global environmental protection objectives.
“Airtel’s donation to the Green Fingers initiative is a demonstration of our dedication to nurturing youth, the young minds and encouraging innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
“Through the sustainability facility, we hope to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future for all of us, most especially for the future of the world,” he said.
Mr Cruz also encouraged members and students of Green Fingers Conservation Learning Centre to put the new facility into productive use.
“We firmly believe that by equipping our youth with the knowledge and skills to manage waste effectively, we are investing in a brighter and cleaner future for Nigeria and the world at large, and we believe that the Green Fingers team and students benefitting from the project will put the facility to good use,” he stated.
In his remarks, the founder of Green Fingers Initiative, Mr Chinedu Mogbo, expressed gratitude to Airtel, describing the support as an advancement for the ongoing effort to educate youths on environmental issues.
“At Green Fingers Initiative, we teach youths about climate and our immediate environment. It has been our tradition over the years to recycle plastic in creative ways, bringing it down to the level of young people working to be actively involved in raising their voices for a cleaner and safer environment.
“Having this new learning facility, students can now effectively learn more about climate and other environmental issues that affect our everyday lives within a more comfortable space,” he said.
Following Green Fingers’ mission to promote awareness of sustainable practices, the sustainability facility constructed by Airtel Nigeria will serve as a hub for learning, enabling children to engage and understand the importance of recycling, waste management and the circular economy.
Adedapo Adesanya