The initiative, unveiled during an environmental education workshop themed “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future,” which brought together students, educators, customs officials and environmental experts, at the Nigeria Customs Service School, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko.
Speaking at the programme, COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the programme goes beyond ceremonial tree planting, stressing that it is designed to instill environmental responsibility and leadership in young Nigerians.
She said, “today is special not because we are gathered in a hall, but because we are planting something much bigger than trees. We are planting responsibility, awareness and leadership in the hearts of our children.”
Adeniyi noted that rising environmental challenges such as flooding, plastic pollution and extreme temperatures require urgent grassroots action, adding that schools and communities remain critical to achieving lasting change.
As part of the Green Borders Sustainability Initiative, COWA launched the Adopt-a-School Campaign, with the Nigeria Customs Service School designated as the first Green Border Eco-School.
Under the scheme, 250 students drawn from five customs commands — Apapa, PTML, KLT, FOU Zone A and the host command — will be trained as Green Ambassadors.
“These students will learn not only mathematics and languages, but also how to plant trees, reduce waste, and lead others in protecting the environment,” Adeniyi explained.
She emphasized that climate action must begin at the grassroots level.
“We are not just planting trees today; we are planting responsibility and leadership in our children. Climate action begins in our schools, homes and communities,” she added.
Also speaking, public health expert, Dr. Juliet Nnenna Eya, warned that environmental neglect poses serious health risks, including the spread of infectious diseases and heat-related illnesses.
According to her, indiscriminate waste disposal, deforestation, and emissions from vehicles and generators are major contributors to climate change and public health challenges.
“Extreme heat forces the body to pump more blood to the skin to cool itself, placing stress on vital organs. This can lead to dehydration, kidney complications and, in severe cases, kidney failure.”
She further linked poor sanitation to diseases such as meningitis, Lassa fever, cholera and malaria, noting that blocked drainage systems and improper waste disposal create breeding grounds for disease vectors.
“When we destroy the environment, we destroy our health, and when health is compromised, productivity and economic wellbeing are affected,” Eya cautioned.
Both Adenitis and Eya called for sustained environmental education and collective responsibility among individuals, schools and communities.
They charged the participants to adopt simple but effective practices such as proper waste disposal, recycling, clearing drainage systems and tree planting.
In his welcome address, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, described the programme as timely and aligned with both national and global environmental goals.
“A greener border environment is essential not only for our communities, but also for achieving safe, secure and prosperous borders,” Afeni said.
He commended the COWA leadership for expanding its mandate to include environmental sustainability and community development.
“This initiative complements our operational objectives by strengthening our relationship with host communities while promoting environmental responsibility,” he added.
The programme featured the induction of student ambassadors, environmental sensitisation sessions and a symbolic tree-planting exercise, underscoring the need for practical action in addressing climate change.
Reinforcing the message, Adeniyi reminded participants of their responsibility to future generations.
“The earth we enjoy today was not given to us by our parents. It was borrowed from our children, and it is our duty to return it in better condition than we found it.”
