By Our Reporter
The Triple Green Environmental Development (TGED) Foundation has leveraged football and environmental education to promote climate action among young people in Ekiti State, while expanding its Greener Minds Club initiative to more schools.
The foundation, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, organised a youth-led climate action programme tagged “Kick for Planet” at Florence Court International School, Ado-Ekiti.
The event featured a charity football match between students of Florence Court International School and Fonop Academy aimed at creating awareness on environmental sustainability and encouraging young people to take active roles in addressing climate challenges.
Florence Court International School emerged winners of the match with a 3-1 victory over Fonop Academy. However, organisers said the initiative was designed to go beyond sports by promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable living among students.
Speaking during the event, the Founder of TGED Foundation, Mr Oluwaseyi Ebenezer, said climate action must move beyond discussions and become a part of everyday life.
According to him, the foundation is using programmes such as the Greener Minds Club and Kick for Planet to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to become environmental champions within their schools and communities.
She explained that the programme also marked the expansion of the Greener Minds Club to Fonop Academy, adding that the club, which was established at Florence Court International School in 2024, has continued to promote environmental awareness, sustainability leadership and practical climate action among students.
As part of its school greening campaign, the foundation distributed 113 tree seedlings to six schools comprising one primary school and five secondary schools to support environmental restoration and climate resilience efforts across the state.
Ebenezer noted that the initiative aligns with the foundation’s target of planting 250 trees in schools across Ekiti State.
The foundation commended the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment, Ekiti State Forestry Commission and GADEF for supporting the programme through the donation of tree seedlings, while also appreciating the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), individual donors and other stakeholders for their contributions.
Members of the Greener Minds Club also took centre stage during the event by leading peer-to-peer climate awareness campaigns and environmental education activities.
Four students were honoured with Environmental Stewardship Medals and Certificates of Recognition for demonstrating commitment to nurturing trees previously planted in their schools.
A former student leader received the Greener Minds Pioneer Leadership Award for contributions towards the establishment and growth of the club, while the club coordinator was recognised for dedication to mentoring students and promoting environmental awareness.
To further support environmental activities within schools, TGED Foundation donated watering cans and gardening gloves to the club for tree maintenance and conservation efforts.
The event attracted representatives of NESREA, the Ekiti State Ministries of Environment and Education, the Forestry Commission, school administrators, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in environmental sustainability and youth development.
