In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather), Rotary Club of Wuse II, and in partnership with Generation Unlimited, GenU, powered by UNICEF, hosted a vibrant and intellectually stimulating Inclusive Inter-School Debate Competition in Abuja.
Held in a lush, serene setting adorned with swaying trees, fresh air, nature trails, a calming fountain, and eco-friendly location, the competition which created an ideal backdrop for learning, reflection, and environmental appreciation, brought together 16 Senior Secondary Schools, including Special Needs Schools, to debate pressing environmental issues as part of World Environment Day 2025.
Under the shade of nature’s beauty and serene environment, the event brought together over 170 participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, special guests, and stakeholders committed to environmental sustainability.
The first round of the Inclusive Inter-School Debate Competition which tackled a timely topic, kicked off with students critically examining the motion on:”Recycling single-use plastics is better than banning them.”
After rounds of compelling arguments, the top four schools moved into the finals to argue the motion: “Is waste management the responsibility of government or the citizen?”
At the end of the debate, His Excellency International School, Bwari clinched the first place.
School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada took second place, FunTaj International School came third, and Government Secondary School, Kubwa finished fourth.
In a separate category, the Special Needs Schools debated the topic: “Is our society built to eliminate barriers to social inclusion for people with special needs?”
This segment provided a unique opportunity for mainstream students to understand the challenges of their special needs peers, promoting empathy, inclusion, and equity.
This year’s World Environment Day theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution” — resonates deeply in Nigeria, where over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated annually.
Globally, plastic waste exceeds 300 million tonnes each year, harming wildlife, polluting waters, and degrading ecosystems.
The debate wasn’t just about winning — it was about learning as young debaters gained skills in research, public speaking, civic engagement, and networking, while also deepening their understanding of environmental policies like Nigeria’s National Policy on Solid Waste Management and the Ban on Single-Use Plastics in Federal Institutions.
At the event, Founder, C-Circle Foundation: Dr. Chimere May Ohajinwa, said, “This is not just a debate — it’s a journey to discover voices, ignite critical thinking, and build young leaders who will shape a better tomorrow. These students will take these lessons back to their communities, where the ripple effect can be truly transformational.”
“Engaging young minds is crucial,” Ohajinwa said.
She emphasized that when children understand environmental policies, they extend that knowledge to their families and communities — effectively spreading awareness and catalyzing action from the bottom up.
The event attracted notable dignitaries and stakeholders, including: Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General, National Council on Climate Change; Mr. Lawrence Okechukwu, Federal Ministry of Environment; Dr. George Igbokwe, FCT Secondary School Board and Anita Enyekwe, WASH State Facilitator from UNICEF, representing Mr. Bharat Kundra, Skills Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist at UNICEF.
Participating Schools included: Stella Maris College, Life Camp, Government Secondary School, GSS, Tunga Maje, Government Secondary School, Kuje (Special Needs students), Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa-Maitama, Army Day Secondary School, Asokoro, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, Government Secondary School, Jabi and Government Secondary School, Mabushi.
Beyond the debates, students explored the event’s beautiful natural surroundings — reconnecting with the earth and experiencing first-hand the kind of environment they were being empowered to protect.
The space, designed to reflect a “Healing environment”, featured rich biodiversity, shaded gardens, and water features that symbolized nature’s restorative power.
Looking ahead, as Nigeria continues its environmental journey, initiatives like this debate competition demonstrate that the solution to plastic pollution and other ecological challenges lies not only in policies but also in people — especially young people.
With their voices now louder and their minds more engaged, these students were poised to become the leaders and advocates Nigeria — and the planet — urgently needs.
“This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, underscores the global crisis of plastic waste. With over 300 million tons of plastic waste generated globally every year, Nigeria faces its own mounting challenge. The country has policies on single-use plastics and solid waste management, but these policies need grassroots support to be effective,” C-Circle noted.
The other partners at the event include:Generation Unlimited, GenU, Rotary Club of Abuja (The Grandfather), Rotary Club of Wuse II, Chelsea hotel, Natural Eco Capital, Society for Planet & Prosperity, Hemam Synergy, 5amas, Gapthinkers, C-Circle Research, Infrastructure Limited, FCT Secondary Education Board, Fonic Engineering Company Ltd, Abuja Environment Board Protection.
The lush and healing environment set the perfect tone for reflection, learning, and fun — a truly refreshing experience that emphasized the harmony we must all seek with nature.
