Secondary schools in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have participated in the maiden Sustainability and Climate Change Awareness Competition organised by the PCR Ambassadors, an initiative of the Basira Bashir Foundation (BBF), to deepen environmental education and inspire young people to take action against climate change.
The event, held at the 313 Hall in Kuta as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, brought together students, teachers, environmental experts, education stakeholders and community leaders.
The programme featured presentations on climate change alongside a quiz competition aimed at promoting environmental awareness, critical thinking, innovation and practical solutions to environmental challenges.
Founder of the Basira Bashir Foundation and initiator of the PCR Ambassadors, Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu Tachi, who was represented by Dr. Sani Muhammad, Coordinator of the Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa–Kuta Study Centre, urged students to become ambassadors of environmental protection.
He encouraged them to adopt practical climate-friendly actions within their schools and communities while commending teachers for their role in raising responsible citizens and future leaders.
Speaking during the event, Elder of the PCR Ambassadors (Kuta Axis), Umaru Lokoja, said the foundation was established to promote education, positive values, community development and selfless service.
He urged students to emulate the founder’s vision by contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The competition was judged by Idris Musa Kuta of the Department of Geography, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai; Kasimu Kuta Adamu of the Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Kuta Study Centre; and Saidu Abdullahi, a Geography graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
To encourage excellence, the Basira Bashir Foundation, through the PCR Ambassadors, awarded cash prizes to outstanding schools and participants.
Also supporting the initiative, the Assistant Director of Environmental Services and WASH Coordinator of Shiroro Local Government Area, Al-Mustapha Muhammad Kuta, donated additional cash awards to top-performing participants and provided consolation support to other participating schools.
Several education stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would strengthen environmental consciousness among young people.
The event concluded with remarks by former Acting Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Council, Zakaria Tambari Allawa, who represented Yahuza Isah Erena, Elder of the PCR Ambassadors (Lakpma Axis).
He congratulated the organisers on the successful maiden edition and called for continued support for programmes that promote education, youth empowerment and environmental sustainability.
At the end of the competition, Government Day Secondary School, Gwada ‘B’ emerged overall winner, followed by Model Secondary School, Kuta in second place, Royal Base Academy, Kuta in third and Government Girls Secondary School, Kuta in fourth position.
Other participating schools included Bodo Secondary School, Kuta, Day Secondary School, Tum-Tum, Kuta, and Government Day Secondary School, Kobwa.
The organisers described the competition as a successful first edition and pledged to sustain similar initiatives to promote environmental awareness, youth leadership and sustainable community development across Shiroro Local Government Area.
