BY SUZY CHUKWUECHEDOM / ONITSHA
.
In its efforts to stem the challenges of climate change in Nigeria, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State presented a five years roadmap for tree planting and climate action.
.
The university embarked on planting of one million trees.
.
During a one day summit on 2024 Climate Action held at the school ETF Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha said that aim of gathering was to celebrate nature and tell the world that coou is ready for partnership.
.
Omenugha said that it was also an awareness campaign to the university community, stressing thay want the staff and students of the institution to imbibe the culture of climate change in their homes and lifestyles.
.
The Vice Chancellor said the climate change policy and action plan encapsulated the state’s vision for combating the challenge of climate change and draw a roadmap in tackling the problem of climate change.
.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a zero carbon university in Nigeria.
.
She said that the university action plan was to reflect in Anambra State Government vision under Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in making Anambra a clean, green, livable and prosperous state in the country.
.
“The emergence of this action plan establishes our University’ as the greenier University in the country”, she added.
.
She expressed joy that “The university is the first University in Nigeria to have developed a Climate Action Plan to help achieve an emission-neutral institution by 2029 and also set up students environmental task force named ‘Student Police’ to help against environmental challenges.
.
She commended the Anambra State Ministry of Environment, Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Council of Climate Change, AI/Climate Action Future, Green Environment/Climate Change Initiative and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations! (NIPR) which the University has reached an agreement with and helped in updating the students and audience on Climate Action Plan in line with prevailing realities in the university.
.
In his speech, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi while declaring the summit open, urged residents in the state to support every necessary action towards protecting the environment.
.
Dr Joseph Onoja, the keynote speaker of the Summit and the Director General of Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF) while delivering his speech, on the theme, “Tree-Mendous Strategy For A Sustainable Future”, congratulated the University management on the unveiling of the 5-years Tree Planting/Climate Action Plan, noting that the effects of environmental problems knew no borders.
.
The DG urged government, communities and individuals to actively participate in the tree planting project for forest reservation.
.
He expressed the Foundation’s readiness to partner the University in combating the challenges.
.
The summit also feature panel of discussion, display of traditional dance and the commencement of the 1 million tree planting project.
The event was also attended by the Nigerian Former Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Member of the University Governing Council, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Oranu Chris Chidume, His Royal Highness, Igwe Alex Onyido, Chief Okeke Ogene (National Vice President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Peter Nwosu, Professor Kingsley Nwozor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the unveiler/Managing Director of Kacel Oil and gas, Izuchukwu Ifemelumma, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for Economic Planning), Mr. Christian Udechukwu (Commissioner for Industry), Barr. Ifeanya Anthony ( Commissioner for Petroleum), Prof. Phil Eze-Phil (ANSEWCCA), Former MD/CEO ABS Dr Uche Nworah and Ms. Chinwe Okoli (SPAD on Innovation and Business Incubation), amongst others.
Comment here