To instil the ideas of action on climate change and environmental sustainability in people, an international climate expert, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, has organised a climate education and tree planting initiative in Enugu State. The goal of the climate campaign was to raise awareness among the next generation about the need to restore the world. Okereke, a prominent climate change activist in Nigeria, made the announcement on Sunday in Lagos. He explained that this was part of the plan to put into effect the International Visitors’ Leadership Programme (IVLP) impact award given to him by the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The recipient of the IVLP award stated that the activity consisted of planting 35 aesthetically pleasing trees along the road leading from the P & T Bus Stop to Ziks’ Avenue in Enugu. He stated that the activity aimed to educate people on the importance of urban greening in the fight against climate change and air pollution in cities. According to him, the ceremony was inaugurated by Mr. Albert Obiora-Ekete, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment in Enugu State, who was representing the state’s Commissioner for the Environment.
35 ornamental trees were planted by the participants at the event.
He added that 24 young leaders were there, including members of the state Ministry of Environment and Ms. Oge Nwonye, CEO of Eco-cyclers. Okereke stated that 4,000 applications were received for the training on the principles of climate change science, urban air pollution, and climate activism. The young leaders who were selected for the training were selected from among those applicants. He stated that the training was necessary to equip young people with the skills necessary to become engaged citizens who are successful in spreading the word about climate action.
A total of 35 ornamental trees, all of which were Green Ficus, were also planted by those in attendance with the assistance and support of staff members from the State Ministry of Environment, who came along with the permanent secretary. After the permanent secretary had raised the flag to officially start the event, each of the attendees planted their own tree. The initiative also included collaborating with the ministry to water and take care of the trees to ensure their continued existence and flourishing, Okereke added.
Involved partners receive commendation for their support.
Expressing his gratitude, he thanked the Commissioner for Environment, Professor Sam Ugwu, the Permanent Secretary, Albert Obiora-Ekete, and every member of staff of the ministry for their support of the exercise. Okereke extended his gratitude to the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as well as Meridian International, which serves as the Bureau’s implementing partner. He extended thanks to Enugu State for allowing him to participate in the IVLP impact programme and thereby contribute to Enugu State’s efforts to raise awareness about climate change, train future leaders, and foster sustainable development.
Also, he gave his word that he would work with other stakeholders to promote the empowerment of more young leaders in the state and beyond in order to support better climate and environmental action in the nation at large. He made this commitment to his audience. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to Eco-cyclers, the Centre for Climate Change and Development, as well as the Society for Planet and Prosperity for their assistance in helping him in the organisation and implementation of the project.
Tree planting shows commitment to the critical concerns.
On the other hand, he added that each of those trees represented a fundamental commitment to addressing the critical concerns of air pollution and climate change that have been affecting the area. He stated that these challenges have been affecting the state for quite some time. Also, he affirmed that trees stood as silent defenders, poised to purify the air, moderate the consequences of climate change, as well as restore the ecological balance of the area’s natural environment.
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Enugu State: Website
