In Enugu State, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, an International Climate Expert, organized a climate education and tree planting activity to establish the benefits of environmental sustainability and climate action in the State. The establishment of the exercise, climate campaign, was to inculcate consciousness and prepare a generation of youths to resuscitate the planet. The leading advocate for climate change action in Nigeria, Prof. Okereke, announced the initiation of the campaign in Lagos State, during his speech on climate change and its effects.
He disclosed that one of the designed programmes for the execution of the International Visitors’ Leadership Programme (IVLP) was the organization of a climate education and tree planting exercise. He added that the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs conferred him with the impact award. Prof. Okereke disclosed that the aim of the exercise was to raise consciousness and awareness about the dangers of urban air pollution and climate change, and the impactful role of urban greening in tackling the two challenges.
35 ornamental trees, Green Ficus, have been planted.
Okereke stated that the event was inaugurated by Mr. Albert Obiora- Ekete, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who represented the Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State. He highlighted that the event was witnessed by the 24 young leaders with Ms. Oge Nwonye, the CEO of Eco-cyclers, and the staff of the state Ministry of Environment. According to Okereke, out of the total 4,000 applications, these young leaders were selected for training on the fundamentals of climate advocacy, urban air pollution and climate change science.
Also, Okereke explained that the training for the exercise is required to equip the youths in becoming effective and vibrant citizens, disseminating information on climate action to the public. He said that a total of 35 ornamental trees, Green Ficus, have been planted, by the participants with the help and support of the staff of the State Ministry of Environment that accompanied the permanent secretary, who witnessed the inauguration. According to the convener, after the flag-off was carried out by the permanent secretary, individually, the participants planted a tree.
Prof. Okereke expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported.
The exercise campaign included an arrangement for the watering and caring of the trees with the ministry to guarantee that the plants flourish and survive. He mentioned that the trees represented a deep commitment to combating the serious challenges of climate change and air pollution that have been affecting the region. Also, the trees symbolized silent sentinels, poised for purification of the air, restoration of the balance of the local ecosystem, and the reduction of the effects of climate change.
With enthusiasm, he expressed his appreciation to the staff of the ministry; Albert Obiora- Ekete, the Permanent secretary; and Prof. Sam Ugwu, the Commissioner for Environment, for their invaluable support to the exercise. He also expressed his gratitude to the Meridian International, the implementing partner of the activity, and the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In addition, he expressed his appreciation and thanks to Enugu State for their support and contribution, largely on awareness.
Equipment and training of more young leaders in Enugu State.
Furthermore, he appreciated Enugu State for contributing to sustainable development, leadership training and climate awareness in the state through the IVLP impact initiative. He affirmed his dedication to the work, along with his collaborators, to equip and train more young leaders in the state and outside the state, for the enhancement of environmental action and stronger climate in Nigeria. The Society for Planet and Prosperity, Centre for Climate Change and Development, and Eco-cyclers, were also appreciated for their support in the implementation and organization of the project.
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