An International Climate Expert, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, has organised a climate education and tree planting exercise in Enugu State to inculcate the values of climate action and environmental sustainability in the public.
The climate campaign was conducted to prepare a generation of young people conscious of regenerating the planet.
Okereke, who is also a leading advocate for climate action in Nigeria, disclosed this on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the exercise was one of the programmes designed for the implementation of the International Visitors’ Leadership Programme (IVLP) impact award conferred on him by the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The IVLP awardee said the exercise involved the planting of 35 ornamental trees along the road from P & T Bus Stop towards Ziks’ Avenue in Enugu.
He explained that the exercise aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of climate change and urban air pollution and the positive role of urban greening in combating both challenges.
He said the Commissioner for Environment Enugu State, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Albert Obiora- Ekete, inaugurated the event.
He pointed out that the 24 young leaders witnessed the event with the staff of the state Ministry of Environment, and the CEO of Eco-cyclers, Ms Oge Nwonye.
Okereke said the young leaders had been selected from 4,000 applications for the training on the fundamentals of climate change science, urban air pollution, and climate advocacy.
He said the training was needed to equip young persons to become active citizens and effective in spreading the message of climate action.
“A total of 35 ornamental trees (Green Ficus) were planted by the participants with help and support from the staff of the State Ministry of Environment that came with the permanent secretary.
“Each of the participants planted a tree after the flag-off was done by the permanent secretary.
“The campaign also involved an arrangement with the ministry, to water and care for the trees to ensure their survival and flourishing,” Okereke said.
He said trees symbolised a profound commitment to address the pressing challenges of air pollution and climate change that have been plaguing the state.
He said that trees stood as silent sentinels, poised to purify the air, mitigate the effects of climate change, and restore the balance of the local ecosystem.
He expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, the Permanent Secretary, Albert Obiora- Ekete, and the entire staff of the ministry for supporting the exercise.
Okereke also thanked the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and their implementing partner, Meridian International.
He thanked Enugu State for giving him the opportunity to contribute to climate awareness, leadership training, and the sustainable development of Enugu State through the IVLP impact programme.
He assured of his commitment to work with his partners to empower more young leaders in the state and beyond, to promote stronger climate and environmental action in the country.
He also thanked Eco-cyclers, Centre for Climate Change and Development, and the Society for Planet and Prosperity for their help in supporting his organisation and implementation of the project.
