Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo bas received a “Climate Change Champion” award from the United Nations of Youth Network at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belem, Brazil.
Mr Tony Velasco, the Global Coordinator,of the network, said the award recognizes his efforts of Uzodinma in promoting climate action and sustainable development, which include the launch of the “Hope Green Revolution” initiative in Imo.
Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Dr Emeke Mandella, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt in Imo, described the Uzodinma`s perspective to scientifically introduce carbon capturing plants as excellent.
According to him, Uzodinma’s ideology to launch the Hope Green Revolution Project on Nov.1, 2022 as natural solution to increase tree planting, was the best.
“Trees absorb CO2, provide barriers, protection and food.
“This under-scored his commitment to administrative policies that promote climate change mitigation. He mandated the 27 Local government council Chairmen to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees, every six months.
“He carried out land recoveries, forest protection and tree preservation. Trees play a crucial role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth.
“These above, strengthened His Excellency’s vision to launch the Hope Green Revolution Project on Nov. 1, 2022, which under-scored his commitment to administrative policies that promote climate change mitigation,“ he said.
According to him, the project to plant 30million trees has been domesticated by the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development through massive climate change awareness campaigns by driving youths to show their positive concerns as climate change champions.
“To drive the climate change mitigation campaign and awareness further, we have introduced Project One Youth, One Tree.
“Knowing Nigeria as the most populous black nation on earth, above 60% of her population are youths with the energy, exploratory, innovative and domineering mindset to take on any task set before them.
“it is now our resolve as a youth ministry to capitalise on this strength and channel their positive energy towards climate change mitigation through tree planting, “ he added.
Also speaking, Dr Goodluck Obi, the network convener, commended the ruggedness of the governor toward tree planting in Imo State, Nigeria affirming that he really deserved the award.
According to him, the effects of climate changes in Nigeria where Imo state is located in the eastern region include heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, erratic rainfall, floods, landslides, desertification and land degradation.
Obi further commended the governor for being at the front line for promoting youth involvement in climate action.
He urged other states and local governments in Nigeria to emulate Imo state governor in tree planting.
According to him, tree planting is the cheapest means of adaptation and mitigation against climate change.
He said the network had given the inaugural award to Mr Ayodele Adewale , the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State in 2010.
He stated the government of Adewale planted and nurtured trees in all 11 wards of the local government area.
“Adewale created A green Club that was in charge of planting and nurturing the trees. There were Tree planting Clubs in Primary and Secondary Schools. He created a Special Climate Change Unit, “ he added.
