COOU’s Tree Planting, Climate Action Summit: Cardinal Arinze To Plant Papal’s Tree
… As DG Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja Delivers Keynote Address
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
As part of the activities lined up for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU)’s Tree Planting and Climate Action Summit, the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze will on Thursday, 4th July 2024 at the Administrative Block of Varsity planted what the acting Vice Chancellor of the Citadel of Learning described as a Papal’s Tree.
The Keynote Speaker for the Climate Change Summit and Tree Planting Awareness Campaign billed to hold on the 17th of July 2024, is the Director General of Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja.
The event according to the Acting Vice Chancellor will take place at the Igbariam Campus of the University and has “Trees Mendous Strategy for a sustainable future” as theme.
Speaking on the significance of the event the acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Omenugha stated that they were ready to begin the journey of planting one million trees across the citadel of learning, saying that the essence of exercise was not just for beautification of COOU but a way of safeguard the mother Earth, generation of funds from the economic trees as well as save the students, Management and staff from exposing themselves to harsh weather occasioned by scorching sun.
She said they would during the Summit launched COOU’s 5-Year Strategic Roadmap for Tree Planting and Climate Action 2024-2029 and will be closely followed by the commencement of the ambitious tree planting exercise to plant 1 million trees in COOU in the next 5 years.
The Professor of Mass Communication, announced that the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo had donated 100,000 palm trees to the University as a way of encouraging and fostering an eco-friendly environment in the Institution, saying that the gesture that happened to be the first of its kind since the inception of the University was part of the governor’s vision of making Anambra a clean, green, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.
The University Don said the tree planting would be officially unveiled by Cardinal Francis Arinze on Thursday at the Administrative block of the University.
According to her, the COOU under her administrative agenda of Value, Viability and Visibility is committed to creating sustainable, responsible, and actionable steps toward a green, healthier, and eco-friendly environment in Igbariam and Uli campuses respectively.
‘Our beloved COOU is taking a bold step towards a sustainable future with an insightful Climate Change Summit and exciting tree planting exercise planned for July 2024.
‘The Policy Analysis and Research Congress invites you to listen to our specially crafted jingle celebrating this vital sustainability milestone through a Climate Action Activity and the role of trees in our ecosystem.
‘This will be takeoff with a Climate Action Summit for impactful presentations and discussions on the environment as well as the launch of the COOU 5-Year Strategic Roadmap for Tree Planting and Climate Action 2024-2029 and will be closely followed by the commencement of the ambitious tree planting exercise to plant 1 million trees in COOU in the next 5 years.
‘Let us plant today, for a greener world tomorrow, thereby making COOU, Anambra, Nigeria and our planet greener, healthier, and more beautiful.
“Every tree planted is a step towards a brighter future. Let us unite in this noble cause and spread the word – one tree at a time!
“Soludo has donated over 100,000 trees to the university, aimed in enhancing a greener, cleaner, and healthier environment. in the school environment.
The tree-planting project will nurture a healthy living environment for staff, students and the entire University community in general.
“The initiative to plant trees is a new endeavour for the University. The institution is fully prepared to partner with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and several other stakeholders in both private and government establishments in ensuring that there is an apparent increase in school tree planting, with the intent of sequestering carbon and reversing climate change.
The Acting VC encouraged the university community to align with the initiative, stressing that urban forest is a long-term endeavour that requires sustained commitment and support by the community.
She noted that the exercise will provide “one tree, one staff, one tree, one student”. And that a total of one million trees has been mapped out for the project.
She also announced that the University is partnering with NiMet and other environmental stakeholders to achieve the set gold,’ she concluded.
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