Climate Change: Ojukwu varsity unveils five-year roadmap to combat menace

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State has unveiled a five-year Tree Planting/Climate Action Plan towards combating the challenges of climate change in Nigeria.

The COOU Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha told participants at a one-day 2024 Climate Action Summit, held at the University’s ETF Auditorium on Wednesday, that the roadmap was geared toward achieving the ultimate goal of a zero-carbon Varsity in Nigeria.

Omenugha said that the climate change policy and action plan encapsulated the state’s vision for combating the challenge of climate change and achieving the ultimate goal of a zero-carbon Anambra State.

She also set up students environmental task force in the Institution as part of her action plan against the challenges.

According to her, the Ojukwu University has successfully updated the action plan to reflect governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a clean, green, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

In her words, “I am delighted to let you know that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (formerly Anambra State University), is the first University in Nigeria to have developed a Climate Action Plan to help achieve an emission-neutral institution by 2029.

The emergence of this action plan establishes our University’ as the greenier University in the country.

“Our appreciation goes to the Anambra State Ministry of Envirmement, Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Council of Climate Change, AI/Climate Action Future, Green Envirmement/Climate Change Initiative and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations! (NIPR) which the University has reached an agreement, and which has also helped us update our Climate Action Plan in line with prevailing realities in the University.

“This maiden edition gave us an opportunity to present the new University Climate Action Plan to the World.

“Our objective now is to carry out this awareness to the entire University community to get the staff and students to imbibe the culture of climate awareness in their homes and lifestyles, the VC noted.

The State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo in his brief speech while declaring the summit open, urged residents in the state to support every necessary action towards protecting the environment.

Governor Soludo was represented at the summit by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi.

The keynote speaker of the Summit and the Director General of Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja while delivering his speech, on the theme, “Tree-Mendous Strategy For A Sustainable Future”, congratulated the University management on the unveiling of the ,5-years Tree Planting/Climate Action Plan, noting that the effects of environmental problems knew no borders.

The DG encouraged government, communities and individuals to actively participate in the tree planting project for forest reservation.

He expressed the Foundation’s readiness to partner the University in combating the challenges.

The event was also attended by the Nigerian Former Ambassador to Spain, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, Chairman of the University Governing Council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Member of the University Governing Council, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Oranu Chris Chidume, His Royal Highness, Igwe Alex Onyido, Chief Okeke Ogene (National Vice President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide), Chairman of the occasion, Mr Peter Nwosu, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the unveiler/Managing Director of Kacel Oil and gas, Izuchukwu Ifemelumma, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for Economic Planning), Mr. Christian Udechukwu (Commissioner for Industry), Barr. Ifeanya Anthony ( Commissioner for Petroleum), Commissioner for Envirmement, Engr Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner for Culture and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyeji, Prof. Phil Eze-Phil (ANSEWCCA), Former MD/CEO ABS Dr Uche Nworah and Ms. Chinwe Okoli (SPAD on Innovation and Business Incubation), amongst others.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the summit also feature panel discussion, displace of traditional dance and the commencement of the 1 million tree planting project.