The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, is partnering with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) to plant no fewer than 10,000 trees within the institution in a bid to preserve (and discourage illegal human activities against) the environment.
The two institutions held a tree-planting exercise on Tuesday in the university, where they both also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The species of economic trees in focus include sour sop, avocado, cashew, African breadfruit (ukwa), African mango (ogbono), among others.
Joseph Onoja, director general, NCF, explained that the gesture was part of many initiatives of the foundation and remarked that afforestation would help to green the university environment for restoration.
Onoja commended the university management for keying into the initiative, assuring that the foundation would continue to provide both technical and financial support to the university in ensuring the sustainability of the project for posterity.
Onoja, who regretted that erosion was affecting many parts of Anambra State, assured that the foundation was willing to partner with the state government, through the Ministries of Environment, Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, as well as Anambra State Erosion, Water Shed and Climate Change Agency, to fight erosion.
He expressed optimism that the exercise would be extended to other geopolitical zones of the country.
Charles Esimone, a professor and vice-chancellor of the university, commended NCF for walking its talk in the quest to green the environment, noting that “our activities in the environment either make or mar us”.
“I am passionate about how we treat our environment. The generality of people don’t know much about environment and that trees give life. We are developing policy guide on environmental activities to ensure that every member of the university community understands the importance of conservation and the need to restore our lost glory,” he stated.
