By Felix-Joe Chibunkem
COOUNewS, 2024
On Thursday, 22nd, 2024, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, alongside the University Management and the Climate Action Committee, warmly received a delegation from First Bank, Anambra State, led by Mrs. Nwamaka Adimorah, during a courtesy visit to the university.
In her address, Mrs. Adimorah emphasized First Bank’s commitment to prioritizing people in all their endeavors. She highlighted that this visit coincides with the bank’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Program (CRSP) week, now in its eighth year, which has consistently made a significant impact. This year, their CRSP focuses on tree planting, with Anambra State University being selected as the flagship location. Mrs. Adimorah proudly announced the bank’s plan to plant 1,000 trees on the university campus as part of this initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Climate Action and Tree Planting Committee, Prof. Onyeama expressed his pleasure at the alignment between the university and First Bank’s goals for climate action. He underscored the importance of trees as the “lungs of the earth,” crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. He also commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for her unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the tree planting initiative would significantly reduce the university’s carbon footprint, support biodiversity, and have a lasting positive impact on the community.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor welcomed the First Bank delegation to what she described as the University of Now and the Future. She emphasized the institution’s dedication to sustainability and its focus on making impactful changes that will benefit both the present and future generations. Prof. Omenugha shared that her drive for climate action stemmed from the increasingly severe weather conditions that have damaged university buildings, prompting her team to seek long-term solutions, including tree planting. She announced the university’s ambitious plan to plant 1,000,000 trees over the next five years, supported by a strategic roadmap and the contributions of climate ambassadors. She also expressed her gratitude to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and other partners for their support.
Following the courtesy visit, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, her management team, the Climate Action Committee, and the First Bank delegation proceeded to the university’s main gate for a ceremonial tree planting, marking a significant step in the university’s Climate Action Plan.
