Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has planted no fewer than 70 economic trees in Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu, as part of efforts to ensure land restoration in the South-East.
The NNPC Foundation tree planting is also part of efforts to nationally sustain the Federal Government Green Initiative as well as commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) 2024, which is held every June 5.
The theme for this year’s WED Day is “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”
In a sensitisation to students of FGC, Enugu before the tree planting the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the world is going green and reducing carbon-dioxide and carbon-monoxide to recreate a healthier world.
Arukwe, represented by Mr Pius Ebigbagha, challenged the students to take ownership of their environment by doing things that would protect it and make it sustainable and resilient.
“One positive way one can go green is by planting trees, which is what we are doing in the school today as we planned to plant over 70 economic and land degradation mitigating trees.
“These trees will also supply us food, shelter, check erosion in the school’s environment as well as act as wind-storm breakers.
“Your responsibility, as growing adults, is to take care of any environment you find yourselves; as we are entrusting the trees we plant today to your care and protection,” she said.
The managing director said that the foundation was embarking on catching-them-young to ensure that its mandate and vision on sustainable environment last from generation-to-generation.
Arukwe lauded the management, staff and students of the school on its avowed commitment to ensure to the survival of the planted trees and further do more to improve the green vegetation in the school.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs Grace Takerhi, lauded the NNPC Foundation for choosing FGC Enugu as its host for the WED and planting over 70 economic and special purpose trees.
Takerhi, represented by the Vice-Principal of the school, Mrs Nora Ugwu, commended the NNPC Foundation for tackling and checking environmental issues revenging parts of the country.
“The desert encroachment in the country is alarming and should be checked to avoid endangering the ecological system of our environment,” she said.
One of the student participants, Master Ebong Ndifake, said that he would enlighten his peers and classmates to join in protecting the environment and ensuring that the school environment remains green.
Ndifake, who is a member of FGC Environmental Club, also advocated for the tree planting campaign to be extended to homes, communities and other public/civic places in order to inculcate the habit of keep the environment green always.
Highlights of the event included: tree planting, display by FGC Dance Group and a playlet by FGC Drama Club.
