Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Johnson Urama, has lauded UNICEF for partnering with the institution in several fields of endeavour.
He said this at a two-day training workshop on green activation organised for secondary and undergraduates of UNN and some selected secondary schools.
The event was on the auspices of UNN, Youth Friendly Resource Center in collaboration with, Enugu State Waste Management Agency and UNICEF, Enugu Office.
Urama, a Professor of Astro-Physics, who represented the acting Vice Chancellor, Polycarp Chigbu, said the university appreciates the support of UNICEF to the school.
“I really commend the UNICEF for their partnership with UNN. We appreciate their support immensely.
“They have always partnered with us in several areas and their partnerships to us have been very productive and rewarding; we highly appreciate them,” he said.
He added that issue of environment was one that affects everyone and that is why it is interesting that even the younger generation are now involved.
“In UNN, we do all we can to make sure that our environment is clean and green at all times.
“If there is flooding here, you cannot teach and students will not be here; nobody will be here,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, Director Youth Friendly Resource Center, UNN, said the programme was meant to train and sensitise the students on the need to be environmentally conscious.
“We just activated green rising initiative of UNN.
“This programme is aimed at training and sensitising the students to take actions about their environment through tree planting.
“As you can see, both secondary school students and undergraduates are planting trees and we will continue to do this,” he said.
He said that goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which borders on environment is very central to all other goals because without a good environment nothing else will work.
“Without conducive environment you will not be able to conquer hunger, you will not be able to achieve education, good health and so on.
“So, a clean and green environment is vital to achieving the goals of SDGs in 2030,” Ezeigwe said.
A UNICEF Wash Specialist from Enugu Office, said the programme was to teach the youths the importance of keeping their environment clean and green.
The highlight of the event was tree planting by students and other officials which was led by the DVC.
Miss Ilo Ezinwanneamaka, a student of UNN secondary school, said she was delighted to be part of programme adding that it had reshaped her mind on ways to dispose her wastes and keep her environment clean.
