The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU was agog yesterday, 17th of July 2024 as the “who is who” in the climate sector in Nigeria made their way to the citadel of learning at Igbariam Anambra State.
The epoc making event which was tagged ; CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT with theme : Tree-Mendious Strategy for a sustainable future started with a Courtesy call at the acting Vice Chancellor’s office by a delegation from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) , CAA, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), BREOHUB – UBTECH and Anambra State ICT agency.
In her brief welcome note, the acting vice Chancellor, Prof. Azuka Kate Omenugha in the presence of Ambassador Lady dame IYOM Bianca Ojukwu ,a Governing Council board member of the institution, deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Deputy Vice Chancellor Acad, acting Librarian, Registrar and acting Bursar, expressed her gratitude to all the delegates that deemed it fit to be present to support the event that would happen in the university.
Prof. K. K Nwozor, the chairman planning committee appreciated the team of journalists, delegates and friends of the institution like the alumnus of the institution, Chief Dr. Uche Nworah for honouring their invitation.
The main event commenced at the university’s ETF auditorium with a stellar opening remark by the chairman of the event, Comrade Hon. Sir Peter Nwosu who welcomed everyone present while expressing his anticipatory peaceful and impactful event.
A special salute was accorded to the executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo who was duly represented by his chief of staff, Dr. Ernest Ezeajughi for all the good works ongoing in the state and in extension to the school community.
The acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha officially declared the event open as the Chairman of the institution’s governing council, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu who was also present appeared very vivacious.
The Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director General, Nigeria Conservative Foundation, (NCF) on the topic : CLIMATE BIODIVERSITY.
“Climate biodiversity encompasses the variety of forms of earth, plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms and its genetic differences amongst them and the ecosystems,” he began with.
Bringing it down to Nigerian context, he emphasized that Nigeria is a country rich in diverse ecosystem ranging from different tropical ecosystem.
Dr. Onoja identified threats to biodiversity in Nigeria which include – Habitat destruction : deforestation for agriculture, urbanization and infrastructure development as a primary threat. The expansion of farmland and settlements encroaches on natural habitats leading to fragmentation and loss of biodiversity, he stressed.
On a final note, he outlined proper legislation and policies alongside community involvement and adequate education as some solutions to this menace of biodiversity.
There were series of master classes session on climate and meteorology by Prof. Charles Anosike (DG, Nigeria Meteorological Agency) ably represented by Mrs. Glory Onyegbule. She harped on the need for good environment which aids them in monitoring and more precise forecasting which helps to avert disasters.
The second masterclass was on AI and climate action future which was presented by Chukwuemeka Agbata (MD, Anambra State ICT Agency). He tech enthusiast talked about how Artificial intelligence, AI could be used in ecological development by understanding how trees behave and thrive including mapping around deforestation.
The event geared further to the discussion panel session which was anchored by Dr. Mrs Ify Aronu-Okafor. The panelists were Engr. Dr. Felix Odumegwu (Commissioner for Environment, Anambra State), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake (Commissioner for budget and Economic Planning, Anambra State), Mr. Chinedu Oguegbu (MD/CEO, Omaa Motors), Chinwe Okoli (special adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Innovation and business incubation), Prof. Philip Ogbonnia Phil-Eze (MD/CEO, Anambra erosion, watershed and climate change agency) and Mr. Izuchukwu Muojekwu (executive Director, Bliss team educational services).
The brilliant panelists took time to explain the term climate change to the entire audience in its commonest term to drive in the knowledge home. Several issues regarding climate change globally and nationally were divulged and discussed in apt details.
Towards the closing session of the event, the presentation of the COOU 5 Year strategic road map for tree planting and action was unveiled by Mr. Izuchukwu Ifemelumma.
Furthermore, there were investiture and responses by climate action partners, climate action Ambassadors and the student Environment Police.
With beautiful musical performances from the department of music and Theatre arts the event came to an end as the Chairman Planning committee, Prof. K. K Nwozor gave his closing remark.
Some images below :
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