By Tony Adibe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has planted not less 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 and commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) 2024, which is held every June 5.
NewsBits reports that 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 on Wednesday, 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.
Represented on the occasion by Mr Pius Ebigbagha, Arukwe challenged the students to take ownership of their environment by doing things that would protect it and make it sustainable and resilient. According to her, “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 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 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, commended the NNPC Foundation for choosing FGC Enugu as its host for the WED Day and planting over 70 economic and special purpose trees. Takerhi, represented by the 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 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. The event featured tree planting, a display by FGC Dance Group and a playlet by the FGC Drama Club.
