Federal Polytechnic Orogun in Delta State has joined the “A Million Tree Project,” a climate action initiative led by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and its partners, as campaigners intensify efforts to promote environmental sustainability and combat the effects of climate change.
The third phase of the project was launched on 23 June at the institution in Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, with students, lecturers, environmental advocates and community stakeholders participating in the event.
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CODAF is implementing the initiative in partnership with the African Centre for Environmental and Rural Development (ACERD) and the Neferok Development Initiative (NEDI).
PREMIUM TIMES had reported that another organisation, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, had taken tree-planting awareness to schools.
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As part of its commitment, Federal Polytechnic Orogun has allocated two hectares of land for the project and inaugurated a Tree Planting Club to encourage students to sustain the initiative beyond its launch.
Speaking at the event, CODAF Executive Director Benin Richard said the project was designed to foster a long-term relationship between communities and the environment.
“We want to build a lasting relationship between people and the environment. Trees are not just plants; they are life support systems,” Mr Richard said.
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He commended the institution for providing land for what he described as a green zone to support research, conservation, and biodiversity protection.
Mr Richard also challenged students and staff to adopt and nurture planted trees, urging the institution to consider incorporating environmental stewardship into its graduation requirements.
“Graduates should leave here with certificates and a living commitment to the planet,” he said.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Duke Okoro, said the partnership aligns with the institution’s environmental policy approved by its Governing Council.
He described students as central to the institution’s sustainability agenda and announced a donation of N150,000 to support the pioneer members of the Tree Planting Club.
“Climate change is a shared challenge. Tree planting is a practical, measurable action we can all take to reduce damage and secure a healthier future,” Mr Okoro, a professor of environmental analytical chemistry, said.
The institution’s Registrar, Christine Aliyu, said the campaign had helped realise a long-standing plan to green and beautify the campus.
According to her, previous efforts were delayed by funding constraints and landscaping challenges despite approval from the Governing Council.
“Today we are turning plans into reality, and a green campus improves comfort, productivity and wellbeing for all,” she said.
In a keynote address titled “The Green Mandate: Trees as Nigeria’s Lifeline and Our Collective Responsibility,” ACERD Executive Director, Fred Nohwo, highlighted the role of trees in regulating temperature, improving air quality and preventing soil erosion.
Mr Nohwo warned that increasing incidents of flooding, desertification and extreme heat show the need for collective action.
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom farmers urged to fight climate change through nature-based solutions
“National policies give direction, but real change happens when institutions and communities act,” he said.
Also speaking, NEDI Executive Director Nefertiti Okotie described participants as ambassadors of environmental sustainability and said every tree planted represents an investment in a more resilient future.
The event concluded with the planting of trees by officials of the partner organisations, the polytechnic management, and students, signalling the start of what organisers described as a long-term environmental restoration effort.
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