By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha, fnipr, led Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) last Saturday, 6th of July 2024, trooped out en masse on the streets of Awka, Anambra State Capital to embark on a rally aimed at ramping up public awareness for Climate Change and need for Tree Planting.
The COOU's Management, staff, students and their numerous partners assembled at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka as earlier as 7: 00AM for onward movement.
The team from The University Of The Now And Of The Future comprising the Management, Deans of faculties, HoDs, academic and non academic staff, students, and friends of the Institution, walked from Ekwueme Square to the popular UNIZIK Temporary Site, from there to the Club road otherwise known as Abakaliki street, from there back to Ekwueme Square, Awka.
Speaking on the essence of road show tagged public awareness for Climate Change and need for Tree Planting,the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Omenugha paid a glowing tribute to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo for leading from the front, saying that the Governor's zeal and commitment towards addressing the issue of Climate Change cannot be overemphasized, adding that they borrowed a leaf from the government of Anambra State.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, explained the roadshow was designed to create serious and impactful awareness on the need for the people to imbibe the spirit of planting , nurturing and safeguarding trees in and around them. The University Don expressed delight with the turn out of Management, Staff and students, friends of the University, partners and others, saying that it was a wonderful outing, even as she said that the institution will on the 17th of July 2024 unveiled their 5years roadmap for the planting of 1 million trees -2024-2029.
The Professor of Mass Communication , announced that the event would be chaired by Comrade Peter Nwosu (Peter NUPENG Oil and Gas) and would be attended by people from all walks of life.
In an interview, the Tree Planting And Climate Action Change Committee, Professor Kingsley Nwozor said that they planned using trees as wind breakers, emphasizing that the institution had been ravaged and threatened by the wind and scorching sun occasioned the climate change.
Speaking during the road show, Comrade Peter Nwosu commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his team for championing the tree planting exercise which, he said would assist in no small measures in tackling the menace. Comrade Nwosu appreciated the Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Omenugha for her vision and courage, noting that he was impressed with the way and manner she was running the Varsity.
'We have seen a whole lot of changes here. Just within few months in office. She is firing from all cylinders and we are happy with her achievements,' he added.