The founder of Ecoweb360 Environmental Foundation, Yemi Adeyanju, has announced a collaboration with the Bath Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society in the UK.
He said the partnership would enable the two organisations to confront the issue of climate change in the Southwest region of the country and foster a future of environmental sustainability.
Adeyanju, who was represented by the Ekiti State Project Coordinator of Ecoweb360 Summer Environmental Outreach, Ayodele Adeyanju, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme at St Michael’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Ado Ekiti.
“The environment and climate affect our health, economy, society and planet,” he stated.
During the programme, the foundation encouraged school pupils to plant trees, which it demonstrated by planting gmelina trees in the school compound to showcase the importance of tree planting to the pupils.
Adeyanju said, “Our presence here is part of the Ecoweb360 Summer Environmental Outreach, which entails planting 400 gmelina trees, donating 25 units of 25-litre waste bins and conducting environmental advocacy in schools, churches, communities and non-profit organisations in Ondo and Ekiti States.
The foundation said it had planted gmelina trees in Ekiti State Polytechnic and donated waste bins and sanitation equipment to health and educational institutions last year.
It added, “Before the end of 2023, we plan to train 50 youths on tree nursery techniques and plant 2,000 trees across various locations in Southwest Nigeria.”
Adeyanju harped on the need for residents to recognise the gravity of climate change as it affected every aspect of life, saying, “Its consequences include increased disease outbreaks, conflicts between farmers and herders, displacement of people, loss of lives and disruption of livelihoods.”
He, however, said, “Despite the global challenge posed by climate change, there are numerous opportunities we can seize. In the developed world, it has become commonplace for companies to employ sustainability officers or health, safety and environmental officers.
“Emerging careers in this field include environmental engineers, renewable energy technicians, sustainability coordinators, environmental scientists and climate change analysts, among others. I encourage you (pupils and adults) to consider these paths for a sustainable future,” he said.
A horticulturist at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Oladele Owoyemi, urged the pupils to encourage their parents to plant trees in view of the numerous benefits.
According to him, the benefits of tree planting include the provision of good health, prevention of wind hazard, supply of oxygen for daily metabolism and provision of food crops, among others.
