ECO-FRIENDLINESS: FUNAI EMBARKS ON TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN

The Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State yesterday carried out another round of tree planting exercise to promote eco-friendliness, guard against environmental degradation, provide edible fruits for staff and students, and ensure total greening and aesthetic beauty of the University environment.

This was part of the activities lined up for the students’ week, where the final year students of the University gave their full support to the Campus Greening Initiative of the University Management by donating some of the fruit trees that were planted in the event.

Some final year students of the University preparing to plant some fruit trees on designated places in the University

Speaking during the campaign, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba explained that investment in nature as carried out by the final year students is a long term one, which its value may even outlive the donor, since trees have long life span.

VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (with coconut tree) addressing some students before the start of the tree planting exercise

“You may not know the importance of what you are doing here today until you come here in years to come with your children during their matriculation or convocation ceremony

“Then you will know you have actually invested in nature”, the Vice Chancellor told the final students who donated some trees as part of their contribution to the greening effort of the University Management.

VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba taking the lead by planting a coconut tree

Earlier, the Technical Officer, Horticulture and Landscaping Services, Mrs Celestina Adebayo explained that the activity was part of the systematic campus greening programme of the University aimed at enhancing the campus beauty, ensuring aggressive afforestation of the University, combating environmental degradation caused by soil erosion and mitigating the challenges of climatic change in the institution.

Director of Physical Planning and Works Services, Dr. A.I Ezeocha planting a tree during the event

Trees such as Kola nuts, (Coco Musifera), Coconut and other types of fruit trees were planted during the event by both staff and students.

A group of final year students led by President, FUNAI Creative Writers Association, Uchechukwu Agbo (2nd L) jointly planting a tree during the exercise