The Niger State government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting green initiatives aimed at combating climate change in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Mohammed Kolo stated at the flag off of a tree planting collaboration between the University and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Represented by the Director, Forestry and Wildlife, Dr. Musa Labaran, the Commissioner commended the Management the University for its collaboration with UNICEF on the tree-planting project designed to enhance climate resilience.
He explained that the partnership aligns perfectly with the vision of His Excellency, Farmer Umar Mohammes Bago, who launched the Green Economy Summit some months months ago.
The summit, he said, highlighted the urgent need to focus on sustainable practices and environmental conservation across Niger State.
He pointed out that Governor Bago’s agenda is centered on driving environmental sustainability and economic growth through green initiatives and, the Ministry of Environment will ensure that all necessary support is provided to IBBU to make this project a success.
Yakubu Kolo further stated that Niger State government was committed to ensuring that such initiatives contribute significantly to mitigating the effects of climate change in the State.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu commended UNICEF for its continued partnership, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to supporting climate action on tree planting in the University.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted UNICEF’s admiration for the University’s eco-friendly environment, which further inspired the partnership to create a sustainable green campus.
Professor Adamu acknowledged the devastating impact of climate change, noting the alarming environmental changes across Nigeria, such as flooding in desert regions like Maiduguri.
“Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity today,” he said, underscoring the urgency of mitigation and adaptating measures to safeguard the environment.
He noted that IBB University has been active in research, teaching, and community service, with notable achievements in various academic and scientific fields.
The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that the University has successfully secured high-impact grants from the National Research Fund and is collaborating with international institutions such as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, the Royal University of Bhutan, and the Open University of Tanzania, on projects aimed at enhancing educational capacity in Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He also pointed out the University’s success in securing a patent from the National Office for Technological Acquisition and Promotion, (NOTAP) for innovative work on the preservation of agricultural products using amino acid-modified nanoclays.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated IBB University’s readiness to deliver tangible results in partnership with UNICEF, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration for environmental sustainability.
The project, which involves the planting of 68,000 seedlings across 50 hectares of land within the University, is expected to support IBBU’s vision of becoming a leader in green economy initiatives.
In his welcome remarks, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu Obaje, emphasized the significance of the partnership, describing IBBU as “a green university” renowned for its eco-friendly landscape and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Professor Obaje noted that the first phase of planting faced challenges due to water shortages during the dry season, leading to the loss of some seedlings.
“Without immediate intervention, more seedlings could be lost or stunted, putting the project in jeopardy. This is why the involvement of UNICEF is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the initiative,” he explained.
He maintained that UNICEF’s support will extend to installing solar-powered boreholes and drip irrigation systems to ensure year-round water supply for the project.
The initiative, he explained further, will also engage 5,000 students, equipping them with skills in the green economy, including seedling raising and tree planting.
The Coordinating Director stressed that IBBU has already paid courtesy visits to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment to secure seedlings.
The project, co-funded by both UNICEF and IBBU, is seen as a significant step in tackling the climate crisis.
“Tree planting is the best way to mitigate climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and help prevent erosion and other environmental disasters,” Professor Obaje explained.
In a goodwill message the UNICEF Project Coordinator, Mr. Bamidele Emmanuel, emphasize d commitment to supporting the University’s ongoing efforts towards environmental sustainability and youth empowerment through the Green Rising Initiative.
The UNICEF representative emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to take action on climate change while simultaneously providing them with livelihood opportunities.
“We are interested in supporting these young people, uplifting their actions, and helping them find livelihood opportunities through these activities,” he said.
He further explained that IBBUL was selected as one of the top 20 institutions in Nigeria to be part of this initiative.
“From our first engagement during our entrepreneurship program, we identified IBBUL as one of the institutions we want to commemorate with this activity. We are excited about the support we have received from the University management,” Emmanuel added.
Highlighting the broader impact of the University’s green initiatives, Emmanuel stated that the outcomes of the project would be presented at the upcoming global COP program in Brazil in November.
UNICEF’s partnership with IBBUL is focused on tree planting, plastic recycling, and expanding into other areas such as water, electricity, and additional climate-related issues.
Mr. Emmanuel also shared plans to reward exceptional students and institutions involved in the initiative, announcing a program where smartphones and Samsung tablets would be given to young people who document their environmental actions.
“We are excited to collaborate with IBBUL on this project, and we are confident that this partnership will reach greater heights,” Mr. Emmanuel concluded, expressing his appreciation for the University’s commitment to the Green Rising Initiative.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed deep gratitude to the Niger State Government for its continued support of the University’s environmental sustainability programs.
He particularly commended the government for backing the Green Initiative, a project designed to mitigate the effects of climate change through tree planting and eco-friendly practices.
The Registrar highlighted the critical role played by UNICEF in collaborating with the University on the Green Initiative.
Alhaji Kusherki noted that the organization’s partnership and support have been instrumental in expanding the project’s scope, ensuring that the initiative would not only address local climate challenges but also contribute to global efforts to combat environmental degradation.
“UNICEF’s collaboration has been pivotal, and their support aligns with the University’s mission to foster sustainable practices on campus and beyond,” he said.
The climate action on tree planting Initiative, which involves planting tens of thousands of trees and implementing sustainability measures, aims to address both environmental and socio-economic issues. The project will not only combat climate change but also provide students with hands-on training in green economy skills such as tree planting, agroforestry, and environmental management. These skills are expected to enhance their employability in the fast-growing green sector.
Highlight of the event was a symbolic planting of over three hundred trees by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, the Vice Chancellor and other members of are he University Management as well as the official inauguration of the tree planting Committee.
