SUNDAY June 5 was 2022 World Environment Day, but on Monday June 6, frontline environmentalist, Dr Newton Jibunoh, launched an exercise to refocus the attention of Nigerians to the need to preserve the integrity and sanity of the environment.
In collaboration with the Delta State Capital Territory Agency, Dr. Jibunoh-led Fight Against Desert Encroachment, FADE staged a tree-planting which incorporated a clean-up exercise campaign around the streets of Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
The World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated annually on June 5 in over 100 countries. And the theme of this year’s celebration “Only One Earth” emphasised the need to nurture and respect the environment for the benefit of all of humanity, including the future generation.
Globally renowned as the ‘Desert Warrior’, having crossed the Sahara desert several times, Jibunoh flagged off the event with a brief remark, followed by the symbolic planting of trees. He was joined by representatives of other non-governmental organisations including Green Afrique Hub, Asaba, Garnet Lions International Club, Courageous Girls Women and Children Initiative, Rotary Club of Asaba, Akukwu Youth Corps members and other environmental culture enthusiasts.
Thereafter, participants moved from Interbau Roundabout through Nnebisi Road planting trees, picking up trash, and sensitising passers-by along the way to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Roundabout Garden with more trees planted in the garden.
In his remarks, Dr Jibunoh, calls for collective action from all including community-based organisations, the business community, civil society groups, humanitarian service organisations, opinion leaders, and governments among others with regard to environmental sustainability.
Trees are an important part of the ecosystem because they help to filter the air of contaminants and provide clean air, shade, and food for all, said Dr Jibunoh, said the Environmental “evangelist”. He noted that trees also prevent desertification, protect coastal areas, and stabilise sand dunes among other benefits to life and survival on earth.
He concluded his speech by appreciating everyone that joined in the rally and charged everyone with the responsibility to keep the Planet Earth livable by nurturing and caring for the Planet Earth.
Also speaking during the exercise, Asaba Garnet Lions Club reaffirmed the club’s commitment to environmental sustainability projects in the coming year, with a promise toward the creation and restoration of natural ecosystems in Delta State.
The trees-planting exercise was enjoyed by all who participated in the exercise including the Federal Road Safety Corps.
FADE, which fronted the event, said it was its own way of giving back to nature. “It is FADE’s dream that we have greenery and a flourishing environment that the future generation can live and appreciate”, stated the organisation.
About the World Environment Day
The United Nations General Assembly in 1972 designated June 5 every year World Environment Day. The day serves as one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
It is a UN agenda to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues, and advocate partnership that will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
