Emma Elekwa
Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra state, Prof Kate Omenugha has restated the institution’s commitment to clean, green and sustainable environment for conducive learning.
She cautioned students against littering the environment, warning that any defaulter would risk one year suspension.
Omenugha gave the warning on Wednesday during the Founder’s day – 4th Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial lecture as part of activities marking the 16th Convocation ceremony of the institution.
“The university established what we call “Pick it campaign” to ensure a clean and green environment. Any students that litters the environment will be sent on one year suspension.
“You better not fall victim. We’re training students who are responsible and can’t afford to have dirty environment,” she added.
Also speaking, Amb Bianca Ojukwu, Minister State, Foreign Affairs and Wife of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu commended the chancellor for the honour extended to her, pledging continued support to the institution.
She described the event as a convergence of history, intellect and legacy, just as she described her late husband as a towering figure whose unwavering commitment to his people’s dignity remained indelible.
More than a soldier
“Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was not just a soldier and statesman but a leader who believes in the power of knowledge, justice and principal of leadership.
“He’s also a firm believer in the sanctity of trees and their potentials, not only for erosion control, but provision of cooler and cleaner environment,” she added.
European Union Ambassador To Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr Gautier Mignot regretted high cost of climate action, while the cost of doing nothing is far worse, stressing that something urgent needed to be done.
Delivering his lecture themed, “Sustainable and Climate Resilience Future: Beyond Rhetorics” Mignot described EU as major global driver of the clean transition, which he said is the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable, low-carbon energy and economic systems.
He said, “It refers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment and moving toward renewable energy while keeping the economy competitive and fair for citizens.
“The EU is actively supporting Nigeria’s clean transition, mainly through funding, infrastructure, policy support and partnerships aimed at shifting the country toward cleaner, more sustainable energy.
Clean transition collective task
“The EU is championing climate action and has been partnering with governments on clean transition because it helps to grow economies. Clean transition is not just the responsibility of government, it requires everyone’s effort.”
While commending the university for its climate actions and inspiring younger generation in that regard, the EU ambassador stressed the need to mobilise private funding and not just public funds.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and CEO, Sheiks & Bishops Ltd, Sir Chikwendu Udensi underscored the place of integrity, describing education without integrity as dangerous.
He also promised to establish an Ethical Center in the university, a facility he said would house library for books on ethics in conjunction with the Vice Chancellor.
Highpoints of the event were tree planting, cutting of cake and presentation of awards to personalities for their outstanding support to the institution, including former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige, Co-founder, Seplat Energy Plc, Dr Ambrose Orjiakor, former Education commissioner, Prof Leornard Muoghalu, among others.
