The Redeemer’s University, Ede, in Osun on Wednesday flagged-off a tree planting campaign to boost the ecosystem and for environmental protection.
Performing the ceremonial planting at the university’s premises, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, said that the tree planting was to commemorate the university’s 20th anniversary.
Akindele, however, said that the tree planting would be a continuous exercise by the university.
He said that that the management of the university had established a landscaping and horticultural unit in the office of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure continuity of the tree planting exercise.
Akindele added that the trees being planted within the school premises were planted for beautification, protection of the environment and to also serve as industrial plantation.
He appreciated the state government, Department of Forestry and State Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) for their support for the project.
The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the Director-General of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan for providing the university with free tree seedlings for the project.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, appreciated what the university was doing in terms of environmental consciousness.
Adejoorin said that the university was in the good books of the state government, as it displayed a high sense of responsibility and support during the trying period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The university not only contributed their quota in the area of research to ameliorate the challenges of the pandemic, but also collaborated with the state government on the installation of one of the incinerators for effective management of medical wastes generated in the efforts of the state at containing the COVID-19 menace,” he said
The commissioner said that the tree planting exercise embarked on by the university will further consolidate on the university’s culture of environmental excellence.
He said the tree planting will also be improving on the available rich biodiversity, vegetation cover and consequently increase the carbon sink potential of the university area and the state at large.
Adejoorin said that the effort of the university would go a long way in assisting the state government in its climate change agenda.
