UNN: Rep. Onuigbo Bags ‘Excellence Award in Environmental Governance’

The Center for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) has conferred on the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, with ‘Excellence Award in Environmental Governance’.

The award was presented to the Lawmaker, yesterday, by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Charles Arizechukwu Igwe during the First International Conference on Climate Change” with the theme: “Climate Change in the COVID-19 Era”.

The epoch making conference was hosted by the UNN, in collaboration with the School of Environment and Safety Engineering (SESE), Jiangsu University, China.

The award, which is another feather added to the Lawmaker’s fitting cap, was in recognition of his numerous contributions and leadership.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof.

Charles Arizechukwu Igwe expressed the University community’s delight at hosting the all important conference.

Prof. Charles stressed that the theme, “Climate Change in the COVID-19 Era” was apt, adding, “especially now that the global populace is challenged by extreme and unstable climate conditions, which has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is hardly any part of the globe without Climate Change crisis. I therefore consider this conference very worthwhile and thoughtful, as it is expected to feature discussions and contents that will signal an integrated multidisciplinary approach to fostering and advancing the way forward”.

Amidst optimism, the Vice Chancellor expressed utter hope, while reiterating the need for sensitisation through conferences.

Speaking expressly, he said: “There is still hope for the future, if we continue to raise awareness and consciousness of these challenges through conferences such as this.”

In his remarks, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, beaming with joy, expressed gratitude for being part of the maiden internationally Conference, as organised by the Institution, as he emphatically the need for stakeholders to “meet from time to time; to hold proper and in-depth discussions on issues that are germane to our existence and future.”

Chronicling the events of the past three years, he outlined the causes, effects and correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and Climate Change in the society, lifestyle and economy, while proffering possible

action plans that would enhance survival through the challenges.

Onuigbo described the dreaded Coronavirus and Climate Change as global catastrophes whose adverse impacts cannot be restrained by borders.

He, however, pointed out that global efforts remained indispensable in militating against the pandemic and their accompanying effects.

In his words: “I see a strong nexus between what we went through with COVID-19, and the ongoing fight against Climate Change. For a start, both are global catastrophes that are not restricted by borders. Thus, global efforts are requisite in tackling both disasters, as no one country can be safe, if the entire world is not safe. But the beauty and strength of humanity lie in our resilience—that never ending desire to overcome our challenges and build back better” the lawmaker stated.

On Climate Change Act, its provisions, impacts, implications and the possible solutions, he said:

“ We have taken the first critical step by enacting a Climate Change Act. This Act offers us the legal framework to embark on, coordinated and multilevel actions to combat climate change and build back in a sustainable and green way” he said.

He thanked the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, the university community and the organizers of the event for recognizing his many contributions towards a resilient recovery for people and planet, charging the participants of the

conference to not just learn, but also take actions to implement what they have learnt.

Meanwhile, it is no longer news that Sam Onuigbo has overtime, relentlessly championed the Climate Change advocacy, consolidating thus on the success and momentum attained so

far.

The event had in attendance dignitaries from the School of Environment and Safety Engineering, (SESE), Jiangsu University, as well as leaders of Environment and Energy Sectors, and other sectors of the economy as Representatives from SESE were; Prof. D. U. Daolin (Dean, SESE), Prof. Yang-Chun Hong and

Prof. Yanzhai Wang.

Other special guests at the occasion were; Chief Sharon Ikeazor- Hon. Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment;

Prof. Bart O. Nnaji- Fmr. Minister, Ministry of Power; Engr. Gerald Osuagwu- Managing Director, Anambra-Imo Rivers

Basin Development Authority;

Dr. Habiba Lawal- Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office;

Prof. Mandir B. Matazu- CEO, Nigerian Metrological Agency; Engr. Mrs. Uche Patrick-Obikile- Nigerian Metrological Agency.