In realisation of the importance of environment, the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Town, on Wednesday, joined the global community to mark the 2024 World Environment Day with the theme:Â “Land restoration, desertification and Drought Resilience”, under the slogan, Our Land, Our Future.
The university assembled scholars to speak on various aspects and impacts of the environment to human existence.
June the 5th of every year is set aside to celebrate World Environment Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on pressing environmental issues facing the planet.
According to a release made available by the university’s Media and Public Relations Officer, ‘Wale Adeoye, the event kick-started with the planting of trees by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan who led other top council and management members to symbolise the day.
The university through the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability reflected on the theme, history, and significance of the event.
This led to celebrating the day with a symposium thereby bringing in scholars and discussants on this year’s topic.
The lead paper presenter, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa from the University of Ibadan dissected the theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’
Prof. Oluremi Ojo from the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo spoke on, ‘Land and Water Management for Environmental Sustainability’, while Doctors Gbenga Oladokun and Adenike Durojaye both from Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, spoke on ‘Desert Encroachment and Environmental Sustainability’, and ‘Drought resilience and Water Conservation respectively.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan who spoke through the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Sunday Olukayode Ajitoni stated that the World Environment Day 2024 is globally celebrated on June 5 to raise awareness about environment protection.
According to the him, the theme for World Environment Day 2024 is ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’ under the slogan ‘Our Land, Our Future’ was timely.
This theme underscores the urgent need to safeguard our ecosystems, which are essential for sustaining life on Earth. It calls for collective efforts to preserve biodiversity, protect natural habitats, and restore degraded ecosystems. I don’t want to be pre-emptive but I am sure this gathering would enjoy the erudite scholars here by the time they dissect the topics. On behalf of the Governing Council Chairman, Professor Ayoade O. Ogunkunle, the Vice-Chancellor , Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan and the entire members of Council and Management, I welcome you all and wish you all fruitful deliberations.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability, Dr. Olushola Fadairo appreciated the Council Chairman, Prof. Ayoade Ogunkunle for finding out time to do the tree planting with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan and other members of the Council and Management despite their tight schedule. He lauded all the participants both within and outside the Campus.
“By focusing on ecosystem preservation with the outcome of today’s symposium, I am sure we have addressed a wide range of environmental challenges, from climate change to species extinction. I thank our resource persons, the Planning Committee and all those who supported in making the programme a huge success. May God bless you all”, he submitted.
The planting of trees was witnessed by notable Council members led by the Chairman, Prof. Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Prof. Abass Adedibu, Chief Isaac Koleosho, Hon. Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Prof Tunde Salawu; Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo; Bursar, Mr. Olawole Ojetola; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Serifat Asiru among others.
The symposium was attended by Deans of Faculties of Vocational, Innovation and Engineering Education and Arts Education, Professors Ayotola Aremu and Adesola Olateju respectively; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Wole Akinlabi; Director, Directorate of Research Management and International Programmes, Dr Ademola Atanda, Head of Departments, Deputy Registrar/Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability, Mr. Rasheed O. Olaosebikan; Faculty Officers, SSANU Chairman, Comrade Victor Oluokun, University Staff members, representatives from sister tertiary institutions in Oyo town, teachers and students from various secondary schools within Oyo and environs.
End