Federal College of Forest Resources Management, Ishiagu (FCFRMI) Ebonyi State has decried the negative impacts of climate change on the environment.
The acting Provost, FCFRMI, Dr. Mrs. Emeghara Ukamaka Ursulla who stated this at the commemoration of the World Environmental Day 2022 of FCFRMI Ebonyi state recently, identified tree planting as one of the measures to mitigate the threats of climate change globally.
Tree planting exercise during the 2022 World Environmental Day at Federal College of Forest Resources Management Ishiagu (FCFRMI), Ebonyi State
The Provost further revealed that the negative impact of climate change necessitated the establishment of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Colleges in all the ecological zones of Nigeria to ensure sustainable environmental management through training of middle man power at National and Higher National Diploma in the craft of forest conservation, environmental management and rehabilitation, forest propagation, wildlife preservation and management, wildlife mitigation and suppression, repairing of forest woodland, timber supply chain among other agricultural related disciplines.
Dr. Emeghara further called on corporate bodies, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), local, state and federal government agencies, among others to leverage on the newly established institution for their staff in vocational skills relevant to their environment and community.
She disclosed that the institution has received the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approval to run National Diploma (ND) in Forestry Technology after thorough resource inspection, calling on youths, parents and guardians to leverage on the development.
In her words: “Nothing could be more exciting than a career in forest conservation that plays an integral role in protecting our planet, maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security and resources for future generation”.
Dr Emeghara who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Environment, Alhaji H.A Mohammed, FRIN Governing Board for the establishment of the Institution. She also specially appreciated the Director General, FRIN, Prof A.O.Adepoju, for supporting the College from inception and ensuring that all the needs of the institution are being met on time and his relentless efforts that led to the repositioning of FRIN & her Colleges on the front line.
She appreciated the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi and the Ishiagu community for their peaceful and hospitable disposition.
In his lecture, one of the resource persons and a lecturer in FCFRMI, Mr. Miracle Udenkwere described the World Environment Day 2022 Global campaign theme; ‘Only One Earth’ as apt, calling for transformative changes to policies and choices to enable cleaner, greener and sustainable living in harmony with nature.
He charged traditional rulers, government at all levels, corporate organizations, among other stakeholders to show commitment to the protection of the environment for posterity sake.
Also, in her lecture, Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwachukwu recommended the use of biotechnology to solve environmental challenges, calling for more awareness and collaboration to tackle climate change negative effects.
In his goodwill message, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Richard Nnabie represented by the Head of Department (HOD), Forestry, Mr Mbam Fidelis Okata said that state government will continue to partner with institutions like FCFRMI to conserve the environment.
He promised to mobilize youths, women and the people of Ebonyi State to take advantage of the institution to upgrade their skills.
Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of Ishiagu in Ebonyi State, HRM Eze Moses Okafor Ngele has pledged the community’s commitment and support towards the growth of FCFRMI, maintaining that the institution would serve the interest of South East and South South geo-political zones.
In his vote of thanks, the Bursar of the institution, Mr Oyeyemi Oyetunji, thanked all that graced the event, maintaining that the institution would do its best to meet the needs of the people.
The Provost, Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu (FCAI), Chairman, Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Ebonyi state chapter, Chief Donatus Aja, Divisional Police Officer (DPO),Ivo Division, CSP Adedira Amidu, among others graced the event.
Highlight of the event was tree planting by dignitaries that graced the event.
