The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, on Friday, 5th June 2026, led a high-level tree planting campaign to commemorate the World Environment Day.
He was joined by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila; the Presiding Judge, Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, Hon. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam; and the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justice Elvis Ngene, alongside principal officers, staff, and students of the university.
Flagging off the exercise at the university’s campus, Prof. Nwachukwu described the campaign as AE-FUNAI’s commitment to climate action, biodiversity protection, and campus greening.
He noted that universities must model sustainable practices for society, adding that each tree planted is “an investment in cleaner air, reduced erosion, and a livable future for the next generation.”
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that over 150,000 economic and ornamental tree seedlings were planted across strategic locations on campus in the last 10 years through the Campus- Green Initiative of the institution.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor, Princess Obila commended AE-FUNAI for aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
She reaffirmed the Ebonyi State Government’s support for green initiatives, stressing that the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside education and infrastructure.
“What AE-FUNAI is doing today is practical climate governance. We must all take responsibility for our environment,” she said.
In her remarks, Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam linked environmental stewardship to justice and equity.
“A degraded environment undermines the right to life, health, and livelihood. As members of the Bench, we recognize that protecting the environment is also protecting the vulnerable,” she stated.
The Presiding Judge urged law students and legal practitioners to develop expertise in environmental law, describing it as a critical frontier for advocacy in the 21st century.
Also lending his voice, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon. Justice Elvis Ngene, praised the collaborative nature of the campaign. He emphasized that environmental protection requires synergy between the executive, judiciary, and academia.
“When we plant trees, we plant hope. When we protect our land, we secure justice for unborn generations,” he said. Justice Ngene called on communities across Ebonyi State to adopt tree planting as a civic duty.
The 2026 World Environment Day tree planting campaign at AE-FUNAI featured the symbolic planting of various shades of tree seedlings by the dignitaries.
The initiative reinforces AE-FUNAI’s vision to be a leading environmentally responsible institution in Nigeria.
