UNIZIK CACORP Partners with TEVA Foods for 2026 Tree Planting Initiative, Strengthens Drive for Sustainable Agriculture
Awka, Anambra State – June 23, 2026
The Centre for Agripreneur and Cooperative Research/Practice (CACORP), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in partnership with TEVA Foods, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, successfully organised its 2026 Tree Planting Programme, reaffirming a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, agricultural entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.
The programme commenced with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, before proceeding to the Faculty of Management Sciences Board Room for the main event.
Receiving the delegation in his office, the Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed the resource persons, led by the Chief Executive Officer of TEVA Foods, Mr. Chima Christian. He commended the organisation for its contributions to agricultural development and expressed the University’s readiness to establish strategic partnerships that would foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Prof. Anyaehie noted that Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains committed to meaningful collaborations capable of delivering lasting benefits in education, agriculture, research, and community development.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Mr. Christian appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception and willingness to collaborate with TEVA Foods. He highlighted the remarkable growth of the company and reiterated its dedication to agricultural innovation, value addition, and youth empowerment.
Delivering the keynote presentation at the main programme, Mr. Christian encouraged students to embrace agriculture as a viable pathway to financial independence and national development. He shared practical insights on cultivating apple seeds and demonstrated the economic opportunities in processing agricultural products such as dried African star apple (Udara) and dried mangoes. He urged participants to explore agribusiness and value addition as sustainable sources of wealth creation.
He also expressed interest in visiting the University’s Faculty of Agriculture Campus at Ifite-Ogwari to explore potential areas of collaboration that would further strengthen agricultural research, training, and production.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor at the main event, Prof. Ufoaro Stephen, former Chairman of ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, commended the guest speaker for imparting practical agricultural knowledge to students and encouraged participants to apply the lessons gained from the programme. He later presented an Award of Recognition to Mr. Chima Christian on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and CACORP in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to agricultural development and youth empowerment.
In her remarks, the Director of CACORP, Dr. Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, described tree planting as an enduring investment in future generations. She stressed the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development, while commending the enthusiasm displayed by participating students.
According to her, cooperation remains a major driver of progress in developed societies, adding that the trees planted during the programme would serve as lasting environmental and economic assets. She also appreciated TEVA Foods for introducing innovative ideas capable of inspiring young people to embrace modern agricultural practices.
The event attracted several distinguished guests, including Hon. Emily Uzoh, Chairperson of NACOPPMAN, Anambra State; Rev. Elvis Okolie, South-East Chairman of NACOPPMAN; High Chief Arthur Mbuba, Anambra State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; as well as members of staff, students, agricultural enthusiasts, and environmental advocates.
The 2026 Tree Planting Programme concluded with the symbolic planting of trees, reinforcing the University’s commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability, agricultural innovation, and strategic partnerships for national development.