UNIZIK Centre for Sustainable Development Moves to Revive Annual Summit on Rural Development
The Centre for Sustainable Development, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has unveiled plans to revive its sustainability summit as part of efforts to advance discussions on rural development and sustainable growth in developing nations.
This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Centre’s management team to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, where the delegation formally introduced the Centre’s activities and sought institutional support for its proposed programmes and initiatives.
Leading the delegation, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Ebele J. Emengini, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and welcomed him to the University community. She noted that the Centre had previously undertaken several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development within and outside the University, including the organisation of a sustainability summit designed to stimulate policy discussions and community-focused development strategies.
According to Prof. Emengini, the summit was initially conceived as an annual event but could not be sustained due to prevailing circumstances at the time. She expressed optimism that the restoration of stability in the University under the leadership of a substantive Vice-Chancellor has created a conducive environment for the revival and expansion of the Centre’s programmes.
She further revealed that the Centre is proposing a summit themed: “Rural Development as a Transformative Agenda for Achieving Sustainable Development in Third World Nations.” Although a date is yet to be announced, she explained that the Centre considered it necessary to brief the Vice-Chancellor on its plans and seek the University’s endorsement before proceeding with further arrangements.
Prof. Emengini also appealed for the Vice-Chancellor’s support in facilitating partnerships with relevant organisations and development agencies, particularly agencies of the United Nations, whose participation and collaboration would add significant value to the proposed summit and related activities.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, commended the Centre for its vision and assured the delegation of the University’s support. He expressed willingness to assist the Centre in establishing contacts with relevant organisations and stakeholders capable of contributing meaningfully to the success of the summit.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of building strategic partnerships that transcend ceremonial participation and produce measurable developmental outcomes. He further encouraged the Centre to pursue long-term collaborations with international development agencies, especially the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, noting that such partnerships could support research initiatives, student development programmes, capacity building, and other projects beneficial to the University community.
Other members of the delegation included Mr. Owolabi Semiu Olalekan, Dr. Festus Onuegbu, and Mr. Udenze Ugochukwu McDon.