UNIZIK FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, ADVOCATES CLIMATE-RESILIENT CITIES
The Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Friday, June 5, 2026, joined the global community in commemorating the 2026 World Environment Day alongside its Annual Faculty Lecture Series.
The event, held at the ASUU Secretariat, was themed “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.” It brought together academics, environmental experts, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable approaches to urban development amid growing climate challenges.
The celebration commenced with a symbolic tree-planting exercise within the Faculty premises, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, who planted two trees. The exercise was subsequently carried out by the Dean of the Faculty, Heads of Departments, and other participants, demonstrating a collective commitment to environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Philip O. Phil-Eze, welcomed participants and underscored the urgency of addressing climate change through sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship. He noted that sustainability has become a necessity rather than an option, stressing the need for harmony between human activities and the environment.
Prof. Phil-Eze further highlighted the significance of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), calling for interdisciplinary collaboration among environmental scientists, architects, urban planners, engineers, public health experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders. According to him, achieving resilient cities requires innovative thinking, practical action, and shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
Delivering the welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Kevin C. Okolie, described World Environment Day as the foremost global platform for environmental advocacy and action. He observed that the increasing occurrence of climate-related disasters worldwide underscores the need for urgent, science-driven responses.
Prof. Okolie commended the Faculty’s contributions to environmental education and sustainable development while appealing to government and private organisations for increased support in the areas of funding, laboratory facilities, classroom expansion, endowment schemes, and the construction of a befitting Faculty complex. He emphasised that climate action is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of individuals, institutions, and communities.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ifeanyi Christian Enete, Professor of Applied Meteorology and Director of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the implications of rapid urbanisation under changing climatic conditions.
Prof. Enete observed that while urbanisation remains a major driver of economic growth and innovation globally, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental vulnerabilities. He described urbanisation as a climate-modifying force that alters land-atmosphere interactions and intensifies climate risks.
According to him, “the vulnerability of Nigerian cities is largely linked to the disconnect between unplanned urban development and resilient city planning.” He maintained that the future of sustainable development in Nigeria depends on transforming cities from centres of vulnerability into hubs of resilience and innovation.
To achieve this, the Guest Lecturer recommended the strengthening and implementation of existing environmental policies, institutional capacity building, increased investment in climate services, climate-smart urban planning reforms, community engagement, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. He urged scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to work collaboratively toward creating sustainable urban environments for future generations.
A major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to environmental sustainability, leadership, and societal development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, received a special award in recognition of his support for environmental development and sustainability initiatives within the University.
Other award recipients included Prof. Ifeanyi Christian Enete; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedum Okafor; Sir Architect Okechukwu Chukwuogor; ESV Raji Adewale; Hon. Ossy Onuko; Hon. Kenneth Chukwugozie Akwuobi; and Prof. Philip O. Phil-Eze.
Other members of the Faculty Management Committee present at the event included Prof. Emoh Fidelis Ifeanyi, Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, and Prof. Emengini Ebele Josephine.
The event concluded with renewed calls by the Chairman, Prof. Phil-Eze, for collective action towards climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and environmental conservation, in line with the objectives of the 2026 World Environment Day.