June 5th every year, the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on pressing environmental issues facing our planet. As a renowned institution, the authority of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, yesterday joined the global community to mark the 2024 World Environment Day with the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience” under the slogan, Our Land, Our Future.
According to a release made available by the University’s Media and Public Relations Officer, ‘Wale Adeoye, the event kick-started with the planting of trees by the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan who led other top Council and Management members to symbolize the day.
As we mark World Environment Day in 2024, the University through the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability take a look and reflect on the theme, history, and significance of this global event. This led to celebrating the day with a Symposium thereby bringing in scholars and discussants on this year’s topic. The Lead paper presenter, Professor Olugbenga AdeOluwa from the University of Ibadan dissected the theme- Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. Professor Oluremi Ojo from the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo spoke on Land and Water Management for Environmental Sustainability while Drs Gbenga Oladokun and Adenike M. Durojaye both from Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo spoke on the topics Desert Encroachment and Environmental Sustainability and, Drought resilience and Water Conservation respectively.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan who spoke through the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Sunday Olukayode Ajitoni stated that World Environment Day 2024 is globally celebrated on June 5 to raise awareness about environment protection. According to him, the theme for World Environment Day 2024 is ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’ under the slogan ‘Our land, Our future was timely. This theme underscores the urgent need to safeguard our ecosystems, which are essential for sustaining life on Earth. It calls for collective efforts to preserve biodiversity, protect natural habitats, and restore degraded ecosystems. I don’t want to be pre-emptive but I am sure this gathering would enjoy the erudite scholars here by the time they dissect the topics. On behalf of the Governing Council Chairman, Professor Ayoade O. Ogunkunle, the Vice-Chancellor , Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan and the entire members of Council and Management, I welcome you all and wish you all fruitful deliberations.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability, Dr. Olushola Fadairo appreciated the Council Chairman, Prof. Ayoade Ogunkunle for finding out time to do the tree planting with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan and other members of the Council and Management despite their tight schedule. He further appreciated all participants both within and outside the Campus. “By focusing on ecosystem preservation with the outcome of today’s symposium, I am sure we have addressed a wide range of environmental challenges, from climate change to species extinction. I thank our resource persons, the Planning Committee and all those who supported in making the programme a huge success. May God bless you all”, he submitted.
The planting of trees was witnessed by notable Council members led by the Chairman, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle, Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Professor Abass Adedibu, Chief Isaac Koleosho, Hon. Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tunde Salawu; Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo; Bursar, Mr. Olawole A. Ojetola; Acting University Librarian, Dr. Serifat M. Asiru among others while the symposium was attended by Deans of Faculties of Vocational, Innovation and Engineering Education and Arts Education, Professors Ayotola Aremu and Adesola Olateju respectively; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Wole Akinlabi; Director, Directorate of Research Management and International Programmes, Dr Ademola Atanda, Head of Departments, Deputy Registrar/Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability, Mr. Rasheed O. Olaosebikan; Faculty Officers, SSANU Chairman, Comrade Victor Oluokun, University Staff members, representatives from sister tertiary institutions in Oyo town, teachers and students from various secondary schools within Oyo and environs.
