Professor Egwunyenga Lauds DELSU Alumni

By Ben Nwanne

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has commended the Delta State University Alumni Association for its renewed interest in the development of their Alma mater through its tree planting and environmental enhancement project in the University.

Professor Egwunyenga, an environmentalist, gave the recommendation in a keynote address at the official flag off of the tree planting campaign and donation of waste bins by the Port Harcourt branch of the Association to the University community.

Represented by the institutions Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. (Mrs) Rose Okoh, the Vice-Chancellor underlined the importance of trees and clean environment for human survival.

In his words, “the importance of tree planting cannot be over-emphasized. Notably, tree planting has been implicated in reducing global warming and hence the consequences of climate change. Trees help to sequester carbon dioxide as trees take up carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. Thus, trees help to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and help to reduce global warming.

“Also, trees make life nicer. It has been shown that spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the amount of stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives”.

Delivering a lecture at the occasion entitled The Value of Trees to Human Life, Dr. Albert Ofuoku cited Biblical evidence to suggest that trees were created before man and meant for his pleasure.

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He reeled out the many importance of trees to include, among others, air purification, provision of fuel, food supply, sustenance of health, genetic improvement of crops and erosion control.

In his welcome address, the chairman, DELSU Alumni Association, Port Harcourt branch, Henry Orhojoma appreciated Prof. Andy Egwunyenga for his open door policy to collaborate with DELSU Alumni, Port Harcourt branch to make the project a success.

He explained that the project was embarked upon as a way of giving back to the Alma mater that made them what they are today. The vibrancy of the Port Harcourt branch is evident by the fact that they have facilitated the formation of a new chapter in Abuja which is awaiting inauguration.

Dignitaries at the occasion, including the Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Administration), representatives of the Ovie of Oruarivie, Abraka kingdom and some other management staff demonstrated tree planting to the admiration of the audience.