By Emeka Chiaghanam
A call for environmental
responsibility, youth empowerment and agricultural enterprise echoed across
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on Tuesday as stakeholders from
academia, government and the private sector gathered to launch a major
tree-planting campaign in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of
Cooperatives.
Held under the theme, "Planting Trees for Posterity, Climate Action and Prosperity," the event was organised by the Centre for Agripreneur and Cooperative Research/Practice (CACORP) in partnership with Teva Foods, Jos, Plateau State, and attracted a diverse audience of students, farmers, cooperative leaders, researchers and public officials.
The ceremony was more than a symbolic exercise in
environmental conservation. Speakers repeatedly stressed the need to connect
climate action with economic opportunity, arguing that tree planting can help
tackle environmental degradation while creating jobs, boosting food security
and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr Chima Christian, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teva
Foods, challenged young Nigerians to see agriculture not merely as a
traditional occupation but as a pathway to innovation, entrepreneurship and
wealth creation.
Addressing students, he said Nigeria's environmental and agricultural challenges could become opportunities if young people embrace partnerships, acquire practical skills and explore value-added agribusiness ventures.
Mr Christian noted that although Nigeria is home to billions
of trees, many are neither deliberately planted nor effectively managed for
economic benefit. He expressed concern over the large quantities of fruits and
agricultural produce lost annually because of poor processing and preservation
systems.
Drawing examples from Teva Foods' operations, he explained
how agricultural products can be transformed into higher-value goods capable of
serving local and international markets. He also encouraged students to develop
strong professional networks, describing partnerships and credibility as
essential ingredients for business success.
The Teva Foods founder announced an expansion of the
company's partnership with UNIZIK through CACORP, a move he said would create
additional opportunities for youth development, agribusiness training and
climate-smart agricultural practices.
The Director of CACORP, Dr Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, described the occasion as a significant
milestone in the centre's mission to promote sustainable agriculture,
cooperative development and environmental stewardship.
Welcoming guests, she said the programme represented far
more than the planting of trees.
"We are not just planting trees; we are planting
enterprises, planting knowledge and planting hope," she said.
Dr Okoroji highlighted a number of achievements recorded by
CACORP, including the training of more than 2,500 youths, students and farmers
in agripreneurship, climate-smart agriculture and cooperative management. She
also pointed to the establishment of demonstration farms, the strengthening of
cooperative societies and strategic partnerships designed to improve
livelihoods and food production.
She paid special tribute to Teva Foods for donating improved
seedlings and supporting youth-focused agricultural training initiatives. In
recognition of his contributions to agribusiness and youth empowerment, Mr
Christian received an Award of Excellence from the centre.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Bond Anieyi, who was represented
by Prof Stephen Ufoaroh,
reaffirmed the institution's commitment to practical agriculture, innovation
and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Management
Sciences and Co-Host of the event, Prof
Francis O. Nnankwo, described agriculture and cooperation as natural
partners in the quest for food security and inclusive economic growth.
He commended Dr Okoroji's leadership and praised CACORP for
building bridges between academic research, industry and farming communities.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Ben Chuks Odoemana, represented by Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, said
environmental sustainability must be pursued alongside economic development.
In a message delivered on his behalf, the commissioner
praised CACORP for promoting climate resilience through practical action and
noted that the initiative aligns with the environmental sustainability goals of
the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
He further stressed that tree planting should be viewed not
only as a conservation measure but also as an investment in future livelihoods,
food security and community development.
Another guest of honour, High Chief Arthur Mbuba, Anambra State Coordinator of the Federal
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the growing collaboration
between the ministry and CACORP.
He said the Federal Government remains committed to
supporting agricultural cooperatives and youth-driven farming initiatives,
adding that the work being undertaken at the university had demonstrated the
value of partnerships in advancing food security and agricultural
transformation.
The event concluded with call for a shared commitment to
protecting the environment, strengthening communities and creating a more
sustainable future.
For participants, the message was clear: the seeds planted
today are expected to grow not only into trees, but also into opportunities,
prosperity and a lasting legacy for generations to come.
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