ACE-FUELS partnered with the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Safeguards (CESPESS) FUTO and other stakeholders in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri to commemorate this years’ World Environment Day on Monday 5th June 2023 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The celebration was marked by creating public awareness to education stakeholders, students in the University campus, and departments on the need to beat plastic pollution.
The event was well attended and took place at the Environmental Auditorium, School of Environmental Science Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Presentations were made on the need to beat plastic pollution by Dr. Chibuzor Christopher Ejiogu. Ag. Head of Department Environmental Management SOES FUTO, Dr. Uche Chukwuocha, Ag. Head Department of Public Health, Dr. Chinedu Ihejinka EVM/ASUU Chairperson. Dr. (Mrs) J. U. Udensi Ag. HOD, EHS. Dr. K. L. Oguzie called on government agencies, private organization and the public to take a bold stand against plastic pollution. She added that plastic pollution has become a threat as it engorges our oceans, suffocates our wild-life and contaminate the air we breathe stressing that every individual has a role to play in the battle to beat plastic pollution and become the advocate for change.
Dr. Martins Chidinma Iwuji added that it is time for us to act and become the vanguards of the change in beating plastic pollution as it will ensure the public are properly educated on the best way to dispose waste and recycle plastic. Speaking further, he said ‘we are pleased this initiative is been undertaken to ensure that our planet is safe and sustainable for future generations’ he remarked.
All the speakers were unanimous in their submissions for an attitudinal change in the manner plastic waste is being disposed. At the end of the event a road walk to create public awareness in the University campus with placards and ensuring all plastic waste littered in the campus environment were properly picked and disposed. High point of the event was the pledge by all at the venue to protect the planet.
