The Nigerian Defence Academy has said apart from military training, it is passionate about maintaining good management of the environment to combat the effects of climate change.

Its Commandant, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, stated this on Wednesday at the NDA Headquarters in Afaka, Kaduna State, while speaking to journalists after a mini marathon titled “Run for Green,”  organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.

Mr Ochai said that the NDA, being a responsible institution in the eyes of Nigerians and the nation at large, was maintaining a good and sustainable environment aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

He explained that the NDA chose the theme for its celebration as “Run for Green,” considering their training schedule and the need to keep fit.

He stated, “We inculcate the habit of keeping fit in our cadets. Being physically fit is a premium for training in the NDA, one must be fit to perform the role of defending the nation.’’

He added that “Run for Green” was also in furtherance of a green environment.

Mr Ochai recalled that some days ago, the NDA launched its biodiversity and conservation centre aimed at regenerating the environment.

He stressed that the green revolution was on the NDA’s agenda, where it would plant one million trees.

According to him, the one million trees can be a record of the biggest concentration of human efforts in regenerating the environment.

The commandant said the exercise was also to encourage the institution’s partners and host communities to also advance the cause of a green environment and maintain healthy lifestyles by exercising to keep fit and avoid illnesses.

Earlier, the Guest of Honour and Manager of Brewery in Kaduna State, Osasu Oviawe, said their participation at the NDA run for green demonstrated their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting green footprints.

He said that since 2021, the brewery had been nurturing a culture of recycling among its employees with the “NB Recycles” programme.

Mr Oviawe explained that the initiative, which offered cash incentives for bringing in recyclable wastes such as plastics, papers, and nylons, was currently in its pilot phase for their headquarters and Lagos employees.

He stated, “It has been well-received and it is a key part of our sustainability efforts.’’

Mr Oviawe also said that their waste water treatment plant was equipped with functional ‘Waste Water Treatment Plants.’

He explained that the WWTPs ensured that their waste water was treated effectively, hence discharging safe water to the environment.

The brewery manager said they planted 237,289 trees on 215 hectares at the Olokemeji forest reserve in Ogun State.

The initiative, he said, was crucial for balancing the water usage at their water-stressed sites and contributed significantly to the environmental conservation efforts.

He said, “Looking ahead, our goal is to plant a total of 600,000 trees on 500 hectares by 2031.’’

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the cadets who emerged victorious.

Those who also participated in the marathon included NDA primary school pupils, corps members, soldiers and officers.

(NAN)