Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has received a “Climate Change Champion” award from the United Nations of Youth Network at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 30) in Belem, Brazil.

The Global Coordinator of the network, Tony Velasco, said the award recognizes the efforts of Mr Uzodimma in promoting climate action and sustainable development, which include the launch of the “Hope Green Revolution” initiative in Imo State.

Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Mandella, described Mr Uzodinma`s perspective to scientifically introduce carbon capturing plants as excellent.

According to him, Mr Uzodimma’s ideology to launch the Hope Green Revolution Project on November 1, 2022, as natural solution to increase tree planting, was the best.

He stated, “Trees absorb CO2, provide barriers, protection and food. This under-scored his commitment to administrative policies that promote climate change mitigation. He mandated the 27 local government council chairmen to plant a minimum of 10,000 trees every six months. He carried out land recoveries, forest protection and tree preservation.

“Trees play a crucial role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, which is essential for life on earth. These above, strengthened His Excellency’s vision to launch the Hope Green Revolution Project on Nov. 1, 2022, which under-scored his commitment to administrative policies that promote climate change mitigation.’’

According to him, the project to plant 30million trees has been domesticated by the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development through massive climate change awareness campaigns by driving youths to show their positive concerns as climate change champions.

He stated, “To drive the climate change mitigation campaign and awareness further, we have introduced Project One Youth, One Tree. Knowing Nigeria as the most populous black nation on earth, above 60% of her population are youths with the energy, exploratory, innovative and domineering mindset to take on any task set before them. It it is now our resolve as a youth ministry to capitalise on this strength and channel their positive energy towards climate change mitigation through tree planting.’’

Also speaking, the network convener, Dr Goodluck Obi, commended the ruggedness of the governor toward tree planting in Imo State, affirming that he really deserved the award.

According to him, the effects of climate changes in Nigeria where Imo State is located in the eastern region include heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, erratic rainfall, floods, landslides, desertification and land degradation.

Mr Obi further commended the governor for being at the frontline for promoting youth involvement in climate action.

He urged other states and local governments in Nigeria to emulate the Imo State governor in tree planting.

According to him, tree planting is the cheapest means of adaptation and mitigation against climate change.

He said the network gave the inaugural award to the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State in 2010, Ayodele Adewale.

He stated that the government of Mr Adewale planted and nurtured trees in all 11 wards of the local government area.

He stated, “Adewale created A green Club that was in charge of planting and nurturing the trees. There were Tree planting Clubs in primary and secondary schools. He created a special climate change unit.’’

(NAN)