The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie has said that the institution would soon launch a campaign to plant 10,000 trees to mitigate the effects of climate change.

He disclosed this when the leadership of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the university in Benin.

Omoregie said the tree-planting initiative is part of his five-point agenda, which he outlined as key objectives to achieve for the institution.

“Since I assumed office, I have emphasised that the University of Benin must progress. The reason for my appointment is to make that possible.

“The university has existed for 55 years and remains the only institution in the whole of Edo State that has endured for over five decades.

“Look around, whether in business or education, few institutions can trace their history back 55 years. That speaks to the importance of this university, not just to the government but to all stakeholders, including your council.

“I have a five-point agenda, carefully aligned with the university’s strategic vision.

“We aim to improve the university’s infrastructure and enhance environmental sustainability. We must continuously refine our surroundings to support academic activities and recreational purposes.

“As a university, we should be a model. That is why, upon entering the campus, one immediately senses a distinct community, separate from the larger environment we all know.

“While our environmental outlook is already commendable, we are not satisfied. We seek further regeneration to enhance our ecological footprint.

“To this end, we will soon commence a campaign to plant 10,000 trees on campus. This initiative will extend beyond the university to the state at large, including Benin City.

“From Ugbowo to other parts of Benin, there are scarcely any trees, which is deeply concerning given that we are in a rainforest zone.

“Tree planting is not just for aesthetics; it serves environmental conservation purposes. It impacts health, climate change mitigation, and ecological remediation. We take this campaign very seriously.

“Recall that upon assuming office, my first task as Vice-Chancellor was to plant trees,” Omoregie said.

The Vice-Chancellor further assured the NUJ of the institution’s willingness to collaborate in fostering a better and more vibrant society.

Earlier, NUJ chairman Dr Festus Alenkhe congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment, noting that since taking office, the institution had made significant strides in academic excellence.

Alenkhe assured Omoregie of the union’s unwavering support in delivering on his five-point agenda for the university.