By Tochi
In celebration of World Earth Day, the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) hosted an impactful event titled “Bamboo for a Cooler Environment.” The event aligned with this year’s global Earth Day theme: “Our Power, Our Planet,” which emphasizes the urgent shift towards renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
The institute, designated as a Center of Excellence on Bamboo Agroforestry, showcased its ongoing contributions to environmental protection and climate action. As part of the event, students from the Department of Botany engaged in organic composting using poultry waste to prepare manure for raising Bambusa vulgaris bamboo plantlets. This hands on initiative supports SDSN Nigeria’s National Green Campaign, promoting sustainable agroforestry and climate-friendly practices.
In his keynote address, Dr. John Ogbodo, Director of SIBRED, highlighted the institute’s innovative research into bamboo applications, including potential extraction for bamboo tea, drone body materials, and other sustainable products. “We believe that the forest estate is as vital as the building estate. As we push for the greening of our environment, we are also calling for global renewable energy generation to be tripled by 2030,” Dr. Ogbodo stated.
He also acknowledged the institute’s partnerships with key organizations including the Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (GCSAYN) in the United States and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN), Anambra State chapter.
Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Ogomma Usuafor, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, an advocate for clean energy and earth preservation, Miss Miracle Opara, Anambra State Lead for the (UNSDSN) National Green Campaign, Dr. C.F. Iroka, Department of Botany, UNIZIK.
This celebration reinforced the crucial role of bamboo agroforestry in climate resilience, clean energy advocacy, and community-driven sustainability efforts.
RPT/ Tochi