FUPRE Partners YFDI on Fruit Trees Planting
By Wilson Macaulay
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun on Friday 26th January, 2024 forged a pioneering partnership with the Youth Farmers Development Initiative (YFDI) for the establishment of a botanical garden and horticultural parks in the university.
The collaboration which was sealed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was in a bid to foster environmental consciousness and agricultural education through the planting of fruit trees and cultivation of a thriving orchard within the university campus.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, FNES said that there was urgent need to match infrastructural development with the green initiative and raise the ambience and conviviality of the University environment.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh while thanking the YFDI delegation for the visit and the willingness to provide the much-needed specialist support, disclosed that the founding fathers of the university recognized the need for fruit-tree planting, hence spaces were allotted in the university Master Plan for that purpose. He also promised to offer al necessary support towards the actualization of the project.
In his remark, YFDI National President, Mr. Chilota Onyeka expressed his organization’s preparedness to assist the university reap sufficiently from the immense benefits of fruit-tree planting, and assured that genetically modified species of pawpaw, orange, coconut and other economically viable varieties of trees will be nurtured to maturity to optimize their economic benefits and beautify the learning environment.
According to him, beyond the educational aspect, the collaboration aims to contribute to the university’s commitment to biodiversity and climate resilience. Fruit trees, known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, will enhance the campus’s green cover and contribute to the overall well-being of the ecosystem.
The event climaxed into a practical session where samples of fruit-trees were planting by both the VC and President of YFDI in the university.
Others at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Doris Ogeleka; Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Omoyine E. Jane; Bursar, Mr. Garba Nabayi and the Director, Physical Planning Department, Arc. Oniovoefe Ekuerhare
On the YFDI delegation was State Coordinator, Hon. Ovie Joseph Akozo; National Principal Officer, Bishop Unwe Samson Efe, and State PRO, Ovuakpoye Eric.
