OKADA — Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability, declaring that environmental stewardship remains a core institutional value and strategic priority rather than merely an academic concern.
The commitment was reiterated by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, during the commemoration of World Environment Day 2026 held on Friday at the Main Library Conference Hall of the institution in Okada, Edo State.
Addressing participants, Prof. Ezemonye described World Environment Day as the United Nations’ foremost platform for mobilising global awareness and action toward protecting the planet.
According to him, the annual observance serves as a call to nations, institutions and individuals to reflect on their responsibilities and renew their commitment to safeguarding the environment.
He noted that the 2026 global theme, “Now for Climate,” is more than a slogan, describing it as a directive and an urgent call to action.
“As a university, we bear a unique and privileged responsibility in this conversation. Institutions of higher learning are, by their very nature, custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions,” Ezemonye said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged stakeholders and development partners to strengthen commitments to vigorous, interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research, model sustainable behaviour, and engage communities in meaningful conversations on climate action, forest conservation and collective responsibility for environmental health.
Prof. Ezemonye, who is also the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN), used the occasion to deliver a goodwill message, stressing that the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” speaks directly to all stakeholders determined to be active agents of change.
“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental phenomenon. It is real. It is the defining health crisis of the 21st century and the single greatest health threat of all times, featuring significantly in SDG-3, SDG-2, SDG-6 and SDG-13,” he remarked.
He observed that environmental practitioners are already driving transformative change through the deployment of nature-based solutions, accelerated renewable energy transitions and climate-smart agricultural practices that are restoring ecosystems and improving productivity.
Calling for greater collaboration, Ezemonye charged environmental practitioners, policymakers, the private sector, civil society organisations, communities, and academic institutions to intensify efforts toward protecting the planet.
“On this year’s World Environment Day, the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria renews its commitment to be the professional front.
“We are inspired by the resilience of the natural world and the resolve of every practitioner who shows up, day after day, to defend it,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also paid tribute to the founder of the university, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CON, CFR, the Honourable Chancellor and Proprietor of IUO and the Esama of Benin Kingdom, acknowledging his enduring contribution to education in Nigeria.
“We honour your sacrifice, and on this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to an institution worthy of your enduring legacy,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Igbinedion University, Prof. Spencer C. Nwangwu, warned that global temperatures have already exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent and ecosystems facing unprecedented pressure.
He noted, however, that the world possesses the technology, financing mechanisms and growing political will required to reverse current trends if decisive action is taken.
Speaking on the significance of the theme, “Now for Climate,” Nwangwu said the climate crisis is already being felt across Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
“For Nigeria and the Niger Delta, ‘Now for Climate’ is a lived reality felt in communities displaced by flooding, in farmlands rendered infertile by pollution, and in fishing villages watching their catch diminish year on year,” he said.
He added that the Centre views the theme as a direct challenge to the university community to expand its engagement, strengthen collaborations and catalyse innovative climate solutions.
The event’s keynote lecture was delivered by the Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, MFR, on the topic: “Now for Climate: Nigeria’s Moment, Edo’s Opportunity — Universities at the Vanguard of the Climate Transition.”
Dr. Bassey emphasised the need to adopt sustainable practices, reduce environmental pollution and support initiatives that build climate resilience within communities. His presentation highlighted the critical intersection of ecological urgency, policy reforms and emerging opportunities for sustainable development.
The programme also featured five thematic sessions focusing on forests and climate infrastructure, clean industry and net-zero pathways, Edo State’s environmental governance framework, youth-led green innovation, and climate finance and natural capital markets.
A major highlight of the event was the commissioning and presentation of 30 waste bins donated to Igbinedion University by SWARM, a project co-funded by the European Union (EU), in support of sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship within the institution.
The event drew environmental experts, policymakers, academics, development partners, students and other stakeholders, all united in advancing climate solutions and strengthening collective action for a sustainable future.