It was a colorful spectacle in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Saturday, the 1st of June , 2024, as the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations joined its counterparts across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to stage a wonderful 60th anniversary of the Institute.
The colorful event began with the anniversary walk from the State Secretariat behind the Central Bank of Nigeria building in Oke-Ilewo Abeokuta, through Ibara Police Station-Omida to Panseke, which was the termination point.
Members of the State Chapter of the NIPR in their colorful red- coloured T shirts which represents the corporate color of NIPR and their green caps which stood for the ‘Green Nigeria' initiative, embarked on the walk themed: “Diamond Walk for Economic Transformation’. The twin event also has the planting of 60 economic trees to commemorate the anniversary as directed by the National Secretariat of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; as part of the Institute's Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at impacting positively on its publics and the environment, at large.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter, Mrs Seun Boye, represented by the Vice Chairman who doubles as the Chairman 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr Waheed Ogunjobi, said in giving consideration to the planting of 60 trees to commemorate the event, the institute understands the importance of environmental conservation to make the world more habitable for the present and future generations. According to her, the body is promoting a sustainable environment as part of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which is why it decided to plant 60 trees in commemoration of its diamond jubilee to promote environmental sustainability by managing today’s resources in a way that future generations are cared for.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako who was the Special guest of Honour at the event said that a collective commitment was required to foster a sustainable environment in Nigeria.
The Minister who flagged off the tree planting exercise stated this at the commissioning of the NIPR Diamond Green Park at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta.
Subsequently, the Minister, on behalf of the Federal Government, donated 1,000 seedlings to support the tree planting campaign being promoted by the NIPR.
Represented by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, Professor Zacharia Yaduma, Salako described the theme for the NIPR Diamond Anniversary, “Green Nigeria,” as appropriate. According to the Minister; 'though Nigeria is green, continuous efforts are required from the citizenry to achieve a greener Nigeria and more eco-friendly environment'.
He gave a thumb up to the NIPR for incorporating the idea of tree planting in its diamond anniversary activities and called for collective commitment to fostering a sustainable environment in Nigeria, saying the Federal Government requires strong stakeholders’ support to combat the challenges of climate change.
“As we reflect on our journey as a nation, we are reminded of the vital importance of sustainable development. Greener Nigeria is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. It urges us to embrace practices that promote environmental stewardship, to innovate in ways that reduce our carbon footprint, and to invest in the health of our ecosystems,” he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, lauded NIPR for contributing to the wellness and well-being of the Nigerian society with its tree planting campaign.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, noted that the NIPR was planting for posterity as the trees would outlive the current generation.
“Today, as we celebrate this Diamond Anniversary, let us renew our pledge to protect and enhance our natural heritage. Let us work together to ensure that our forests remain lush, our rivers flow clean, our gutters waste free and our air stays pure. Let us support initiatives that drive green energy, sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts across our beloved nation", he said.
In a remark, the Rector of MAPOLY, Dr Adeoye Odedeji said the premises of the institution is adorned with trees due to the importance of trees on the conservation of the environment, assuring that the NIPR green park would be nurtured as a unit in MAPOLY for present and future generations of Nigerians.
The State Chapter Chairman, Mrs. Seun Boye had earlier said the choice of MAPOLY was in recognition of the significant role the institution is playing in producing Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria, a mission which she said was in tandem with the mandate of the NIPR.
Also speaking during the walk, a fellow of the Institute and former State Chairman, Mr Akin Okudero, harped on the health and economic importance of trees which he said can be used as raw materials as well as medicine.
Another former Chairman of the State Chapter, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, said the institute decided to key into the Green initiative to support the Federal government in ensuring a sustainable environment.
The National President of the Landscape and Horticulturists Association of Nigeria, Mr Sanya Fálemú who is a major partner with the Ogun NIPR in developing the Green Park, explained that tree planting would help protect the environment while the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju congratulated NIPR on its 60th anniversary and assured of a stronger synergy between the NUJ and the NIPR.
On their part, the state chairman of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Alhaji Atinuke Ebun, and the State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr Kunle Ashimi said they were proud to be associated with Ogun NIPR, lauding the initiative of tree planting for economic growth and sustainable development.
Among dignatories at the event was the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, MAPOLY Deputy Rector, Mrs. Lanre-Iyanda, the Registrar, Mrs Bunmi Elewadalu, representative of the TRACE Commander, Commander Seni Ogunyemi and Lecturers of Mass Communication and Public Relations, including Dr. Sina Aina and Mr. Lekan Togunwa, who is also a past chairman of the State Chapter of NIPR, among others.
Waheed Ogunjobi, is the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ogun State Chapter and the Chairman, Planning Committee of the NIPR Diamond Anniverssary in Ogun State and can be reached on 08035004741 or waheedogunjobi@gmail.com
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