By Amaechi Agbo

Environmentalists and experts have called for greater synergy between actors and institutions in promoting a healthier environment and mitigating the impact of climate change on the ecosystem

University dons made the call on Friday during the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, ESUT activities to mark this year’s World Environment Day.

The event, which held at the Prof Julius Onah Auditorium, ESUT, Ebeano City, aligned with this year’s global focus on environmental renewal

The exercise brought together academics, environmental experts, and students to tackle local ecological threats.

Making his presentation, the Guest Speaker at the event, Prof Joseph Ajadike of the Department of Geography and Metrology, ESUT, emphasized the urgent need for collective environmental responsibility. He noted that academic institutions must transition from theoretical frameworks to practical, measurable eco-friendly actions to combat rising local temperatures and pollution.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof Edmund Iyi, while appreciating the support of the university management and board of the faculty, stressed the need for effective synergy between the gown and the town in promoting good environment.

Prof Iyi who called for stringent measures against those violating environmental laws, called on agencies to collaborate with instructions of higher learning in carrying out effective campaign against climate change.

While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancelor of ESUT, Prof Aloysius-Michaels OKolie, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Chike Nwoha, lauded the faculty for always being in the forefront in championing a healthier environment.

Prof Okolie however called on established authorities to take critical look at indiscriminate building of houses and structures especially on waterways which affect the general public.

“I want to thank the Dean and his faculty for always being in the forefront of championing campaigns and awareness concerning our environment.

” I recall that during last year, we embarked on aggressive three planting to break the Guinness World Record. Today, the target is on urbanisation and sustainable future of our environment.

“One thing about our environmental ecosystem is that an indiscriminate act against the environment by an individual is a huge threat to every one of us. And that is why I appeal to the government and its agencies to look into indiscriminate building of houses and structures in our areas especially in waterways. Structures, when planned very well, add topographic beaut to our surroundings,” Prof Okolie noted.

Other participants agreed that the 2026 commemoration marks the beginning of a long-term environmental monitoring initiative designed to transform the ESUT campus into a model for regional climate resilience.

The 2026 World Environment Day was globally commemorated on Friday, 5 June 2026, with the official global celebrations hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan in its capital city, Baku. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the global observance focused on driving aggressive climate engagement, green infrastructure, and sustainable ecosystem recovery.