PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

U.S. Mission Nigeria Marks 2008 Earth Day Celebrations with “Green Awards”

Date: April 22, 2008
Venue: Jos

Embassy Information Officer, David Renz (left) presenting the Award

“As we recognize companies, projects and individuals for contributing to a sustainable Nigerian environment, may I salute the immense support of the United States to the development of this country."  These were the words of the Plateau State Governor Jonah David Jang at the 2008 Earth Day celebrations and presentation of “Green Awards” on Tuesday, April 22, 2008.  The event hosted by the American Corner, Jos had over 100 participants including students from three schools and seven non-governmental organizations working on environmental issues in the Jos area.   Embassy Information Officer, David Renz said the United States is working in partnership with countries and international organizations in creating a sustainable environment, and addressing the global challenges of climate change.  He described the “Green Awards” initiative as part of U.S. efforts to recognize individuals and NGOs tackling environmental issues. 

In a goodwill message to the event, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, said while it is easy for people to blame the industrialized world for the depletion of the ozone layer, humanity must collectively accept the blame for what the earth has become today as a result of our actions or inactions.  He thanked the U.S. Embassy for partnering with organizations in creating awareness and pushing for action in preserving the environment, describing it as a pointer to the “strong solidarity of the human family on the environment.”

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Energy, (Power), Hajiya Halima Ibrahim through her representative said the Earth Day events organized by the Embassy inspire awareness of and appreciation of the Earth’s environment.  She congratulated the Embassy for organizing the program saying that it is “important in creating awareness on environmental issues and problems in the society."

Two renowned Nigerian environmentalists, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, popularly referred to as “Mr. Desert” of the Fight Against Desert Encroachment, (FADE) and Dr. Babajide Ajijola Agboola, President, Environmental Resources Conservation Initiative, Jos were recognized and presented with the 2008 “Green Awards”. 

Dr. Jibunoh was recognized for his extraordinary efforts to bring people of diverse interests and cultures together to solve environmental problems, and also for his strong and consistent advocacy on the threat of desertification, droughts, and desert encroachment.  Dr. Agboola’s recognition was for his extraordinary passion for nature and the environment which comes from a deep love for the land and animals, and also for using his veterinary skills to establish an NGO that teaches and demonstrates the use of environmental conservation to develop a sustainable community. 

The event featured poster and video shows and exhibition of environmentally friendly methods of food preservation from the different NGOs and schools that attended the event.