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Green Campus Initiative partners with UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)

We are happy to be in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).The Sustainable Development Solutions Network goals include; no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, decent work and economic growth. Below is the letter of partnership sent from SDSN.

UN Partnership Letter

It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the Executive Committee of the cc has enthusiastically approved the Green Institute, Adeyemi College of Education for membership. We are very happy to have you join the Network and look forward to working together in support of sustainable development.

In the coming months, we look forward to finding further means of collaboration on research, Solutions Initiatives, and policy work.

In the meantime, please let us know if you have suggestions for joint initiatives or requests for how the SDSN might be able to support your work. Please also feel free to contact Lauren or me at any time if you have questions regarding your membership in the SDSN.

With best wishes,

Eve de la Mothe Karoubi

Manager
Sustainable Development Solutions Network

www.unsdsn.org

                                                             

Win up to $8000 in Film4Climate Video Competition!

We are excited to inform you that our partner, Connect4Climate just launched a Film Competition to promote sustainability in the creative industries through active engagement with young people in finding solutions to climate change.

The Film4Climate Global Video Competition invites aspiring filmmakers from around the world to express their vision for a sustainable future by creating a short film or video about climate action. The competition calls on filmmakers to explore Climate Action, the 13th goal under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing what individuals and communities around the world are doing to promote action, offer solutions and inspire positive change to combat climate change and its impacts. Filmmakers are encouraged to deploy personal narratives that explore fundamental questions such as: What does climate change mean to me? What actions am I taking to mitigate the advance of global warming? What is my Climate Action message to the world?

Videos must be submitted as Public Service Announcements that are less than one minute, or as a Short Film, between one and five minutes.

Bernardo Bertolucci (The Conformist, Last Tango in Paris) will serve as the jury president of the competition. Bertolucci is joined on the jury by Oscar-winning Directors and Producers as well as luminaries of cinema, communications and the environment, including Mohamed Nasheed, climate champion and former president of the Maldives, producer Lawrence Bender (An Inconvenient Truth, Pulp Fiction), director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Saving Face, A Girl in the River), director Louie Psihoyos (The Cove, Racing Extinction), director Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener), director Robert Stone (Radio Bikini, Pandora’s Promise), director Mika Kaurismaki (Zombie and the Ghost Train), director Pablo Trapero (Carancho, El Clan), producer Martin Katz (Hotel Rwanda), Ann Hornaday, Chief Film Critic of The Washington Post, Sheila Redzepi, Vice President for External and Corporate Relations, World Bank Group, Moroccan director Farida Benlyazid (Frontieras, Keïd Ensa),  Carole Tomko, General Manager and Creative Director of Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions, Maria Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Avatar Alliance Foundation, Pat Mitchell, President and CEO of the Paley Center for Media, Rose Kuo, CEO and Artistic Director of the Qingdao International Film Festival, and Mark Lynas, author and environmentalist (The God Species, Six Degrees).

The competition is open to filmmakers between 14 and 35 years old. Submissions will be open through September 15, 2016. For full competition rules and eligibility requirements, please visit: film4climate.net or connect4climate.org.

Connect4Climate Knowledge Partners with the Green Campus Initiative

The Green Campus Initiative would like to make an official announcement of her partnership with an organization called Connect4Climate. This organization was launched by World Bank and the Italian Ministry of Environment, and the GEF in collaboration with more than 140 global partners in September 2011. Connect4Climate (C4C) is a campaign, a coalition, and a global community that takes on climate change promotes solutions and empowers action.

Since its launch, Connect4Climate has built an aggregate online community of a million fans and a coalition of about 400 partners committed to climate change communication and action. Connect4Climate partners include UN agencies, climate programs in leading academic institutions, private sector organizations, media, NGOs, and CSOs.

Connect4Climate's knowledge partnership program focuses on sharing and cross-promoting activities and creating new connections in creative ways that will amplify each other’s initiatives and projects through social media, web platforms, speaking opportunities or joint events, depending on our partners’ engagement and focus on common areas. 

The Green Campus Initiative is very pleased to accept this partnership and look forward to a mutually beneficial and long lasting relationship.

 

Green Personality of the Month: Psalm Oluwaseyi David

The Green Personality of this month is Mr. Psalm Oluwaseyi David. He is a 400level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. David is a multi-talented young man who loves not just to get his hands busy but also to impact and improve his immediate environment. He started a movement in his school with some network of co bright minds called My Navigator, an errand service within and outside the campus. His team also has a brand called CreatvColony.

They hosted a program in FUTA last year tagged ‘evolve’ and a 2,500 capacity hall was fully packed. David is also into reusing and recycling waste plastics. He was at the Green Centre in Adeyemi College of Education last month to teach some ambassadors

Inspired by his works, the Green Team is pleased to present to you, Psalm Oluwaseyi David of CreatvColony, as the Green Personality of the month of June.

Here are the highlights of our interview with him

CAN WE MEET YOU PLEASE?

I am Psalm Oluwaseyi David, creatively known as PsalmDavid and corporately as Oluwaseyi David, an indigene of Ijan Ekiti in Ekiti State, born and bred in the cold city of Jos, Plateau State. I am presently an undergraduate student of the Department of Estate Management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.

WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHY DO YOU DO IT?

I am a Serial Entrepreneur, managing businesses in lines of creative and performing art, service provider and also a business coach/consultant.

I became engaged in all these when I discovered that God has given me the ability to handle more. (Remember the parable of the talents? “to some he gave one, some two, and to some he gave five’’)

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED SO FAR?

My greatest challenges so far have been the challenge of finding the right, like-minded, self-motivated, passionate people to work with and who fit into the structure of my laid down corporate organizations, and also the challenge of gaining capital resources needed to run my many enterprises.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME THEM?

I have been able to overcome these challenges by patiently and carefully searching for young creative minds, and not compromising the standards of what is required for the efficient performance of the laid down structure. Secondly, by networking and leveraging on the available capital and intellectual resources of similar initiatives of others who are ahead of me in my field of endeavors.

WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME OF YOUR BRAND?

The brand PsalmDavid (creative and performing art), was inspired by my abilities to create and recreate things in a unique form, outdoing myself all and only by myself, just like a Diamond, (only a diamond is said to break a diamond), only David could have written Psalm. And also the ability to do diverse things well, just like David, which coincidentally happens to be my name. David was a man of many talents, breaking his records all by himself.

The brand Creatvcolony was inspired by the quest to find other creative individuals around, to form a colony where innovative ideas are generated for the benefit of our immediate community.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT TEAM WORK?

Teamwork has mostly been the force behind the lasting successes of most big companies, organizations, and endeavors today. Teamwork, when properly managed builds a great momentum for the effective and efficient execution of any project. Every individual has a unique way of accomplishing the same set of tasks but with different efficiency. However, in a team, when all these different ideas are listed, the most effective and efficient technique is generated and brought to light, thereby eliminating any weakness and threats of a set task, by the workability of every team members areas of strength, bringing about a lasting and successful impact. Most importantly, teamwork broadens individual knowledge, ideas and abilities.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO IMPACT YOUR IMMEDIATE COMMUNITY?

I believe that impacting my immediate community starts with impacting the people who live in that community, and this can only take effect after one has positively impacted one’s self. It begins with me.

I have been able to position my mindset for a positive impact, and this has built into my subconscious and has in the long run influenced my every action to be positively impactful, reflecting an admirable lifestyle to others who become inspired and ignites their passion for leading a better life. I have been able to build a sense of valuable responsibilities in everyone that I have come in contact with, both from actions and interactions with them. By so doing, building a circle of individuals who are driven by the passion for leading a responsible and meaningful life that greatly speaks for the communit

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO YOUTHS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?

Hmm, well this is what I have to say to everyone about the environment, our environment. From the deepest thoughtful part of my heart:

There is NO SECOND EARTH, where we may choose to run or relocate to when we finally destroy this earth where we are living in now. To alarm this more, irrespective of your location around the world, WE ALL SHARE EVERYTHING nature has to offer. We share the same air, same soil, same lights, same sky, same water, and the same ozone layer. We all share the same MOTHER EARTH. Therefore, if your thoughts are that; what you do or what your neighbor does that negatively affects your immediate environment will not get to you, because you will migrate to another part of this world when the consequences arise, I will suggest you have a deeper rethink. Because we all in the long run share in both the benefits and in the disasters that may arise as a result of our actions or inactions, it is not ours to choose. We all share Mother Earth. So why not be conscious of this TRUTH now, why not tell someone about this TODAY, why not CARE for Mother Earth, why not SAVE MOTHER EARTH. How???...... BE OFFICIALLY GREEN.

Today is World Oceans Day!!!

The World Oceans Day is celebrated on the 8th of June, annually. It was made so in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171). Oceans are like the heart of our planet. Like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, the ocean connects people across the Earth, no matter where we live. The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, produces oxygen, is the home to an incredible array of wildlife, provides us with important medicines, and so much more! In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us.

This year, the theme is Healthy oceans, healthy planet, and its major focus is on plastic pollution and how to stop it.

World Environment Day 2016: Be an Agent of Change!

The World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is celebrated widely in over 100 countries. It serves as a ‘people’s day’ for doing something to care for the earth or become an agent of change. Actions can be taken by individuals or a group of people, locally, nationally, or globally and through decades, WED has generated incredibly positive impacts on the planet.

Annually, WED is celebrated on the 5th of June and it is usually organised around a theme and has different host countries. This year, it is themed on the illegal trade in wildlife under the slogan ‘Go Wild for Life’ and the host country is Angola. The Green Campus Initiative decided to be a part of this year’s WED celebration and create positive impacts locally. The first step was to go in search of a dilapidated primary school in a rural area of Ondo town to renovate and Orimolade Community Primary School in ‘Litaye Community’ fit just perfectly into the picture. As soon as the proper authorities were informed about our intentions, the publicity began and the set day for the event was 3rd June. E-fliers were made and posted on our online platforms and volunteers were implored to join in the movement.

Green_Campus_World_Environmental_Day

As the day gradually approached, several volunteers, ambassadors, and even lecturers began showing their interest. Letters were sent out to solicit for financial support as it is a capital intensive project and on the 3rd to 5th of June, about 60 volunteers including some students from the Green Kids Club moved into Litaye Community with cutlasses, hoes, flowers, paints, brushes and other materials needed for the task ahead. Work began immediately and a short while later, everyone went to pay a respect visit to the ‘Baale’ that is, community ruler. He gave words of advice and blessing. Work resumed; clearing unkempt grasses, planting flowers, painting classrooms and exterior walls.

Lots of the community children came around to help out, some older ones also checked in to show their pleasure and give encouragements. The volunteers had a lot fun while working. They understood better the effectiveness of teamwork, some even newly learnt how to paint. Some others visited the close by palm oil making site in the community to see and learn how its production processes. There was also an exceptional and very attractive mural painting, artistically created by one of our talented ambassadors.

The volunteers also learnt and played local games with the community kids, some others played football with them and it was very exciting. The last batch of volunteers left the community at about 5:30 pm with the intention of fixing another date to put finishing touches on the almost completed renovation.

It is also very interesting to know that about twenty (20) Green Ambassadors at Ahmadu Bello University enthusiastically celebrated WED in Zaria on the 5th of June. They visited Barewa College, a college that is very important in the history of Nigeria as it has produced five (5) Nigerian Presidents. They cleared the environment, planted trees, and organised a lecture on Climate Change given by Jafar Abdulahi from Kaduna State University.

Indeed, we are change agents doing it locally, one impact at a time till a ripple effect spread all through the nation and beyond. WE ARE OFFICIALLY GREEN!

Kaduna State University Goes Green

“Greening the Campus” is the first campus seminar of the Green Campus Initiative at Kaduna State University, which introduces eco-sustainability, instigate sustainable actions among students in Kaduna State University. Barakat Tiamiyu; a Green Campus Ambassador, convenes the events, involving the different stakeholders that graced the occasion.

Green Ambassadors at Kaduna State University

Green Ambassadors at Kaduna State University

The event was held at the Faculty of Science Lecture Theatre, Kaduna State University on the 31st May 2016. Two hundred and fifty (250) students from various departments in the University were in attendance. Several staff also graced the event. Mr Yusuf Sokfa Kanhu (a youth ambassador) was the anchor for the event. The theme “GREENING THE CAMPUS” event is aimed to create awareness about the importance of 'Going Green', to form a green family of volunteers working together to build a positive and sustainable future.

Miss Barakat Tiamiyu (Green Ambassador and Convener)  

Miss Barakat Tiamiyu (Green Ambassador and Convener)  

Moderator - Yusuf Kanhu

Moderator - Yusuf Kanhu

 

The event kick started by recognising the presence of distinguished guests; Prof. Bala Dogo - Dean of Postgraduate Studies, KASU, Madam Ketura Aku– Administrator of Hamdala Hostel, Dr Yusuf Saleh (Lecturer, Geography Department)– Representing (Dean, Faculty of Science- Prof. J. G. Laah). Speakers: Arc Gbolade Ogundele -Representing the Green Team,  Alpha Nathaniel Hayab – Young Farmer’s Initiative, and Dr Salamatu Sukai Akor – Mandela Washington Alumni.

 

Miss Barakat Tiamiyu introduced the Green Campus Initiative (GCI). She remarkably took the students round the journey on how she became a GCI ambassador. She talked about the exciting part of working to promote students participation in environmental actions, and how seeing different passions has kept pushing her to forge ahead. She also spoke about what GCI is doing to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability and how students can get involved. A more elaborate explanation was given by Arc Gbolade Ogundele, as he talked about what Going Green further entails, citing some visual example in Kaduna environs, and explaining the steps of achieving environmental sustainability as students. The audience then watched a video presentation that summarised the different GCI activities so far.

Alpha Nathanial Hayab- Founder (Young Farmer's Initiative)

Alpha Nathanial Hayab- Founder (Young Farmer's Initiative)

Arc. Gbolade Ogundele- Representing GCI

Arc. Gbolade Ogundele- Representing GCI

Alpha Nathaniel Hayab, spoke on “Farmer’s and Climate Change”. Using the YALI climate change video to explain the component behind climate change and how it affects farmers, the people, and the economy. He said, ”young people need to be enticed to venture into the business of agriculture for the purpose of profit-making, to reduce unemployment and poverty”. Dr Salamatu Sukai Akor, also spoke on Human health and climate change- talking about its adverse effect on people, and how our activities gradually affect us. She mentioned that bottled water are expensive in the US, and it was a deliberate action to force people to carry their watering can which they could refill at different terminals. They also charge high fees in parking lots; this also is to encourage the use of public transport. 

The event ended with a key remark from the representative of Prof. J. G. Laah (Dean, Faculty of Science). It was indeed an interesting and impactful event, as the speakers and students showed great enthusiasm and now Kaduna State University is Officially Green.  There was a huge turnout of students who waited behind to inquire how they can be actively involved in the movement in Kaduna State University.

Green Campus Initiative featured on the 2016 New Media Conference

The Green Campus Initiative was a part of this year’s New Media Conference; a leading conference in Nigeria that gives you a unique opportunity to learn from, and network with senior leaders from the biggest brands in Nigeria. It held on the 27th of May, 2016 at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. A team of ten (10) representatives from the Initiative attended the conference among which were ambassadors, associates, and an advisor.

The founder of the Initiative, Adenike Akinsemolu gave a brilliant 20 minutes summary of the challenge that birthed the Initiative and how New Media had helped promote and publicise the Initiative. She also made everyone take the Green Pledge.

Green_Campus_NMC

After that, a panel session titled "Green Media and Popular Culture: Using Green Media for Sustainable Green Initiatives in Nigeria" commenced moderated by Owoeye Abolade (Teaching Assistant at FUTA), consisting of four (5) seasoned panellists who are:

Segun Adaju, C.E.O. Blue Ocean Nigeria,

Kayikunmi Stefan, Specialist in Energy Economics,

Mr. Bankole Temitayo, Prime Minister, Green Campus Initiative, and,

Odunayo Ayodeji, Minister of Education and Advocacy, Green Campus Initiative.

The topic, Green Media, and Popular Culture: using New Media for Sustainable Green Initiatives in Nigeria, was discussed extensively. Then a session of question and answer followed. It was indeed a fun and educative experience as many had wondered how the Green Initiative was to fit into the conference. The attention and participation of the audience showed that they were carried along and properly educated and now fully understood the role of New Media in the sustainability of Green Initiatives in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Donation of Waste Bins to Adeyemi College of Education

Students from the Integrated Science Department of Adeyemi College of Education, in collaboration with the Green Campus Initiative, donated sixty (60) waste bins to the school management. This act was done to promote environmental cleanliness within the school. It was noticed that the school had a shortage of waste bins, and so in a bid to address this issue, some more waste bins were made available.

The presentation was made to the Provost of the school, Prof. Olukoya Ogen on Tuesday 17th May 2016 who received it with a grateful heart on behalf of the school management and applauded the efforts of the parties involved in the donation. The bins were evenly distributed all through the faculties of the school. 

Green Personality of the Month: Barakat Tiamiyu Bidemi

The Green Personality of the Month is a new idea of the Green Campus Initiative that aims to recognize and celebrate positive, dynamic, and motivated young individuals. Their great passion for the environment and society cause them to take positive actions which do not only improve the environment but also influences others to go green and live sustainably.

Inspired by her works, the Green Team is pleased to announce Barakat Tiamiyu Bidemi of House of Babiti, as the pioneer Green Personality of the Month.

Meet Barakat Tiamiyu Bidemi, a 19-year-old undergraduate student of Urban and Regional Planning, at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria. After founding the House of Babiti - a group of individuals dedicated to promoting youth engagement in active leadership and influencing them to become change drivers - in November 2015, she has successfully hosted 120 students of the Obafemi Awolowo University and network members of the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, for a #YALIGoesGreen inspired event. This event sparked undergraduate's interests in taking part in sustainable environmental actions. Bidemi's hobbies include bead making, travelling, and event planning.

We caught up with Bidemi to ask her a few questions:

You, House of Babiti and your friends made news recently with your work and eco-inspired event at Obafemi Awolowo University. What are some of the most important things you learnt during that process?

Yes, we had the event in January, the 23rd, this year. It was our maiden edition. The journey through was like an adventure; having to do new and different things. Some thought it was close to impossible for me to organize that event because I was in my first year at the University. They kept asking, “How are you going to pull things together?” But I believed, and still do, that we should not wait for all conditions to set right, somewhat, before doing the things we believe in: little things make big things. During all of this, I got to understand the essence of surrounding oneself with people that will inspire and gear your ambitions; with these, one will always want to do more.

Why do you believe that environmental sustainability and climate action is so important?

Climate change effects are not gender, ethnic, religious, or racial biased. Climate change affects everyone and every economy. We all need to take action, actions that will mitigate the alarming environmental risks in our communities. Future generations are posed to risks, due to fossil fuel dependence. The environmental sustainability measures and climate actions we take now will help save our world and the future.

What are some of the environmental challenges facing communities and people in Nigeria?

There is desertification in northern Nigeria, increased rise of water levels in oceans and rivers, in the south resulting in flooding, erosion, and land loss. Deforestation and oil spill are present challenges of the Niger Delta region. Also, it is instructive to note that many people still do not understand the phenomenon that results to what they feel or see happening around them. 

In a recent article House of Babiti did, we saw interesting discussions about best techniques that can be used to ignite pro-environmental attitude in different people, especially youths. Why do you think in different societal settings we still have a situation where fewer youths than adults are adopting greener and more sustainable lifestyles? How do we change that?

Just has explained in my recent write-up, many of us, youths, live our lives unconsciously, there are no distinctions, we do things because that is how we perceive the society to be, we follow the 'mother sheep.' Adults in the society on the other hand, still retain distinctions between right and wrong environmental practices, even without any literal understanding of climate actions. Most of our youths grow up in a setting where less interest is shown in sustaining the environment.

These can be reduced through proper sensitization both on social media and physical means. Also, introducing or illustrating sustainable actions to young people, while presenting incentives will go a long way in igniting their passion. Collective efforts should be made in organising events and enlightening youths on the need to have a better and healthy environment.

What do world leaders – in government and business – need to do to make environmental sustainability a reality for all communities?

World leaders in government need to adopt sustainable environmental practises in their diverse economies, take full considerations of the environment risks attached to the development of frameworks before endorsing them, create policies that will check industrial carbon emission, and invest and improve the renewable energy sector. World leaders in business should contribute to the green economy, innovate products of renewable material and help relate to the public on how green practices improve their businesses.

Every time you have an idea; you have a place on your mind. Tell us, what event are you planning to organize soon and where?

Yes, there is always an idea and a place, the place comes first before the idea. I am dedicated to making an impact everywhere I go. Presently, I am in Kaduna State planning a green event designed for undergraduate students of Kaduna State University. Since the Green Campus Initiative has proven to be a catalyst for students participation in environmental happenings, I am happy as a GCI Ambassador to introduce eco-sustainability to Kaduna State University. The event is coming up on the 2nd of June, 2016, and tagged "Greening the Campus". It is going to be positive and exhilarating. I want to thank the respective stakeholders who have been contributing in different ways and the Department of Geography of the University for their support so far. 

Bidemi has the planet and people in the heart. Say hi to her via +2347050541172 or barakatbidemi96@gmail.com

Ahmadu Bello University Students Goes Green

One needs continuously to absorb the rich, purposeful, contents of the Mission Statement of the Green Campus Initiative: "To tackle the challenges of climate change and environment sustainability through innovative academic research, [and] translating that into actions on campus[es] and beyond".

ahmadu-bello-university-green

GCI is not slowing down in creating positive eco-awareness and influencing sustainable actions on Nigerian campuses. Much kudos to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Green Ambassadors and students: they have translated these into action - a great step indeed - by holding their first physical meetup.

Held at the University's Department of Architecture and co-anchored by Dr. Amina Batagarawa; the GCI ABU Staff Adviser and Ibrahim Majidad; GCI ABU Campus Representative, the meetup was attended by GCI's ambassadors and many other interested students from the various campuses of the University. Themed, 'Why Green?', the meetup was a platform for healthy discussions, networking, brainstorming of ideas, and introducing to the new ambassadors and other students the workings and structures of the GCI Ambassadorship Programme.

In other to break the ice, personal Introductions were done by all in attendance. This was skillfully led by Ibrahim Yusuf Chafe; the President of Society of Architectural Students. After that, Dr. Amina Batagarawa did a very insightful presentation with slides and multimedia. The presentation was on the history, vision, achievement, portfolios and organizational structure of the GCI. It also covered the key values, roles, and duties of a Green Ambassador and other relevant information. Interesting questions covering key issues were raised after the presentation: Chinedu Ohambele, a 400 level architecture student, beautifully and sufficiently answered all of them.

It is interesting and pleasing to note that Ahmadu Bello University is not a newbie to the scene of sustainability processes and eco-friendly designs and structures. The University boasts of a mosque built with plastic materials, located in the Department of Business Administration, and their fight in tackling, head-on, improper waste disposal in major areas of Samaru Zaria community: this effort is led by Simon Gusah, an Australian researcher at Centre for Spatial Information Science (CSIS) under the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of ABU.

The meetup came to an end with photo sessions, after everyone in attendance took the Green Pledge and decided to pursue the purpose and goals of GCI in the little way they could so as to ensure environmental sustainability and a better, healthier, tomorrow.

Indeed, this meetup was effective as students got to network with much passion. The positive outcome of this meetup is already felt in the Zaria community. Congratulations GCI Ahmadu Bello University!

The State of Nature

Now that it’s been almost seven years, I can sufficiently say, I didn’t like Avatar much. To give a bit of context, I’m a film buff and looking back, I was probably more caught up in the experience of it all rather than in the movie itself. Avatar was Meh! It’s the kind of movie you look back at and say, yeah, I saw that. But, it is funny how certain parts and not the whole of things leave an imprint; like the memories of loved ones, where we only remember the good. I’m not going to outright say that Avatar got me interested in conservation, but, it sort of did. There’s this scene right before the big battle where Jake goes to pray to the N’aavi ancestors for guidance and assistance. In it, he makes a strange, but poignant comment. He says “They (humans) destroyed their green.” The ancestors end up providing assistance, and a whole lot of bloodshed commences, but that’s beside the point, this article isn’t about Pocahontas 2, sorry, Avatar. Cameron implies in the film that the world is seemingly headed to state of no nature and from a philosophical point that is mightily interesting to me.

I have read a multitude of classical philosophical works and I frequently ponder the friction between the past and the future. If, for example, the past was dictated by a state of nature, wouldn’t the future, being the polar opposite, be one without it. The State of Nature, as a philosophical thought, presents a world without society. I tend to take it further to mean, a world without the modern man. As the name suggests, nature rules in this environment and there is unparalleled equality among man. Man, without the technological advances of the modern era, only takes what he needs from nature. Nature would also rely on man to foster the photosynthesis loop; and being a largely agrarian society, also for the care and nurture of nature. In a sense, there is equality between man and nature as well. Thomas Hobbes, the British philosopher known for his social contract theory, postulates that in this state of nature, man is preoccupied with doing everything to preserve their life. He contends that life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. The state of nature is essentially a world of man versus man. Hence, the need for contracts to negotiate a way out of this compromise- and the subsequent creation of functioning states and governments. Hobbes sees the creation of government as the end of the state of nature. Governance is in itself a form of modernity. As such, I feel there exists a disconnection between the modern man and the state of nature. Evolution postulates the survival of the fittest, and as we gravitated towards a more unequal and unjust society, certain beneficial aspects of the state of nature have been abandoned.

I am not advocating the dissolution of government. If anything, I have constantly argued for the need of government to give conservation more precedence in the global arena. But the key word is preservation. The Hobbesian view is that governments form to ensure preservation of man. It likewise suggests that it is the fear of death that propels man to peace. As such, shouldn’t nature then be entitled to the same rights of preservation, given our equality? Recent estimates suggest that at least 10,000 species go extinct every year. At this rate, in another millennia, the planet would be a desolate place. Man is particularly responsible for this trend. 2015 was the warmest recorded year in history, the second warmest was 2014. Preservation of the environment has been relegated to the back-bench. This is where I feel government should play more of an active role. Hobbes stresses that the role of the sovereign is to ensure common peace and safety. Climate change is the greatest silent threat to the world. To ensure the safety of the future generation, we need to do more to avert the unthinkable.

Man’s greed has been echoed for generations now. It is the predominant assumption in economics. Industrialization and globalization are key to understanding rampant pollution. While I think competition on an international stage is healthy in terms of development, there should also be a rationale motivated by self-interest. Climate change is responsible for extreme weather patterns the world over. Droughts, extreme heats, glaciers melting and rising sea levels have an adverse effect on people’s livelihoods as well as the environment. Add to that the negative health outcomes these changes in the environment brings and you’ll perfectly understand the rising costs of these changes to man. I frequently refer to this discord between the global north and south when it comes to conservation. Less advanced nations bear the brunt of environmental degradation because they are ill-equipped to handle them. There seems to be an information asymmetry with regards to dealing with climate change. Not only do advanced nations have better technologies to deal with them, but information is not delivered in the appropriate channel to developing nations. This is the particular area where I feel government should play more of active role. It is not enough to rely on civil society to spread awareness on this all important issue. Competition should drive our need to preserve the environment- the need to better ourselves, to evolve, to survive.

The art of survival is engulfed in an endless state of conflict. The environment, more than anything charts a timeline similar to the literary conflict narrative. Man against man; where the need to secure resources generates conflicts. Nature is at the nucleus of this stage, albeit, not overly consumed to necessitate a disastrous erosion of the earth. The current stage is that of man against nature. Make no mistake, we are winning this battle but it is one we should not necessarily be partaking in. In most narratives, nature fights back aggravatingly. The stage that follows will be one of man against self. To wage war against nature is to ultimately wage war against ourselves as we stand to lose the most from an eroded earth.

Hobbes Leviathan (last reference, I swear) speaks on the Kingdom of Darkness. It’s not as mythical as it sounds however. Hobbes is talking about ignorance; similar to Plato’s Cave. I feel ignorance is the single most important factor derailing the environmental movement in the modern epoch. The onus, as in the cave, is for an individual to venture out, to seek knowledge, to seek the light. There are so many resources in this day and age to supplement the little you might know about climate change and environmental degradation. But we need sustained interest in the field, be it though organizing symposiums or going the extra mile to include it as a major in universities. Very few universities have programs in environmental protection, and fewer students actually take the bolder step to major in them.

In Avatar, man has taken the giant step into the unknown. After exhausting the resources on Earth, they venture to another planet. Barring any outrageous technological advancement, that seems highly unlikely in the near future. Already, we are seeing nature fighting back. Scientist are predicting more frequent changes in weather patterns around the world. Frequent micro earthquakes have been linked to fracking and extreme heat and cold are becoming more common. Just this past week, there have been several emergencies in India regarding heat strokes. The state of no nature isn’t a prediction, it’s already begun and we ultimately have no one but ourselves to blame. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olaoluwa holds a Masters in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelors from Lincoln University. He writes for the Green Campus Initiative. His core interests include poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability and youth empowerment. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing and watching sports. In the future, he hopes to obtain a doctorate degree where he aims to study exclusionary policies that limit youth participation in politics.

You Might Want to Try Having a Green Easter Holiday this Year

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Hello friends!

Sure, I agree that the idea of a green Easter holiday is somewhat new, but not to worry, the Green Team and I would be jumping in with you. Honestly, I can't wait to start my holiday, and guess what! For the first time, I would be catching some breath and fun whilst enjoying the freshness of nature with family and friends.

Aside being environmentally-friendly and healthy at the same time, having a green Easter holiday can also save you good sums of money and develop your creativity. Don’t get me wrong here! Having a green holiday doesn’t mean you have to cut back on the fun or other good times. Not at all, you can still enjoy the events and activities of your holiday. It only gets better.

Here are some ways to make your holiday greener, enjoy:

First, get everybody, family and friends, to know that you plan to be eco-friendly during the holiday and ask for their support. There are high chances that you could just influence a large number of them, if not all, to be part of your plans. Who doesn’t want to be healthy and strong, I mean? Instead of sending out your plans, and hangout, reunion, or other event invitations to them with cards or paper letters, you could rather send an email, a text, or give them a call. Online ways of informing family and friends are really acceptable. Go ahead, tell them your plans and be digital!

If you’ve been thinking of taking a trip to a smoky factory, or hosting a hangout in that noisy centre, it’s time to let that though go. You should consider a venue or location that would be relaxing - a perfect one. Take a trip instead to that Conservation Park or reserve, walk through their quiet paths, feel the trees, hear the chirping and melody of birds, and be close to nature. Have that reunion or hangout outdoors, see the therapeutic skies above your head, watch the sun set, be in that little gush of moist wind, and again be close to nature. You would save electrical energy by doing these because you don’t get to power on the light bulbs. Also, the happiness, adventure and new experience you get by doing these would be satisfying and fulfilling.

Providing bins that are well labeled are also something you should do at your events. Recycle bins, compost bins, and garbage bins for throwaways. Guests would dispose properly on seeing these bins.

Finally, you might want to try some new type of food. Fast foods and excess sweets are not the best; little nutrients are gotten from them. You could try organic food this holiday; its richness is what our bodies need for better health. Clean water, fresh fruits, organic food and organic wine all makes for sustainable dining.

Having a green holiday is not only a fun way to enlighten family and friends, but it is also a great way of attracting others.

MUST WATCH: Let's Go Green Video by The Green Ambassadors

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The Green Campus Initiative (GCI) brings yet another awareness-filled, earth-inspired video titled ‘Let’s Go Green’ to the screen. The awareness campaign is produced in-house by the Founder of GCI, Adenike Akinsemolu, and directed by Olayinka Ojo - GCI Minister for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, and Winner of the UN Spoken Word Contest. It also features the Adeyemi College of Education GCI Ambassadors as the cast.

Staying true to the theme of the cause, the crew explored the natural environment beautifully. The lush green environment in the video lures viewers into nature’s therapeutic powers while the voices, smiles and radiating glow on the faces calms nerves. If you do not already know about Going Green, this video is a good starting point.

The lyrics are highly captivating and gets the message across: “Imagine a world where water is free and clean, where breathe is fresh and safe, where sun will smile each day…” Honestly, these words are a reminder that we need to be sensitive and mindful of our environment.

Friends, this video is a call to action for all of us. The planet is ours. We can preserve it for future generations by doing little things that matter. This is a must see video. Watch it below or on YouTube.

 

LYRICS

We live in a world of ordinary people
You can change things around
I can change things around
We can change things around 

Never again shall out children die
of thirst and polluted air
and unclean environment
We can live a happy life

Imagine a world
where water is free and clean
When breathe is fresh and safe
hen sun will smile each day Oh!

CHORUS
Oh!! Lets Go Green
Oh!! Lets Go Green
Oh!! Lets Go Green

(Repeated Twice)

We live in a world of ordinary people
You can change things around
I can change things around
We can change things around

REPOST: 2015 Green Ambassadors Training

The timing of the event could not have been more auspicious as it came on the heels of the just concluded COP 21 Climate Change Conference in Paris, France. About 150 students from various institutions of higher learning all over Nigeria gathered at the MIS building in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State. They were there at the behest of the Green Initiative located at the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) for a program known as the Green Ambassadors Training (GAT) which took place on the 15th of December 2015.

Green Ambassadors Training (GAT) is an innovative initiative that is designed to train youths to adopt the “GO GREEN” ideology to enable them become agents of positive change to their community, nation and generation. The purpose of the exercise is to educate, engage and enlighten young people on what and how to GO GREEN as well as equip them with the requisite tools to practically transform their various campuses. Participants who were fortunate to be shortlisted from a pool of people that registered on the initiative’s website (www.greenthecampus.org), were subjected to intensive training on several topics of relevance by experienced speakers within and outside Nigeria.

The speakers were Prof Bryon Price from Baruch College, New York City, who talked about recycling and how it can be a steady source of income. Prince Akinwale Ojomo, the CEO Diaspora Innovation Institute, talked about social entrepreneurship using creative and innovative ideas to solve the immediate problems in the society. Mr. Kayikunmi Stefan Sogo from the University of Twente Netherlands enlightened the trainee on Renewable energy and focused on solar as an alternative source of energy serving homes and companies. He talked about his research of floating PV on the Kanji Dami. Mr Olayinka Ojo spoke on using art to promote campaign ideas and advocacy. Adenike Akinsemolu, the founder of the Green Campus Initiative elucidated on the core idea and mission of the Green Campus Initiative. According to her, “Going Green is not just about climate change, but living a healthy and happy life which implies that you do not hurt yourself, the people around you and your environment.” She also emphasized the need to raise eco-conscious kids who would be thoroughly oriented about their roles in keeping the ecosystem stable and healthy. She charged the participants to take the Green pledge and thereafter introduced the Green Ministers. 

The event also featured some entertainment which included a dance display by a dance group and a performance by PDP (Purpose Driven Poets not the Peoples Democratic Party) comprising of poets Temitayo Bankole, Nifemi, Caleb, Odunayo and Succulent. They serenaded the audience with spoken word poems on the need to GO GREEN. At the end of the training, participants were appointed as GREEN AMBASSADORS and issued certificates OF GREENESS. Adenike Akinsemolu rounded off the session by telling the new ambassadors to replicate all they have learnt in their schools and communities. The newly inducted GREEN AMBASSADORS began executing their mandates by undertaking a community service round the campus. They also paid a courtesy visit to the Provost of the college and the number one green ambassador, Prof. Olukoya Ogen whose support for the Initiative has been extraordinary to say the least. He received them warmly and charged them to be good ambassadors of the program.

The Green Ambassadors Training is a laudable initiative that should be promoted and replicated in other parts of Nigeria and Countries in Africa as the world transitions into a new paradigm of sustainability, through the adoption Green Ideologies and technologies. Other institutions should borrow a leaf from Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) under the leadership of the amiable Professor Olukoya Ogen who has demonstrated visionary leadership in endorsing and assisting the initiative. Government MDA’s (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) at all levels, Individuals, International Organizations and corporate entities should support the Green Campus Initiative because it needs all the help it can get at this point in time. The Green Campus Initiative is an idea whose time has come thereby all hands must be on deck to ensure that the initiative transcends ACE by embarking on the training of more Green Ambassadors next year.

Written by Wajim Yakubu Nuhu via Sahara Reporters

ShopNig.com Launches at the Green Centre

Green Ambassador, Aiyesoro Samuel launched ShopNig.com and ShopAdeyemi.com at the Green Centre on Dec 1st 2015. ShopNig.com offers a paperless, hassle-free online shopping destination in Ondo state and its environ. It is an innovative idea to complement the paperless policy of the New Nigeria, and reaffirm our commitment to environmental sustainability in campus communities.

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The site is easy to use and with flexible payment options like cash on delivery. There is a large selection of electronics, mobile phones, computers, fashion, beauty products,books and a whole lot more. The system is effective and customers get their goods in less than 24 hours of placing order. Delivery is absolutely free within Adeyemi Community.

ShopNig.com is under the social entrepreneurship division of the Green Institute. We encourage social entrepreneurship as a way of promoting sustainable development. The Green Center offers a place for budding entrepreneurs to gather and innovate for social change. It is worthy to note that ShopNig.com, the umbrella company is the first online mall in Ondo state.

Check out pictures from the launch below: 

REPOST: Meet the Young Nigerian Lady on a Mission to Transform Nigeria's University Campuses

The first thing I observed about her was the exotic hairdo she was carrying which reminded me of T. Y Bello the erstwhile member of Kush who sang the famous and classic song Greenland. We first met at the Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo event that held at the Yar adua Centre in Abuja from the 14th – 16th of October 2015. We arrived at the gate at about the same time and later struck up a conversation during accreditation before the event began. She came across as a focused, intelligent, driven and confident young lady with a lot of verve and passion. I was surprised and impressed when she told me what she was engaged in at that point in time after which i got to find out that she was also one of the panellist billed to give a presentation during the Conference.

Adenike A. Akinsemolu is an undergraduate lecturer at Adeyemi College of Education, a college ofObafemi Awolowo University and a Doctoral Student of Microbiology at the Federal University of Technology where her research focuses on the genotoxicity studies of oil polluted areas of Ondo State. She is also a researcher, female child advocate, member of the American Society of Microbiology and a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. Adenike is involved in developing a new concept that focuses on the microbial world and the benefits they have on sustainable development known as GREEN Microbiology.

A graduate of Babcock University, Adenike is the founder of the Green Campus Initiative at the  Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo, Nigeria. Her GREEN EPIPHANY came during a lecture on photosynthesis when she realised that her students were not really conversant with what it means to GO GREEN. She took it upon herself to teach them what, why and how to GO GREEN through a hands on and innovative approach. By involving the Provost and Staff in addition to prominent students in her campaigns, she was able to engage and convince them to GO GREEN. She adopted creative practical demonstrations like riding bicycles to school, writing a green handbook and producing a poetic green video among other activities that have helped to start a GREEN revolution which has transformed and positively impacted her school.

Adenike’s efforts in GREEN advocacy in Nigerian Campuses have not gone unnoticed and they have resulted in recognition within and outside the country. She has travelled to South Africa to participate in a gathering on GREEN Campuses where she granted several interviews on radio and other online platforms. She was also a recipient of an award at the just concluded Nigerian Alternative Energy Expo 2015 in Abuja. Her knack for innovation and creativity makes her a name to watch out for in the GREEN space. Though she may be a neophyte in lecturing (less than 3 years’ experience), Adenike has contributed more to her school than what many professors do to theirs in a lifetime.

Without sounding too patronising, Adenike is undoubtedly a role model for young Nigerians especially in this dispensation of change. She may not hold political office, but she is providing LEADERSHIP in her area of gifting (advocacy) and changing lives positively as a result. While many of her age are concerned with mundane things like the latest fashion and Brazillian hair, Adenike has discovered a noble cause to dispense her Talents, Time and Treasures on. As she joins the ever growing league of young female innovators in Nigeria’s GREEN space like Bilkiss Adebiyi (Wecyclers), Ayoola Kassim (Channels Earth File), Amina Batagarawa (ABU Zaria) and Ugochi Oluigbo among others, I hope she would continue to blaze the trail till GOING GREEN goes mainstream in Nigerian University Campuses.

Written by Wajim Yakubu Nuhu via Linkedin

REPOST: The Childless Woman (Spoken Word for the World)

In one of his thought provoking post on facebook, he wrote ‘Think Global Even When You Live Local’. Olayinka Ojo is undoubtedly one of the young promising Nigerian youths who believes geographical location is not a barrier to global impact. Based in the ancient city of Ondo, he rose to global prominence when he made it to the top 8 Spoken Word Artist in the world, who by their art is inspiring the world to take action on climate change.

In lieu of signing the climate change agreement in Paris, the United Nations asked poets all around the world to submit a poem for the Spoken Word For The World Competition. Olayinka Ojo made it as the only African to rank among the top 8.  His metaphoric expressions and futuristic projections will make anyone an addict to his poems. Because of his passion and belief in poetry as a tool for social change, he started the Purpose Driven Poets Movement, 12 seasoned poets who are committed to changing the world with their art. In search for these poets, he organised a spoken word audition that took place in Ondo Kingdom which received a lot of response.

He is working hand in hand with the Green Institute which was founded by an Ondo born woman, Adenike Akinsemolu in advocating for a green Nigeria. Visit www.greenthecampus.org, Olayinka Ojo is also a seasoned photographer whose works speaks volume, he is the convener of the Ondo 10hours photography seminar and workshop.He also co-anchors a radio program with Adenike on dexterity radio(south Africa) titled ‘Let’s go Green. Though he is not an environmentalist by certificate, he is undoubtedly wired with an environmental sense. He believes in humanity before the society, hence the reason for his global mentality. More of Olayinka Ojo’s work will in no time inspire the world. Don’t watch him, join in him in the process of changing the world in your own little way.

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Article Source: Ekimogun Mirror

REPOST: "What It Means To Be Green And Not Boring"

The founder of the Green Campus Initiative, Adenike Akinsemolu speaks of her desire to create an environmentally friendly campus and a climate-conscious world in an exclusive interview with Sahara Reporter Founder, Omoyele Sowore in Adeyemi College of Education.