In a bid to educate Nigerians on the importance of environment and Eco System , GIEE (Glo Initiative for Economic Empowerment) held an event tagged ‘World Environment Day’ themed ‘Go Wild for Life; Conserving Biodiversity’.
The 4 hours program which comprises of lectures from well educated and experienced lectures, movie screening, engaging activities, workshop, inspiring speeches and networking opportunities was held at Heritage Hall, Best Western Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. According to Gloria Okorogbue, the Initiator of GLEE, “Go Wild for Life,” encourages the celebration of all those species of animals under threat and to take action of our own to help safeguard them for future generations. This can be about animals or plants that are threatened within your local area as well as at the national or global level.
” When we were young, we used to hunt bush-meats, without really knowing the implications. We didn’t know that the more we are killing those animals we are chasing them to extinctions. In a short while, there would be no more animals for tourists to come and see. That is why we are trying to educate people to put a stop to that. By Killing our animals, we are also destroying the economy. We want to bring more awareness about the Eco system, so that everybody would understand it and know how they can play a role to help revive it.Whoever you are, and wherever you live, show zero-tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife and make a difference.
Ms Okorogbu added that, with over 120 participants that honored the event, she has succeeded in creating an information chain. As the participants would go back to their respective homes, offices, schools, etc and disseminate all the information they gathered. “We are beginning people stop killing endangered species of animals, they are doing something to protect you as a human being, you may not know that now, but in future. We have to do all we can to protect our environment . we do this too online, to create more awareness to help save our Eco System.
In same vein, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan Head of Sustainability, Corporate Communications, Access Bank, gave reasons why the financial institution is solidly behind GIEE and her objectives. ” Access bank is a bank known for sustainability. Our environment is very important to human lives, but many at times we behave as if we don’t care about it. if you say that there is global financial crisis, you would try to bail out through finding other means to survive financially, but what happens to a death planet? – it cant be bailed out, because there are no alternatives. That is why we are putting hands together to save the planet, by taking steps.” The aim of this program is to encourage people to become active supporters of sustainable and equitable living, to promote awareness and have an understanding that communities play a central role in changing attitudes towards environmental issues, and to develop partnerships that will ensure all nations and people enjoy a safer and more fulfilling future.
