Participation
The event held on Thursday, February 11 2021 in Centre for Research Innovation and Development (CUCRID) at Covenant University, Ota. It was graced by the Ogun State Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Adeola Odedina, who was ably represented by Mr. James Oyesola, Director of Tree Crops in the Ministry of Agriculture; the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Humphrey Adebayo ably represented by Dr. Omotayo Osibanjo; the Chair RCE Ogun Dr. Patience Tunji-Olayeni; the Immediate Past Chair of RCE Ogun, Prof. Evans Osabuohien; Dr. Gabriel Dedeke an Expert in Pure and Applied Zoology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Dr. Olaniyi Oyatomi, the Seed Bank Manager,IITA Ibadan; and one hundred and ninety-one (191) other participants comprising of secondary school students, undergraduate students, teachers, researchers, government officials, and some community members.
Addresses
The theme of the conference was: ‘Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation for Sustainable Development in Ogun State’. The objective of the conference was to create awareness and proffer sustainable solutions to biodiversity disruptions that trigger climate change.
In her opening remark the Chair, RCE Ogun Dr. Patience Tunji-Olayeni noted that biodiversity disruption as a result of unsustainable human activities is triggering climate change and encouraged the participants to become climate change ambassadors with a mission to protect biodiversity thereby mitigating climate change.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Humphery Adebayo represented by the Director, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Omotayo Osibanjo welcomed participants at the event and noted that the conservation of biodiversity is crucial for the survival of life forms on the planet. He further remarked that the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) will require strong linkages and collaborations as indicated in the 17th SDG and that Covenant University through RCE Ogun is open to partnerships that will facilitate the attainment of the SDGs particularly climate change action in Ogun State.
In his Keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner ably represented by Mr. James Oyesola congratulated RCE Ogun for the laudable event. He further noted that the state is taking giant strides in reaching out to people on the grass-roots particularly farmers to ensure greater awareness of climate change, its effect, and sustainable solutions that will improve social and economic outcomes of the people.