Edem is the founder of Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) and Edem Children Foundation (ECF). GREENCODE is a non-governmental organisation focused on climate change, sustainable development and community support in Nigeria. While ECF is children focused.
By TheInvestigator
Development workers in Cross River State have planted seven species of trees at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Secondary School, Calabar, to commemorate the 54th birthday of Comrade Edem Edem, an environmental and humanitarian development worker.
Edem is the founder of Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) and Edem Children Foundation (ECF). GREENCODE is a non-governmental organisation focused on climate change, sustainable development and community support in Nigeria. While ECF is children focused.
The tree-planting exercise was organised as an alternative to conventional birthday celebrations, reflecting Edem’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the Board Chairman of GREENCODE, Mrs Etta Offiong, said the organisation chose tree planting because of the celebrant’s passion for the environment.
“Today is our founder’s birthday. Instead of buying cake, eating and drinking, he prefers tree planting. Planting a tree sustains the environment,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Owan, Zonal Project Coordinator of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, described Edem as a close friend and civil society colleague, saying they had worked together for more than 10 years.
Owan said the decision to mark Edem’s birthday through tree planting was a unique initiative that should be encouraged, noting that environmental sustainability should be a collective responsibility.
“Edem Edem is a friend and civil society colleague and we have worked together for over ten years. Celebrating his birthday with tree planting is a unique way that I appreciate and welcome. It’s not just for the people in the green space, the environment is all encouraging,” he said.
The Principal of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Secondary School, Calabar, Deaconess Imabong Okon, thanked GREENCODE for choosing the school for the exercise.
She said she was honoured by the gesture and pleased to have the school associated with the environmental initiative.
“I feel honoured. Comrade Edem is our brother in the body of Christ. I’m happy that they chose my school,” she said.
The tree-planting exercise also provided an opportunity for the development and environmental stakeholders to promote awareness of the importance of trees and environmental conservation, particularly among young people.
The organisers said the initiative was intended to leave a lasting environmental legacy in commemoration of Edem’s 54th birthday.
They planted three gueva, five ndiya, three sour sup, three masquerade flowers, two palm fruit, one coconut and three flower shield.
See pictures below:
