World Environment Day: MOSOP, FUET Engage with Monetary Giveaways for Essayists
Ogoniland has become synonymous with the word ‘environment’ because of the sacrifices of the late Ogoni-born environmental activist, Kenule Saro-Wiwa in the 90’s and the subsequent recognition of his struggles and recommendations for a ‘cleanup’ by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
After the Nigerian government commenced the implementation of the recommendations as contained in the UNEP Report on Ogoni under the administration of late President Mohammadu Buhari, the world’s attention became focussed on the subregion again.
The 2026 World Environment Day, officially celebrated on June 5, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan, was commemorated simultaneously at the prestigious University of Environmental and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Sakpenwa in Ogoni, Nigeria on a special note.
The historic occasion, organised by the leadership of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MSOP) in collaboration with the management of FUET, was graced by the President of the Movement, Olu Wai-Ogosu, who presented the keynote address.
In his post event remarks, the MOSOP President recounted the positive outlook of the occasion and his personal contributions to ensuring the handling of environmentally friendly legacies to the future generations.
“Today, at the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Koroma/Sakpenwa, Tai LGA, Ogoni, I had the privilege of sharing my decades of experience in the environmental sector with the university community,”
“I emphasized the urgent need to nurture and prepare the next generation of environmental ambassadors.”
Wai-Ogosu also stated some encouragement packages he handed out to deserving youths who impressed with outstanding literal work on the subject of environment in the World Environment Day Essay Competition.
“To encourage our youth, I was also delighted to present cash prizes ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 to the top three essayists in this year’s World Environment Day Essay Competition.”
He further noted that cultivating these advocates was crucial for building resilient, sustainable urban and rural communities, especially as we begin to navigate the dual impacts of industrialization and development. Hence, everyone has the duty to remain deeply conscious and strictly accountable for the world we leave behind.
Wai-Ogosu appreciated the University management under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor, Chinedu Mmom, for honouring him with the prestigious Distinguished Environmental Champion Award.
