Title:“When Petals Speak Louder Than Protests: NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW Champions Environmental Diplomacy Through a Floral Arc”

By Bethel Moseglad

Federal University Wukari, Taraba State — June 5, 2025.
In an era marked by petitions and protests, a unique form of civic expression has emerged from the heart of Taraba State—one that blossoms quietly, yet resonates powerfully. The NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW, a student-led but institutionally recognized body devoted to promoting tourism, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage, has made headlines again—this time with flowers.

On June 5, 2025, in commemoration of World Environment Day, the club unveiled a monumental flower arc at the entrance of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, presenting it not as a mere ornamental gift, but as a profound statement of partnership, preservation, and pride in place. This act was not spontaneous; it was a carefully curated event steeped in meaning and tradition.

“We wanted a tribute that would speak to the spirit of tourism, aesthetics, and nature—a living structure that honors leadership while spotlighting Nigeria’s biodiversity,” said Bethel Moseglad, Group Managing Director of NatureConnects Tourism Club and the creative mind behind the project.

A Fusion of Flora and Culture

Unlike the standard potted plants or synthetic signage that adorn many university administrative buildings, this floral arc was symbolic on multiple levels. Constructed from indigenous baskets woven by artisans from the Mambilla Plateau, Kano, and Anambra, it holds not only plants but also the soul of Nigerian culture.

The floral selection included peace lilies, Moses-in-the-cradle (Tradescantia spathacea), and a variety of palm families such as golden palm, queen palm, and royal palm, all known for their tropical flair and environmental benefits. These plants were not chosen at random. According to NatureConnects’ botany team, peace lilies symbolize harmony and prosperity, while palms represent strength, growth, and resilience—traits mirrored in FUW’s developmental trajectory.

The floral baskets themselves are more than decorative containers—they represent diverse ethnic identities. Some baskets bore patterns unique to the Kaka, Kambu, and Mambilla people, while others were marked by the craftsmanship of Hausa and Igbo weaving traditions.

“We are sending a message: that every region of Nigeria contributes to our national beauty—and tourism can become our common language,” added Moseglad.

Tourism and the University Landscape

This floral installation is part of a broader campus transformation that is increasingly rooted in eco-tourism values. Professor Yakubu Ojochenemi Ejeh, Director of the Central Laboratory and Senior Adviser to the club, noted that this project reflects FUW’s emerging identity as a green campus.

“When you step onto the campus of FUW, we want you to feel like you’re entering an ecological and cultural park, not just an academic environment,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor, visibly moved during the ceremony, described the arc as “a fragrant bridge between leadership and the land.” He went on to request similar floral installations at the university gates and the College of Health Sciences, emphasizing that beauty should not be limited to the center but must radiate outward.

A Club With a Track Record

NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW, Since its inception in 2024, the club has embarked on keep campus clean tagged “operation KCC”. With a growing membership of staff and students, the club now boasts active participation from all faculties and administrative blocks.

Notably, its NatureNest Initiative—a concept introduced in 2024 to convert idle urban land into eco-tourism hubs—has begun gaining interest from local councils across Taraba. Additionally, the club runs seasonal campaigns such as “Travel With Purpose,” “Tourism-Savings Drive, and lots more.”

“What we do here transcends beautification,” said Professor C.P. Shingle, Grand Patroness of the Club and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration). “We are training future tourism entrepreneurs, cultural ambassadors, and climate leaders.”

A Living Invitation

The ribbon-cutting ceremony itself carried deep symbolism. Before the cut, the Vice Chancellor offered a brief but emotional prayer: “May these plants live and outlive us. May they inspire a new generation of students who see leadership in green, not just in gold.” The ovation that followed was not just for the VC—it was for the vision the floral arc had now made visible.

At its core, this initiative is a standing invitation to reimagine universities as destinations, not just degree factories. FUW may not yet appear on major tourist maps, but with clubs like NatureConnects leading a green renaissance, it is fast becoming a case study in “Tourism Begins at Home.”