The Founder
"If you fly and drive across the countries of the world as I have done in the last 45 years, you will notice that our planet earth that was so blue and green has become gray and brown in the last 25 years. That was about the time the effects of climate change began to be noticed by the discerning minds. But climate change phenomenon had been with us all the while; we just could not admit it, and sometimes feigned complete ignorance."- Dr. Jibunoh
Dr. Jibunoh is a dyed in the wool environmentalist, who made three successful journeys across the Sahara Desert by car. It is worthy to note, that the theme for Dr. Jibunoh's 3rd Expedition across the Sahara, was aptly named "Desertification is Global Warming".
Read more about Dr. Jibunoh's book.
Through his expeditions, he noticed the deteriorating conditions of these desert-affected communities and the inhabitants as their lands are being overwhelmed by the southward advancing Sahara. As a result, he founded FADE in May 2000.
On World Environment Day, June 5th 2009, Dr. Newton Jibunoh was made the Ambassador for Environment, Lagos State; tasked with furthering the plans to make Lagos a "green society". He is committed to the Lagos State Government's agenda of creating a mega city with a sustainable managed environment.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in an effort to ensure a safe environment in the Federal Capital city - Abuja, inaugurated the Abuja Green Society, to which he is the Vice Chairman.
Always innovative, Dr. Jibunoh is currently working in collaboration with the Lagos State Government on an annual reality show which will allow contestants to compete during a trip across the Sahara desert from Lagos to London. The show will be used as a platform to educate people about the issues of the environment and climate change that face Nigeria.
As a doctor of Soil Engineering, Dr. Jibunoh served as the Managing Director & Chief Executive for Costain (West Africa) Plc, and later its Chairman. He is currently the Chairman of Dolphin Properties Limited, and Dolphin Works Limited.
In recognition of his works and contributions to the Engineering sector and the environment, he has received the following awards, honours, and appointments:
He has been invited to join the United Nations summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December 2009, where he will represent the importance against fighting desertification.