Rooted in Community: NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW’s Floral Arc Blossoms into a Catalyst for Change

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State. 

Rooted in Community: NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW’s Floral Arc Blossoms into a Catalyst for Change

By Bethel Moseglad

Federal University Wukari (FUW) , Taraba State — June 8, 2025

In the wake of the successful unveiling of the floral arc at the Vice Chancellor’s office, NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW is charting a course that extends far beyond campus beautification. The floral arc has become a symbol — a seed of transformation — within the university community, sparking conversations about sustainability, cultural pride, and tourism-driven development.

*The Arc as a Community Touchstone*

Since its installation, the floral arc has quickly become a favourite meeting point for students, faculty, and visitors. It serves as a daily reminder of the power of nature and culture to unite diverse groups in shared purpose. Students describe it as “a living monument” to the university’s commitment to a greener, more vibrant future.

“Walking through the floral arc every morning lifts my spirits,” says Esther Fumlack, a fourth-year Hospitality and Tourism Management student. “It reminds me that we are all connected—to each other and to the land we live on.”

This sentiment echoes the club’s mission to foster a sense of ownership and pride among all university stakeholders. Through weekly clean-up campaigns, tree planting, and educational workshops, NatureConnects has cultivated a culture of environmental responsibility that feeds directly into the arc’s symbolism.

*Partnerships Powering Progress*

The success of the floral arc project owes much to strategic collaborations. Notably, Ahmad Tanko Yunus, the club’s project coordinator and a respected figure in campus environmental circles, has been instrumental in liaising with local artisans, university management, and external sponsors to ensure the project’s sustainability.

“Our work is a testament to what can be achieved when students, staff, and the wider community come together with shared vision and commitment,” Ahmad states. “The floral arc is just the beginning — we are already planning expansions that will weave sustainability throughout campus life.”

The club’s partnerships with local communities, especially artisans from various ethnic groups who crafted the handwoven baskets, further highlight the social impact of the project. By integrating cultural crafts into environmental initiatives, NatureConnects is promoting economic empowerment alongside ecological stewardship.

*Education and Empowerment Through Tourism*

Recognising the potential of campus tourism as an educational tool, NatureConnects Tourism Club is developing programs to introduce visitors to FUW’s unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The floral arc is featured prominently in guided campus tours, where visitors learn about indigenous plant species, traditional crafts, and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

“Tourism is a powerful platform for education and advocacy,” notes Bethel Moseglad, the club’s Group Managing Director. “By showcasing our floral arc and related projects, we can inspire a broader audience to embrace sustainable practices and celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry.”

*Looking to the Future: Expanding the Green Footprint*

NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW has ambitious plans to replicate the success of the floral arc across the university and beyond. Future projects include developing a sustainable eco-tourism hub, enhancing green spaces around student hostels, and creating a botanical garden that doubles as a research and recreation site.

The club is actively seeking support from university authorities, local government, and development partners to bring these visions to life. Bethel emphasises that financial backing, volunteer participation, and knowledge-sharing will be crucial to scaling up the impact.

“We invite everyone—students, staff, alumni, and friends of FUW—to join us in nurturing this growing legacy,” Bethel appeals. “Together, we can transform our campus into a vibrant eco-tourism destination and a model for sustainable development.”

                    Bethel Moseglad

*A Lasting Impact Beyond the University*

While rooted firmly in the FUW community, the floral arc initiative resonates with broader national goals of environmental conservation and cultural preservation. It stands as a microcosm of how grassroots movements can influence public awareness, policy, and economic opportunities.

The project exemplifies how tourism, when thoughtfully developed, can be a force for positive change, empowering communities, preserving traditions, and protecting natural resources.

*Final Thoughts: Growth Through Green Leadership*

NatureConnects Tourism Club FUW’s floral arc is more than a garden installation; it is a beacon of hope and action. Through this living symbol, the club demonstrates the transformative power of youth leadership committed to sustainability and cultural identity.

As the arc flourishes, so does the spirit of the university community, united by a shared vision of growth, responsibility, and pride.

LaCampange Tropicana Resort in Zango, Taraba State