By Ndife David, Awka.
In line with Governor Soludo’s Urban Renewal Agenda and in pursuance of a Clean and Green and livable homeland vision of Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has yesterday 22nd June 2024 continued the tree planting program in Onitsha in her quest to combat erosion and other natural disasters.
This partnership with Anambra State Chapter of NIPR was part of the State Environment Ministry efforts and proactive steps taken to continue to extenuate climate change and other adverse environmental challenges.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu while appreciating Governor Soludo on ongoing transformation programs and projects across the State, stated that the role of trees creates balance in the ecosystem can not be overemphasized as it helps in regulation of climatic conditions as well as in mitigating of most environmental challenges since it helps in controlling soil erosion and ensure air purification as well as prevent biodiversity loss.
According to him, the initiative is to complement the already established road map by Prof Chukwuma Soludo to achieve urban forestation and provide shade of hope as the present administration has also already changed the narrative in Onitsha as the city is currently one of the cleanest in the country as against past reports and records.
While highlighting the new building code already passed into law by the state house of Assembly to ensure that new house are built according to the State Government standard, Engr Odimegwu maintained that the initiative will also help to facelift the State to the Dubai-Taiwan Governor Soludo Promise Ndi Anambra. He further charge residents to take responsibility of their immediate environment and work for a cleaning, green, healthy, livable and sustainable mega homeland.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Hon Paul Nwosu and his counterpart on Special Duties, Hon Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche while emphasizing on the exceptional role tree plays in releasing oxygen, reducing amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may also reduce the effects of flooding called for collective efforts and support to help both the State Government and Environment Ministry programs and policies succeed in preserving our ecosystem for the overall wellbeing of Anambarians.
The NIPR State President, Professor Angela Nwammuo stated that as part of their 60th anniversary celebration, the NIPR Anambra State Chapter decided to key into the symbolic tree planting program by collaborating with the Ministry of Environment to support Governor Soludo’s vision of building a livable and prosperous mega homeland and prayed for long life, blessings and protection upon every Onye Anambra.
In their separate speeches, the member Representing Onitsha South constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Fred Ezenwa, the Onitsha South TC Chairman, Hon Emeka Orji, His Onitsha North Counterpart, Hon Tony Nwora,
the Committee Chairman Feggae Stakeholders and Landlord Association, Hon Okwudili Obinwanne, the Onitsha South ASATU Youth Mayor, Comrade Dunu Chiadikaobi (C- Prof) and the chairman, Iheoma Plaza Onitsha, Mr. Doziem Jonah further urge Ndi Anambra to key into the tree planting Solution Agenda, and contribute their respective quota in building a healthy, clean, green, sustainable, livable and prosperous homeland.
Contributing, the MD/CEO Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) Hon Engr Ozoemena Mike reiterated the benefits of tree in ensuring the overall healthy and safety living conditions and environment of Ndi Anambra. He commended Governor Soludo for his rapid transformation drive and applauded the State Environment Commissioner for the wonderful initiative noting that the drive will not only make the environment clean, well aerated and improve the overall aesthetic of streets but will also help to mitigate the menace of gully erosion already ravaging the limited landmass in the State and further urge residents to adopt proper waste management culture.
Other important dignitaries at the event includes the Chairman, Urban Regeneration Council, Arch Mike Okonkwo, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, the registrar of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr. Obinnu Onuchukwu. Immediate pass council member, Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Anthony C. Obiefune amongst others graced the program.
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