By Ndife David, Awka
In line with Governor Soludo's Urban Renewal Agenda and in pursuit of a clean, green, and livable homeland vision of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Ministry of Environment continued its tree planting program in Onitsha on June 22, 2024.
This initiative is part of the Ministry's deliberate efforts and proactive
steps to combat climate change and other adverse environmental challenges in
the state.
Speaking at the opening
ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix
Odimegwu, appreciated Governor Soludo for the ongoing transformation programs
and projects across the state. He emphasized the critical role trees play in
maintaining ecological balance, regulating climatic conditions, and mitigating
environmental challenges such as soil erosion and air pollution.
According to him, the
initiative complements the roadmap established by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to
achieve urban forestation. It provides a hopeful vision as the current
administration has transformed Onitsha into one of the cleanest cities in the
country, contrary to past reports and records.
Highlighting the new building
code passed into law by the State House of Assembly, Engr. Odimegwu maintained
that the initiative would also help facelift the state to the
"Dubai-Taiwan" standard promised by Governor Soludo. He further urged
residents to take responsibility for their immediate environment and work
towards a clean, green, healthy, livable, and sustainable mega homeland.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Paul Nwosu, and his counterpart on Special Duties, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, emphasized the essential role trees play in releasing oxygen, reducing stormwater runoff, which minimizes erosion and pollution, and potentially reducing flooding effects. They called for collective efforts and support to help the State Government and Environment Ministry's programs succeed in preserving the ecosystem for the overall wellbeing of Anambarians.
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The NIPR State President,
Professor Angela Nwammuo, stated that as part of their 60th-anniversary
celebration, the NIPR Anambra State Chapter decided to join 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.
She prayed for long life, blessings, and protection upon every Onye Anambra.
In their separate speeches,
Hon. Fred Ezenwa (representing Onitsha South constituency in the Anambra State
House of Assembly), Hon. Emeka Orji (Onitsha South TC Chairman), Hon. Tony
Nwora (Onitsha North TC Chairman), Hon. Okwudili Obinwanne (Committee Chairman
Feggae Stakeholders and Landlord Association), Comrade Dunu Chiadikaobi
(Onitsha South ASATU Youth Mayor), and Mr. Doziem Jonah (chairman, Iheoma Plaza
Onitsha) urged Ndi Anambra to embrace the tree planting Solution Agenda and
contribute to building a healthy, clean, green, sustainable, livable, and
prosperous homeland.
Contributing, Hon. Engr.
Ozoemena Mike, MD/CEO of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA),
reiterated the benefits of trees in ensuring overall healthy and safe living
conditions. He commended Governor Soludo for his rapid transformation drive and
applauded the State Environment Commissioner for the initiative. He noted that
the drive would not only make the environment clean, well-aerated, and
aesthetically pleasing but also help mitigate the menace of gully erosion
ravaging the limited landmass in the state. He urged residents to adopt proper
waste management practices.
Other important dignitaries at
the event included the Chairman of the 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 past
council member, Rev. Fr. Prof. Boniface Anthony C. Obiefune, and the APGA
Chairman Onitsha South LGA, Chief Uche Umennakaenyi, among others.
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