REPORTER: BENJAMIN ILECHUKWU
Governor,Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has called on residents of the state to embrace tree planting and other environmental practices to protect the state’s ecosystem.
Governor Soludo who made the call while leading a symbolic tree-planting exercise at Solution Fun City, Awka, as part of activities marking Anambra State’s 35th anniversary, said that the exercise would improve air quality and promote sustainable development.
The Governor described tree planting as an important step towards restoring the environment, regretting that human activities such as building on drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, poor management of water runoff and deforestation continue to worsen flooding and erosion across the state.
The Governor also announced plans to incorporate environmental education into the curricula of primary and secondary schools in the state, saying the initiative would help inculcate responsible environmental practices among young people.
Also speaking, former Governor of the state, Dr. Chris Ngige, described the tree-planting campaign as a significant part of the anniversary celebration, noting that trees play an important role in providing clean air and promoting public health.
Doctor Ngige cautioned residents against indiscriminate felling of trees, saying stronger enforcement of environmental laws was necessary to protect trees in private and public spaces.
He also pledged to plant a tree in honour of each of Anambra’s past governors.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, commended the initiative, noting that tree planting would contribute to ecological preservation and help mitigate flooding.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi had welcomed participants and commended the Governor for prioritising the state’s environmental challenges.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic planting of trees by Governor Soludo, his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udenze, and other dignitaries.
Correspondent Ben Ilechukwu reports that the exercise reinforced the administration’s call for collective action in building a greener, cleaner and more environmentally sustainable Anambra.
