ANAMBRA STATE LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS TREE PLANTING AND URBAN FORESTATION INITIATIVE
By Lilian Akpunonu :
The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has launched a massive tree planting and urban forestation initiative on June 10 at the Orpet Filling Station (Ez Electronics and Furniture) Agu Awka, aimed at planting millions of trees across the state, revive eroded lands, and beautify the environment.
The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has emphasized the importance of trees in the ecosystem, encouraging residents to support the state’s tree planting and urban forestation initiative.
She suggested a hotline for reporting tree cutting, highlighting the need for collective action in protecting the environment.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, emphasized the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance, producing oxygen, and supporting wildlife.
He noted that trees play a crucial role in climate regulation, soil erosion control, and noise pollution reduction.
According to him, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification reports that up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting half of the world’s population.
He noted that since the inception of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s Administation, Anambra State has launched several green initiatives, including the “One House, Two Trees” campaign, 35% green spacing initiative, and cut-one-plant-three initiative.
The commissioner said that the state government distributed and planted over one million hybrid Malaysian coconut trees and oil palms seedlings annually.
He went further to highlight the Key reforestation projects which include the Unizik Forest Reserve, Enugwu Ukwu erosion site, Ekwueme Square, and the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The launch of greening projects at Amazon Estates and other sites aimed to enhance ecological and climate resilience.
The vision is to see Anambra’s streets, roads, and highways adorned with trees, creating a green canopy.
He stressed that 200 trees will be planted today, including Strep trees, Tujar, Queen Palms, and Asoka trees.
The planting will start from Revenue House to Book Foundation and extend to Onitsha and other towns over time.
The Commissioner urged citizens to join the greening journey, saying, “Trees are our lifelines, and without them, our world would become barren and lifeless. Let us act now for a greener tomorrow”.
He also said that the gift trees is also given as birthday souvenirs to important personalities to encourage personal involvement in nurturing the environment.
The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to enhance ecological and climate resilience, and create a green canopy across Anambra State.
Prof. Kate Omenugha, Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), expressed support for the initiative and pledged to ensure its success.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Obodogha Tochukwu, highlighted today’s planting as a step toward a Greener future, a continuous effort that shapes a better tomorrow. Let’s join forces to make a lasting impact for our Environment.
Dr. John obodo, The founding Director, Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) was represented by Dr. Achugbu Adaeze who commended the commissioner’s effort and pledged to support the initiatives.
In their Goodwill message, Prof Ngozi Ezenwa-Ohaeto commended Gov. Soludo’s initiatives of planting trees in Anambra State.
Prof Philip Phil Eze, The Managing Director and chief Executive officer of Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency(ASEWCA) commended the Governor’s initiatives and pledged support for the initiative.
House of Assembly member, Mr Eze Golden Ilo, commended the Government Environmental initiatives.
Architect Mike Okonkwo, Chairman, Anambra Urban Regeneration Council (AURC), thanked the governor for his vision that was implemented today and emphasize the importance of securing a greener future for tomorrow.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Tourism and Culture, Bobmanuel Udokwu said, “by planting today, we are investing in a greener environment tomorrow no matter how we see it, it is a continuous process. Let’s sustain this vision of our Governor’s initiatives and create a sustainable Environment for generations to come.
*Lilian is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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