By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has urged nursery operators and horticulturists across the state to play a more active role in advancing the government’s green and environmental sustainability agenda. Dr. Aguiyi made the call on Sept. 7 during a meeting with the leadership of the Anambra State Nursery Operators/Horticulturists Association, where he described the group as key stakeholders in the state’s environmental development.
He said the responsibilities of nursery operators extend beyond the commercial production and sale of plants, noting their contributions to environmental protection through tree planting, carbon reduction, oxygen generation and ecological restoration.
The commissioner encouraged the association to become more organised and innovative, while increasing its production capacity and expanding the variety of plant species available for environmental and landscaping purposes.
According to him, with tree planting now a major priority of the state’s environmental agenda, horticulturists should be prepared to provide appropriate plant species for beautification, oxygen generation, erosion control and landscape restoration. Dr. Aguiyi said the state government recognises the association as an important partner in advancing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a clean, green, resilient, healthy and liveable Anambra.
He further directed the association to maintain a comprehensive register of its members with the Ministry of Environment to facilitate proper identification, coordination and accountability. The commissioner cautioned that the association must not be used as a cover by individuals involved in criminal or environmentally harmful activities.
He stressed the need for members to balance their commercial interests with their responsibility to protect and improve the environment. Dr. Aguiyi urged the horticulturists to see themselves not only as plant sellers but as partners in shaping the environmental future of Anambra State.
The meeting was attended by the Head of the Forestry Department, Mrs. Achugamonye Onyinye, and the Head of the Climate Change Department, Mrs. Ifeoma Onuzulike.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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