By Obiageli Nwankwo
As Anambra State commemorates 35 years of its creation, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has urged Ndi Anambra to embrace greater environmental responsibility and work collectively towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable state.
Dr. Ogugua made the call in a goodwill message issued on Aug. 27, to mark the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, in which he congratulated Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and Ndi Anambra at home and abroad on the milestone. The commissioner celebrated the resilience, ingenuity, enterprise and intellectual capacity of the people, noting that these qualities have continued to drive Anambra’s development over the past 35 years.
He, however, said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity for Ndi Anambra to reflect on the collective responsibility of protecting the environment and preserving the state’s natural resources for present and future generations.
Dr. Ogugua said Governor Soludo’s declaration of a State of Emergency on the Environment demonstrated the urgency attached to addressing environmental degradation, particularly the menace of gully erosion and other ecological challenges confronting the state. He noted that indiscriminate disposal of waste, blockage of drainage channels and other unhealthy environmental practices have continued to worsen the situation, urging residents to adopt responsible habits and take ownership of the cleanliness of their communities.
According to him, the task of keeping Anambra clean and green should not be left to government alone, but requires the active participation of individuals, families, schools, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders.
The commissioner, who highlighted the role of education in achieving sustainable environmental transformation, said environmental consciousness must be cultivated among young people from an early age. He stressed that schools have a critical role to play in raising a generation that understands the link between environmental protection, public health, safe communities and sustainable development.
Dr. Ogugua said environmental responsibility should therefore form an integral part of the values and attitudes instilled in learners, adding that educated and environmentally conscious citizens would be better equipped to protect their communities and contribute to the state’s long-term development.
He commended Governor Soludo for what he described as decisive leadership and sustained commitment to building a cleaner, greener, safer and more sustainable Anambra. The commissioner consequently called on Ndi Anambra to support government initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and to make responsible environmental practices a shared culture across the state.
As the state marks its 35th anniversary, Ogugua urged Ndi Anambra to renew their commitment to the message: “Keep Anambra Clean. Keep Anambra Green. Protect Our Future,” expressing optimism that the Light of the Nation would continue to shine brighter.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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