By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called on Ndi Anambra to embrace tree planting as a collective responsibility to promote a greener environment, mitigate climate and ecological challenges, and improve the quality of air across the state. Soludo made the call while leading a symbolic tree-planting exercise at Solution Fun City, Awka, on Aug. 27, as part of activities marking Anambra State’s 35th anniversary.
The governor described tree planting as an important step towards protecting the state’s ecosystem and building a healthier and more sustainable environment. He identified human activities, including construction on drainage channels, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways, uncontrolled surface runoff and deforestation, as major contributors to environmental challenges such as flooding and gully erosion.
According to him, protecting the environment requires the active participation of individuals, communities, schools and churches. He urged residents to cultivate the habit of planting trees, regularly desilting drainage channels, constructing runoff pits within their compounds and disposing of waste properly.
Soludo also called on residents to speak up and take preventive action against activities capable of worsening flooding and erosion, stressing the need for collective efforts to preserve the state’s ecosystem.
The governor announced that environmental education would be incorporated into the curricula of primary and secondary schools to expose young people to the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
He further urged motorists, households, schools, churches and managers of public spaces to provide waste bins and ensure proper waste disposal. “Enforcement will be crucial to ensuring compliance and achieving our ideal of a better Anambra,” he said.
Former Governor of the state, Dr Chris Ngige, described the anniversary tree-planting campaign as significant, noting that trees play an important role in providing clean and pollution-free air, which contributes to healthier living.
Ngige cautioned residents against indiscriminate felling of trees in their compounds, noting that some countries have laws protecting trees and requiring official approval before they can be removed. He also pledged to plant a tree in honour of each of the former governors of Anambra State.
The State Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, commended the governor for championing the initiative and urged Ndi Anambra and Nigerians to embrace tree planting. He noted that trees contribute significantly to ecological balance and can help reduce the impact of flooding.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, welcomed participants and commended the governor’s commitment to addressing the state’s environmental challenges. Dr. Aguiyi described environmental protection as a collective responsibility, declaring: “This is a shared battle we will win together.”
The event featured symbolic tree planting by Governor Soludo, his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udenze, and other dignitaries.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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