By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has called for a fundamental shift in residents’ attitudes toward environmental protection, stressing that behavioural change and stronger enforcement are essential to addressing the State’s growing ecological challenges.
Dr. Aguiyi made the call on September 3, while appearing alongside the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr. Law Mefor, on ABS Radio’s Ask the Commissioner programme.
The discussion focused on the environmental significance of Anambra State’s 35th anniversary.
Speaking on the anniversary theme, “Our Environment, Our Future: A Call for Personal Responsibility and Collective Action,” Dr. Aguiyi commended Governor Soludo for placing environmental sustainability at the centre of the celebration.
He said the theme was an opportunity for residents to reflect on the environmental challenges confronting the State and assume personal responsibility for protecting the environment for present and future generations.
According to him, flooding and gully erosion remain significant threats to Anambra, with active erosion sites recorded across several communities.
The commissioner explained that the Ministry of Environment’s mandate covers policy formulation, regulation and enforcement, assuring that existing environmental laws would henceforth be implemented more rigorously.
He identified the improper termination of drainage channels, construction without adequate consideration of catchment areas, and the indiscriminate interlocking of residential spaces without provisions for green areas as practices contributing to flooding and erosion.
Dr. Aguiyi also clarified that waste evacuation is primarily the responsibility of local government authorities and their contracted service providers. He urged them to adopt a more proactive approach to waste management within their respective areas.
He advocated the establishment of community-based environmental committees and sustained engagement with Town Union presidents, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders.
The commissioner stressed that the State’s environmental challenges could not be resolved by government alone, insisting that communities and individuals must play active roles in protecting their immediate surroundings.
He said addressing the challenges would require collective discipline, responsible development practices and a sustained change in public attitudes towards environmental protection.
“The next phase is enforcement,” Dr. Aguiyi declared, assuring residents that critical areas affected by environmental violations across the State would receive intensified attention.
He maintained that a combination of public awareness, behavioural change and firm enforcement would be central to achieving a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Anambra.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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