As Billions of people all over the world commemorates the annual celebration of World Environment Day yesterday, Anambra State Government has choosen to rather celebrate the global event in a most appreciable way, thus focusing her attention on pressing environmental challenges which includes flooding, gully erosion and deforestation and encouraging proactive steps towards sustainable environmental conservation in the state.
These approach seems necessary as Anambra which occupies a land mass of 4844kms, the second least in times of size in the entire country is drastically loosing it land value from internment to erosion and other ecological challenges, thus creating multiple erosion site in the state especially at Ekwulobia, Oko axis which is tagged as ecological endangered zone due the devastating impact of erosion in the area.
The rather sad and unfortunate incident has led to land degradation, loss of land for investment, infrastructural development, and has also led to force migration of people with their businesses as a result of food insecurity, loss of live, social insecurity.
Speaking during a popular Anambra Broadcasting Service Morning Television Program, Good Morning Anambra on the the theme of the year: Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, the State Commissioner for Environment Dr. Felix Odimegwu stated that the aims of the celebration is to inspire positive change and foster a sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings, uniting people worldwide in the mission to protect and preserve the environment for present and future generations.
According to him, Land restoration is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40% of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population and threatening roughly half of global GDP and since the frequency and duration of droughts have increased by 29% since 2000, and without urgent action, they may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050 if drastic measures are not put in place.
“In Anambra State, environmental challenges, particularly erosion, are a significant threat. With 160 of the 179 communities affected by erosion, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Soludo since 2022, has taken decisive action. Over 2 million Malaysia hybrid coconut and oil palm seedlings are distributed and planted annually across the 21 local government areas. The “One House, Two Trees” campaign mandates that every land developer/home builder dedicates 35% of their land to green areas, including gardens and tree cover, he said”
While disclosing that the government of Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo has developed an organized framework which will see to Traditional Rulers and President Generals of communities engaging environmental sustainability committees for continuous sensitization through encouraging residents to join local environmental initiatives, participate in clean-up campaigns, attend educational seminars, and collaborate with like-minded individuals to raise awareness about environmental issues and implement sustainable solutions.
“We have enacted new laws in the State House of Assembly guiding land acquisition, building and other construction activities, hence landlords, big business buildings must have a catchment pit to contain channelled water after heavy downpour to checkmate flooding leading to erosion, he said ”
“We have also made it a point of responsibility for every new house to make provisions for green vegetation or sort of open space to create balance with nature and the ecosystem, he added”
Engr Odimegwu also highlighted the State Government additional strategy of gifting trees as birthday souvenirs to encourage personal involvement in nurturing the environment and other restoration Initiatives which includes the reforestation of the Unizik Forest Reserve, Enugwu Ukwu erosion site, Ekwueme Square, and the Anambra State House of Assembly area which are aim to cleanse toxins from the soil, boost soil fertility, purify the air, and ensure ecosystem stability.
While appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment towards ensuring that Anambra becomes a clean, green, safe and healthy living homeland, Dr. Odimegwu reiterated the benefits of cleanliness and a healthy environment in fostering a more prosperous and sustainable community and tasked residents on proper waste management culture and while stressing on the role daily environmental sustainability approach play in enhancing public health, economic stability, and overall quality of life.
He further encourage Ndi Anambra embrace to conservation, stewardship, and harmony with nature and expedite prompt actions for a greener tomorrow by planting a tree today to safeguard and restore the land, noting that the land is indeed the future without which man will not find a place to exist and announced the Statewide Launching of Tree Planting Campaign initiated by Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo in the Clean, Green and Sustainable Anambra Agenda 10th of June in Awka, the Capital of Anambra State.
