Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, his Press Secretary, Chris Aburime and two commissioners accompanied the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in planting symbolic 60 trees to mark the 60th Anniversary of NIPR in the country.
Others who followed him were the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs Beverly Nkemdichie-Ikpeazu; MD/CEO Urban Regeneration Council, Arc Mike Okonkwo; MD/ CEO Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Engr Mike Ozoemena; Transition Committee Chairman Onitsha South, Mr Emeka Oji; his Onitsha North counterpart, Mr Tony Nwora; Hon Fred Ezenwa representing Onitsha South 1 Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, among others.
The Anambra State Chapter of NIPR partnership with Anambra State Ministry of Environment, organized a road walk exercise within Awka metropolis before proceeding to Onitsha where 60 trees were planted across strategic places along Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha.
Performing the function at Port Harcourt Fegge Onitsha, Governor Soludo represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu said tree planting is essential as a means of combating climate change, desertification, drought, erosion, air diversity loss, amongst others.
He noted that the advantages of having trees are enomous as it helps to provide shades on roads, purify the air, cooling effect on the atmosphere, create a balance in the ecosystem and serves as carbon sink to mitigate climate change.
According to him, the state is focusing Onitsha and Anambra state at large to enhance clean, green and beautiful environment geared towards making the state livable and prosperous in Nigeria.
“We have to embrace the earth, not minding that we sometimes have natural disasters but with proper planning and programmes like the Anambra Tree Planting Day, slated for every June 10th, we can always be ready for any form of disaster, be it natural or man-made.
“Ndi-Anambra must commend the state government’s achievement in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous Trees project to curb climate change challenges.
“As a matter of fact, Onitsha has been delisted among the most polluted cities of the world because of the intentional programmes of the Soludo administration in ensuring a clean and green Anambra,” said the state governor.
He however applauded the NIPR leadership in the state for initiating the collaboration and assured that such synergy will be sustained for the greater benefit of all in the state.
The Chairman, NIPR Anambra State Chapter, Prof Angela Nwanmuo said the tree planting began on June 1, 2024 by the National body at Abuja under the leadership of Dr Ike Neliaku and urged the state chapters to go back to their various states and replicate it as part of a month-long activities lined up for the NIPR Diamond Jubilee/ 60th Anniversary coming up Thursday 27th June 2024.
She noted that the chapter is partnering with the State Ministry of Environment because the programme is in tandem with Governor Soludo’s vision to ensure a clean, green and sustainable environment.
“NIPR Anambra state is joining the National in this special diamond anniversary celebration. Governor Chukwuma Soludo has started this clean and green initiative in Anambra and we decided to partner with the government through the Ministry of Environment in this unique initiative.
“By this tree planting exercise, our prayer is that we shall also continue to grow and blossom. May posterity bless us as we are helping Mother Nature in preserving our environment. We all can help in preserving our environment too to make it livable and conducive for habitation,” she said.
Also speaking, the immediate past Council Member of representing Anambra at the National level, Rev. Fr Prof Boniface Obiefuna observed that NIPR as a professional body believes in government relations and in building bridges of relationship, hence the essence of reaching out to Anambra State Government for collaboration.
He expressed optimism that the relationship already established through the Ministry of Environment will be a stepping stone for closer ties with the state government under Governor Soludo.
Members of NIPR present at both road walk exercise in Awka and planting of 60 trees in Onitsha were Member of Council representing NIPR Anambra state at Abuja and Acting Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, Prof Kate Omenugha; former Commissioner for Information and Economic Planning, Prof Stella Chinyere Okunna; Registrar Federal Polytecnic Oko, Mr Obini Onuchukwu; Vice Chairman NIPR, Anambra State Chapter, Prof Ikenna Umeanolue of Religion and Human Relations Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Prof Venatus Agbanu of Mass Communication Department, COOU; among others.###
