BY SUNNY A. DAVID
As the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has taken its tree planting campaign to Port Harcourt Road, Onitsha.
The exercise, which aims to promote environmental conservation and sustainability, is part of the State government’s efforts to restore the lost glory of Onitsha and make the city clean, green, and livable.
Recall that Port Harcourt Road is one of the major artery roads that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo rebuilt with sidewalks and street lights.
Meanwhile the tree planting campaign is a subset of the main Clean & Green Sustainable Anambra Campaign, a major pillar on Governor Soludo’s 5-point development agenda.
Delivering a welcome address at the event, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu disclosed that Governor Soludo’s determination to make Anambra the cleanest and greenest State in Nigeria birthed the Clean & Green Sustainable Anambra Campaign.
According to Engr. Odimegwu,
”we are not only planting trees in Onitsha, what we’re doing is very symbolic. We started in June 10 to provide tree covers (urban forestation) on streets, roads, boulevards and highways to make Anambra a Green State.
”We know the advantage of trees in survival of human race and sustainable ecosystem. Trees provide human with the oxygen to survive. Trees cool the atmosphere for our survival. Trees store carbon that mitigates climate change which helps to prevent biodiversity loss.
”If you come to Onitsha, the sun is always too hot. After planting these trees, if you come here in the next two – three years, it will give a beautiful ambiance, cool the temperature and provide comfort for residents of this area and purify the air.”
The Commissioner further stated that Mr Governor is successfully changing the negative report of the World Health Organization (WHO), few years ago, that Onitsha is the most polluted city in the World by bringing development to Onitsha and making sure that Onitsha and the entire Anambra are clean.
”You can see the beautiful roads. So what we are doing today is to complement the Governor’s efforts in building roads. We are planting trees to make the roads even more beautiful.”
He commended the NIPR members who were marking the 60th anniversary of the Institute with the tree planting campaign and called on well meaning Ndị Anambra to understand the importance of planting trees.
After few goodwill remarks from the guests and Chairman of NIPR Chapter, Awka, Professor Angela Nwanmuo, the gathering proceeded plant trees along Port Harcourt Road.
