‘Deforestation is a serious crime’

The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Felix Odimegwu, has decried deforestation through felling of trees without replanting, bush burning and other environmental practices that are now serious offences in the state. Odimegwu called on the residents to brace up to key behind the ministry and tackle the challenge of working hard to maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment. The commissioner said the government mapped out activities for this year’s World Environmental Day, as priority area on the manifesto of the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo while affirming that the governor had tagged his ideal environmental goal to gain clean, greener, planned, sustainable cities, communities and markets that would transform Anambra to a smart state.

“I call on the people of Anambra to leverage on the opportunity offered by this year’s World Environment Day with a theme to raise consciousness towards adopting safe environmental management practices, good sanitation and hygiene culture that would promote the general well-being of all”, he said. The Chairman, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Mr. Michael Ivenso, said the agency was aware of the environmental challenges being faced by the Anambra people and disclosed that efforts were being intensified to address them.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Anambra State Drainage and Forest Preservation, Mr. Chido Obidiegwu, said the government had made more efforts to sustain the programme on ground to ensure a safer environment for all. Obidiegwu said that the government had appealed for collective actions of the people towards the sustenance of a safe environment while the Managing Director, Leisure Parks and Beautification, Mrs. Ify Atorgu has called on the people to develop the habit of planting flowers and trees in the homes, to beautify the state and promote healthy environments, among other benefits.