Planting her tree on Thursday April 1st 2021, which she called “Ada Anioma”, she said: “the environment is not just about what you have”, noting that whenever people called to appreciate what she does in the state capital, she feels honour that what she is called to do is appreciated not just by Deltans only but Nigerians who values environmental development.
“I will not take this for granted. I will like us to drive round the capital territory so we can come up with a policy for tree planting”.
According to her, a bold step was taken towards environmental sustainability as she joined the Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) to plant trees in Mandela Park, Asaba.
“We have reached an understanding with the founder of FADE, Chief Dr. Newton Jibunoh (a.k.a. Desert Warrior), to extend the tree planting exercise to strategic areas in the Delta State Capital Territory.
“We are committed to fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals by taking actions that tackle climate change and protect the environment. We are profoundly grateful to the leadership of FADE for this genuine love and interest in the environment”, she hinted.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir. Lawrence Chukwuma Ejiofor, hinted that the state government is involving the private sector in the management of tourist centres.
“We are going to protect our environment, I will key into the policy of tree planting to preserve our environment”, he promised.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, in company of the Vice Chairman, Comrade Salvation Ogono and Secretary, Comrade Patrick Nweike Ochei, who equally planted a tree of “restoration”, stated that government and well to do individuals should key into the project.
“Our people are in dare need of a place to relax. The job opportunities that we cry about that we don’t have, we will get them through tourism”, just as he called on politicians to bring their Investments home.
Also speaking, the quintessential female traditional colossus and Omu of Anioma, Her Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi Martha Dunkwu, who doubles as the Nne-Oha (Mother of All), shortly after she planted her tree which she called”Omu Anioma”, called on all to involve in the business of saving the environment.
She described the DG as a prototype woman of the 22nd century, saying she is bold, courageous, willing and a selfless giver.
She called on all to rally round the DG in order to make her succeed in the job she is given to do while praying for her and Chief Jibunoh, to excel in their endeavors.
Also planted, is the tree of life by the Chairman, Aniocha south local government council, Pastor Jude Ugbah Chukwunwike.
Earlier, the founder, Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), Chief Newton Jibunoh, disclosed that his fear of Africa, losing the desert propelled him into making efforts to safeguard the desert.
He said he decided to come back home to start the campaign for a sustainable environmental development, expressing hope that he has seen partnership in the capital territory development DG in the fight against desert encroachment.
“”I am not only inducting you into the fight against desert encroachment, I am also inducting you into the Nelson Mandela Garden”, the elated Chief Jibunoh, added.
