By Austin Ogwuda
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and former Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi has called for a comprehensive approach to environmental preservation.
Ogidi made the call while speaking at the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) commemoration of the Institute’s 60th anniversary which joined the global celebrations for World Environment Day 2024 last Wednesday with tree planting and sensitisation for environmental sustainable in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
He said that nature has started reacting due to the continued degradation of the environment, pointing out that “for too long we have been cutting down trees without replacing them, and nature will fight back, which we are already experiencing it”.
Also speaking during the Tree Planting and Sensitisation programme, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro emphasised the significance of tree in human existence.
He said that trees help to conserve water, preserve the soil, improve the air quality and also absorb carbon dioxide, producing the oxygen we breathe and if for any good reason you cut a tree, you should replace it by planting another tree”, he emphasized.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe said that tree planting is key to land restoration, desertification and drought resilience which is the central theme of this year’s World Environment Day.
Said he, “We cannot continue to live in isolation of current realities; the degradation of the environment over the years is the resultant effects of climate change with the depletion of the ozone layers.
“So, combating climate change and preserving the ecosystems which invariably underpin the economic prosperity of our communities is an issue that requires collective and transformative efforts of everyone”.
The Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA)/ the Immediate Past Chairman of Delta Chapter of NIPR, Chief Patrick Ukah, represented by Mr. Isaac Nwosu, Head of Environment at DSCTDA condemned harmful environmental practices such as illegal felling of trees, indiscriminate bush burning and the unhealthy use of chemicals on food.
He urged everyone to act responsibly and make conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprints for sustainable earth.
The celebration witnessed large turnout of stakeholders, with members of the State Chapter of NIPR, staff of the Ministry of Environment, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, and other environmental-friendly enthusiasts.
The programme started with planting of 80 trees along the Maryam Babangida Road, Asaba, Delta State; 60 trees were planted on the median of the road for the symbolic 60th Diamond Anniversary of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and 20 trees on shoulders of the road both to also mark the 2024 World Environment Day.
The Tree planting was followed by the sensitisation from Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba to Inter-Bau Flyover Bridge through Okpanam road and back to Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat.
However, the State Chapter of NIPR has adopted the greening of the road as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the State, and would see to the nurturing of the trees planted and the vegetation of the remaining stretch of the road.
World Environment Day (WED) is a global platform initiated by the United Nations in 1972 to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster collective actions of the world communities for sustainable development. It is celebrated every June 5th across the world.
Recognising the threat of climate change and the need for an urgent action to mitigate its effects and promote environmental good governance and greening of the economy, the Institute, NIPR integrated tree planting and advocacy into its Diamond anniversary programmes, with the theme ‘Diamond Anniversary Walk for Economic Transformation and Green Nigeria’.
The event was supported by the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Environment Society (NES); Delta State Ministry of Environment; Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA); Emmanys Place, Asaba; Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF); The Nigeria Police and Delta State Environmental Protection Agency.
Photo caption: Dr. (Mrs.) Mimie Oseji, PS, State Ministry of Environment, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, fnipr, former Vice Chairman PDP South-South, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Commissioner for Environment, Delta State and Godfrey C. Osakwe, Chairman, NIPR, Delta State
