Anambra Goes Green; Begins Three Million Tree Planting Campaign

In keeping with global best best practices in environmental conservation, The Anambra  state government has set machinery in motion for planting of three million trees across the State.

The Managing Director of  the State Leisure Parks and Street Beautification Agency, Lady Sylvia Ify Atogu made this known while speaking to newsmen in Awka, the state capital. She stated that the essence is  to boost the aesthetics of the State and promote a healthy environment  for residents.

In addition to tree planting, Atogu pointed out that her agency has taken pro-active measures towards the realization of the goal by establishing a nursery for growing and provision of  flowers and trees to members of the public  to actualize the programme.

According to her:"Tree planting takes into consideration the areas that are erosion prone. Once we identify such a place, we study the terrain and embark on planting of such trees like the neem tree populalry known as  'dogonyaro', and other big trees that can hold the soil. "We also intend to sensitize stakeholders like parents and guardians to understand the message and internalize it for easy transmission to the children and wards, who, according to her would also be captured through the school tree planting programme.

She stated further, that the agency is carrying out the mandate of governor Willie Obiano to carry out landscaping and inter-locking of buildings at strategic areas. Noting that the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Achebe in support of the wonderful initiative, has magnanimously donated thirty 'jakarada' trees to the agency to plant at the existing parks to improve the aesthetics of the commercial city while appreciating others who have also indicated interest to set up  similar parks.

The Agency Chief said, the agency despite being relatively new, has undertaken some developmental projects including Safe Gardens with protective Wire mesh at temporary site of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka after resettling tricycle operators known as Keke riders to the Unizik"s Quadrangle Bus-stand  to eliminate the menace of touts, hawkers and illegal squatters,and to also avoid heavy casualty in the event of an accident like the one witnessed at Onitsha few months ago where no fewer than fifty persons lost their lives.