A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Environment has visited Anambra state as part of plans to implement a phyto-control and management of erosion and marginal lands project in the state as captured in the 2023 appropriation.
The two-man team was received by the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu at the state secretariat before setting out to various erosion sites in the state.
Anambra has been placed as one of the states most ravaged by erosion, with over 1000 active erosion sites.
In communities like Ekwulobia, Oko, Nanka, Achina, Uga, Awka, Mgbakwu, and many other places, villages have been sacked and homes displaced by the natural disaster, which presently appears too difficult for the state government to handle alone.
As a result, the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has declared a state of emergency on the erosion menace in the state and consistently sought both local and international assistance towards addressing the challenge.
Speaking during the recent visit, the Federal delegation comprising Mr Okunuga Mathew Olufemi and Mr Igbinosa Osakide in their various speeches, stated that the Ministry is championing the cause of tree planting as a major strategy to curb erosion menace across the country.
“The aim is to establish an ecological restoration of shorelines and erosion control as that would increase the state’s forest cover.
“This will in turn, contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures,” they said.
In his remarks, the State Environment Commissioner, Engr. Odimegwu thanked the guests for coming through for the state.
Said, “The Erosion crisis in Anambra state has left each of the 160 communities with one form of challenge or the other, out of the 179 communities we have.
“We’ve lost almost 30% of our land mass as we speak.
“We need all the help we can get from the federal government to help reclaim our land, restore our farmland/properties from this overwhelming erosion menace.”
Engr Odimegwu further assured that the Soludo-led administration prioritizes issues relating to the environment and was ready to safeguard and nurture any tree planted in the state.
On her part, the Director of Forestry in the State Environment Ministry, Mrs Achugamonye promised to follow through the conversations with the delegation, to ensure that they achieve the aims of the visit.
