The Founder of the Cleaner Neighbourhood Initiative (CNI), Rotarian Gloria Obuekwe, speaking with Journalists revealed that the exponential increase in environmental pollution and climate change is to be blamed on the inordinate and unwholesome activities of people.
She made this claims at the recent flag-off ceremony of “All Anambra Communities Plastic Wastes Recovery Challenge 2.0”, organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Environment at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka,
The exercise aims at reducing the challenge of indiscriminate disposal of plastics across the state, by encouraging communities, individuals, and groups to gather plastics for a prize.
According to Rotarian Obuekwe, people have continued to abuse and destroy the environment in various ways and manners, through the indiscriminate disposal of wastes, blocking drainage channels, and not desilting gutters among others.
Rotarian Obuekwe, who doubled as the President of the CNI, also cited a situation where people build houses without flowers and fallen trees without replanting as some of the causes of climate change and increasing environmental pollution with attendant consequences.
“A clean environment engenders a healthy and better life devoid of all forms of diseases.
“Life flourishes better when people keep their surroundings clean, including desilting water channels in front of their buildings.
“Environmental pollution is not only trans-boundary but a global threat to humanity.
“Its negative effects in one community could have multiplier effects on other communities.
“I want to urge the citizens to join hands with the government in the task of ridding Anambra State of all forms of environmental pollution, especially the plastic wastes,” she said.
She applauded the reason behind the flagging -off of “All Anambra Communities Plastic Wastes Recovery Challenge 2. 0” which was for the people to join forces with the Anambra State Government in the war against plastic pollution with a view to keeping the State clean, better and sustainable.
“Pollution kills aquatic life, while human beings are not equally safe. The present outbreak of cholera in Lagos State and other parts of the country is a clear example.
“As an Organization, we are committed to sensitizing the people to see their environment as one of the most precious gifts from God, which they must strive to protect at all costs.
“We are in total war against climate change through our massive tree planting advocacy and all other campaigns on how the people could regain their already polluted environments.
“My advice to Ndi-Anambra is to form the habit of protecting their environments by not leaving the herculean task alone to the Government.”
