Soludo leads tree-planting campaign to celebrate Anambra @ 35
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has led a tree-planting campaign to mark the state’s 35th anniversary, calling on residents to embrace tree planting and other environmental practices to protect the ecosystem.
Governor Soludo made the call while leading a symbolic tree-planting exercise at Solution Fun City, Awka, as part of activities marking the anniversary.
He said the exercise would help improve air quality, restore the environment and promote sustainable development.
The Governor expressed concern that human activities, including building on drainage channels, indiscriminate waste disposal, poor management of stormwater runoff and deforestation, were worsening flooding and erosion across the state.
He stressed the need for collective responsibility in protecting the environment.
“We all share a responsibility to care for our environment—individually, in communities, schools, and churches. Cultivating a culture of tree planting, regular desilting of drainages, creating runoff pits in our compounds, and proper waste disposal are essential. We must speak up and take action to prevent gully erosion and flooding, fostering a sustainable ecosystem,” he said.
Governor Soludo also announced plans to introduce environmental education into the curricula of primary and secondary schools across the state.
He said the initiative would help instil responsible environmental practices in young people from an early age.
Also speaking, former Governor of the state, Dr. Chris Ngige, described the tree-planting campaign as a significant part of the anniversary celebration, stressing the importance of trees in providing clean air and promoting public health.
Dr. Ngige cautioned residents against indiscriminate felling of trees, calling for stronger enforcement of environmental laws to protect trees in both private and public spaces.
He also pledged to plant a tree in honour of each of Anambra State’s past governors.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, commended the initiative, saying tree planting would contribute to ecological preservation and help mitigate flooding.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, welcomed participants and commended the Governor for prioritising the state’s environmental challenges.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic planting of trees by Governor Soludo, his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Somtochukwu Udenze, and other dignitaries.
The exercise reinforced the administration’s call for collective action towards building a greener, cleaner and more environmentally sustainable Anambra State.
