Faced with serious negative effects of land degradation and
the need to widely tackle the menace, the Minister of State for Environment,
Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor has called for the declaration of a state of emergency on
erosion ravaging many parts of the country.
She said the call became imperative and urgent due to the devastating effects
of flood and gully erosion on lives, property and the ecosystem across the six
geopolitical zones.
The minister who spoke while inspecting erosion sites in Anambra, also said
that government is coming up with renewed vigour to ensure of the erosion
sites.
Ikeazor who was accompanied by Deputy Governor of Anambra
State, Dr. Nkem Okeke also acknowledged that Anambra State is losing its
landmass, and means of livelihood to erosion.
She, therefore, assured that work would start immediately, adding that all
contractors will be put on their toes to work with both the state government
and host communities.
On the role of the citizenry in erosion prevention, the Minister emphasised the
need to continue public awareness on waste management, afforestation, and
reduction in green gas emission.
According to her, “we need to educate our people because a percentage of
environmental challenges faced today are man-made. Don’t blame nature.”
The minister inspected Community Secondary School Obosi erosion site, where she
bemoaned the devastating impact of gully erosion on the school and assured that
urgent steps must be taken to address it.
In a remark, deputy governor, Dr. Okeke explained that the state is ready to
partner with the federal government because Anambra is heavily affected by
gully erosion.
He commended the efforts of the federal government through NEWMAP World Bank
assisted projects in the state, stressing that soon the Minister would embark
on-the-spot assessment of erosion sites.
He called on the federal government to do more because erosion has not only
affected Anambra’s landmass but has also affected the people who are daily
losing properties and means of their livelihood to erosion.
Speaking on behalf of Obosi Community, the traditional ruler of Obosi kingdom, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, thanked Mr. President for finding an indigene worthy of appointment as a Minister. The Guardian
