Ruth Orji | I-Witness News
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu was a participant in the just concluded 3-day Meeting of the 17th National Council on Environment that was held between Monday, April 22nd to April 24th, 2024 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Council is Nigeria’s highest policy making body of the environment sector saddled with the responsibilities of deliberating and guiding consultations on environment issues. The 3-day program was part of activities marking this year’s Earth Day.
Speaking, Dr Odimegwu sought for more federal and international funding to help bring the erosion endemic and other environmental issues to its barest minimum.
“Like you all know, Anambra is currently the erosion capital of Africa, the challenge is humongous that the state finances cannot carry it, we are talking about 1000 active erosion sites with new ones still emerging”
As part of efforts in seeking lasting solution to the environmental degradation in Anambra state, the Solution government ably led by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo from inception of his administration, declared emergency on the environment sector which serves as a prompter to planting of one million trees as well as massive desilting of gutters and waterways in the hinterland to mitigate the erosion menace ravaging the state and promoting environmental sustainability.
He however, called for more of global solidarity and partnership, international funding agencies to assist the state and save it’s environment, he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of State for Environment, Ishaq Salako reiterated on the need to adopt nature based solutions, to address climate change crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution in Nigeria.
Stating that the world is facing climate emergency, that requires bold and ambitious actions from all leaders while urging environment stakeholders to engage strategic partnerships and explore innovative ways of funding climate actions in the country.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari during the technical session, identified the need to mobilise more windows for generating adequate resources in support of environmental sustainability efforts.
Mahmud noted that the meeting will help to reflect on the pivotal role of environmental stewardship in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The meeting witnessed large turnout of environmental enthusiast, NGO’s and experts.
