By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A sense of optimism and renewed purpose filled the air in Edjeba, Warri, as community stakeholders gathered for a cause that speaks directly to the future of the Niger Delta. This was a day dedicated to nurturing a damaged environment and reaffirming a shared responsibility to protect it.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), launched a far-reaching tree-planting campaign aimed at curbing the devastating effects of climate change across the region.
From right; Hon Onoriode Omo-Udoyo and FOSDO’s MD/CEO, Dr Anthony Chovwen
Held at the DY Event Centre in Warri South Local Government Area, the one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting exercise was more than a ceremonial event; it was a practical step towards environmental remediation and restoration. This worthwhile initiative, coordinated by the NDDC’s Delta State office and FOSDO, forms part of a broader regional effort that has already reached seven of the nine Niger Delta states, with only Edo and Ondo remaining.
While the main planting event was led by the Director of NDDC Delta State, Hon Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, and FOSDO’s MD/CEO, Dr Anthony Chovwen, the true spirit of the campaign was evident the day before. Students from Delta Careers College, Okugbe Primary School, Alegbo Primary School, and Dom Domingos Secondary School had already taken part, with thirty pupils from each school planting a tree. This hands-on activity was designed to inculcate a lasting sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation.
Cross section of the pupils
The initiative is a direct response to a pressing issue. The Niger Delta has witnessed extensive lumbering and the indiscriminate felling of trees without commensurate replacement, plunging the local ecosystem into jeopardy.
Speaking with journalists at the new NDDC office complex during the tree-planting exercise, Hon Omo-Udoyo explained that the event symbolised the interventionist agency’s long-term commitment to environmental preservation.
“The significance of this tree-planting event is to demonstrate the commitment of the Niger Delta Development Commission to protecting our environment on a sustainable basis,” he said. “Trees are essential for preserving the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, and this goes a long way to mitigate the effect of greenhouse gases. It also improves air and water quality and sustains the biodiversity in our environment.
Participants
“This programme has been very significant in the commission’s drive to fulfil one of its core mandates. Climate change is here and it needs to be combated. As stakeholders in the protection of our environment, we are committed for the long haul to conducting sensitisation programmes and getting the populace to play their roles.
“We want to penetrate society at large with this message. We will go to churches, markets and the like, just as we have gone to schools, to propagate the message and sensitise community members.”
Dr Chovwen
Also speaking, Dr Chovwen of FOSDO noted that the campaign was about integrating future generations into the fight against climate change. He said the project aimed not only to plant trees but also to plant knowledge and consciousness about environmental responsibility among young people.
“I am being ably assisted by the NDDC to carry out this laudable and timely programme. My pleasure in all of this was integrating the future—which is our children,” Dr Chovwen said. “The children were so excited during the environmental education sessions. We capped it all off by presenting an ‘economic tree’ to each child. They will plant and nurture it. If they leave the school, they will ask a friend to continue. So you may have two or three generations of students growing that tree. The joy is that in years to come, you could return to the school as an alumnus and say, ‘This was the tree I grew.’”
Dr Giadom Ferdinand
In a keynote address, Dr Giadom Ferdinand, an Environmental Ecologist from the University of Port Harcourt, painted a vivid picture of the climate crisis. He explained that human activities have led to an alarming increase in carbon dioxide levels, which continue to heat the earth, triggering devastating consequences.
“We presented facts to prove that climate change is here,” he said. “Until we carry out actions that will mitigate these impacts, the devastation will continue. We are raising awareness on the importance of trees because the more we have, the more we can extract carbon dioxide from the environment. Participants should take tree planting as a personal responsibility; it is a practical way to reduce global temperature.”
Mrs Briggs
Representing the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Ejiro, Mrs Vivian Briggs echoed these sentiments. She urged Deltans to embrace eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, from adopting solar and wind energy to diligently reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
The event was not just about speeches; it was an experience that left a lasting impression, especially on the students. Among them was Abdurrahman Abubakar Sadiq from Delta Careers College, who joined his peers in planting a tree. For him, the experience was enlightening.
Cross section of pupils
The exercise made him realise, he said, that “trees are needed to reduce global warming, erosion, flooding and other man-made disasters.” His words reflected the very heart of the campaign: that every seed planted today could become a shield for tomorrow.
From right, Ebenezer Adurokiya, Rita Enemuru, Juliet and Onyeka Meluwa Meluwa at the event.
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