As part of growing concerns about deforestation, environmental degradation and the long-term availability of fuel wood, known in local parlance as ‘fire wood,’ The Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani has paid an awareness visit to the Ogbuzor of Ibusa, HRM Professor Louis Nwaoboshi, at Ibusa.
Jamani, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Minnie Oseji, said the awareness program was aimed at addressing the growing concerns around deforestation, environmental degradation, and the long-term availability of fuel wood for rural and urban households alike.
According to the Commissioner, deforestation and climate change have become a daunting environmental challenge facing the world today, and it can no longer be ignored as its effects are already manifesting.
Mr. Jamani said it is a well-known fact that fuel wood remains the primary source of energy for many residents, especially in rural areas, noting however that unsustainable practices in fuel wood harvesting were leading to rapid deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and adverse environmental impacts that affect livelihoods.
Jamani said the sensitization program will educate communities on sustainable fuel wood harvesting techniques and the importance of forest conservation,as it would minimize the indiscriminate cutting of trees and deforestation, introduce alternatives by promoting the adoption of alternative energy sources such as efficient cook stoves, solar energy, and biofuels as well as production of briquettes from agriculture wastes and saw dusts for cleaner energy.
The Environment commissioner said the program will feature a capacity building whereby local communities will be trained on tree planting techniques and agroforestry practices to encourage reforestation efforts.
He added that Community Forest Management Committees (CFMCs) will be established.
Jamani disclosed that the exercise would be carried outin three Local Government Areas in the state, namely Oshimili North, Ethiope East, and Bomadi LGAs, and the sensitization campaign will involve the use of electronic and print media, mobile public address systems as well as Traditional Town Criers.
The ministry had, on June 5, 2024, in collaborationwith Midwestern Oil, Seplat, Delta Ecosystem Restoration Initiative and Chief Festus Ochonogor joined the global community to celebrate World Environment Day with the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience” as well as the slogan “Our Land Our Future”.
She highlighted some of the other efforts implemented by the Ministry in preserving the environment.
On his part, Prof. Nwoboshi assured the Ministry of his partnership towards the forest regeneration project
He advised that everyone should plant a tree once a lifetime, most especially economic trees
The traditional ruler, who is also a renowned forester,advised the Ministry to sensitise the public on tree planting.