The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has called on residents and visitors to the State to support the creation and conservation of green spaces in the State saying that this would ultimately improve the mental health and creativity of residents as well as attract local and foreign tourists to the State.
Dr. Oseji made the remarks at the Botanical and Zoological Garden Fair in Asaba, organised to promote conservation of wild life and natural habitats, education, and research, and to showcase Delta State’s biodiversity.
The Head of Service stated that it could even lead to a reduction in crime as being close to nature ‘makes one aware of a supreme being that controls the universe,’ and urged the authorities of Dennis Osadebay University to harness the natural resources in the premises such as the wide range of different plant species as well as the lake to conduct visitors on guided tours for a fee.
The number one civil servant in the state encouraged educational institutions to partner with the Ministry of Environment to schedule excursions and activities focused on conservation and biodiversity.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr Jamani Ejiro, represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Godwin Enone, stated that the exhibition was a declaration of Delta State’s readiness to lead Africa’s Green Economy Revolution, driving innovation, trade, and job creation through environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
Exhibitors included the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Traditional Medicine Board as well as a host of horticultural companies. A myriad of ornamental and flowering plants were displayed along with some exotic animals such as parrots, turtles and grasscutter.
Also present at the event was the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works (Rural and Riverine) Mr. Gabriel Fuludu, the functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban) Engr. (Mrs.) J. Agboloje, civil and public servants as well as students of various secondary schools in Asaba.
A highlight of the event was the demonstration of a dedicated application for identifying the names of the plants.
