Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken up a tree planting campaign in the oilrich region to tackle the devastating effects of erosion and rising sea levels on coastal communities in the region. The initiative, which is in collaboration with a nongovernmental organisation, Foundation for Sustainable Development Options, is aimed at ensuring a green environment across the nine NDDC states.
Managing director of the commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku disclosed this in Calabar, Cross River State, at the close of a weeklong tree planting and sensitisation exercise tagged ‘Reawakening the Consciousness of Tree Planting.’ Ogbuku, who was represented at the launch by the NDDC state director, Dr. Daniel Ajunwa, said the initiative became necessary due to the massive ecological impact of erosion across the Niger Delta communities.
He said the programme aimed to restore ecosystems, protect lives, and safeguard the coastal environment. “The exercise is being carried out in five selected states. We have already planted trees along the eastern bypass near Igbunabali in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. “We have concluded in Cross River State and will soon move to three other states.
Ultimately, our target is all nine Niger Delta states,” the MD said. He noted that the tree planting would help absorb carbon dioxide, restore ecological beauty, sustain biodiversity, and improve public health.
He urged residents, especially in urban centres, to desist from indiscriminate tree felling and to take responsibility for protecting existing trees. “Our leadership is determined to secure the coastal environment and preserve nature. “Tree planting will help restore the ecological balance and protect organisms within the ecosystem,” Ogbuku stressed.
During the campaign, the NDDC also carried out sensitisation programmes for primary and secondary school pupils in the state, encouraging them to cultivate the habit of tree planting as part of their civic responsibility.
