BY RITA OYIBOKA
The founder of the Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) initiative Chief (Dr) Newton Jibunoh, has urged the Delta State government to actively sustain environmental efforts by other actors in the state.
His call to action came during the International Day of Climate Action, where FADE, in collaboration with the Embracing Humanity Initiative (EHI), organised a tree-planting campaign in Akwukwu-Igbo, headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The event, which successfully planted approximately 100 trees, aimed to combat the escalating threats of desertification and promote environmental sustainability. It attracted a diverse group of environmentalists, government officials, community leaders, and residents, all committed to the preservation of the environment.
Dr Jibunoh highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying, “This day serves to sensitise communities and individuals to take responsibility for their surroundings. By doing so, we can hopefully prevent the devastating effects we hear about tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and bushfires even here in Delta State.”
He continued, “If we, as civil society groups and NGOs can take the first steps, it becomes much easier for the government to follow. Waiting for the government to act first is impractical given the vast number of local governments and communities across the country. If we initiate the process, the government can step in to expand and institutionalise it.”
The internally-acclaimed environmentalist, Chief Jibunoh also emphasised the importance of residents nurturing the newly planted trees, stressing that the initiative’s success hinges on their active participation.
Founder of the Embracing Humanity Initiative, Uchechi Uchenna, stressed the need for inclusive grassroots action in the fight against climate change. “The reality is that our Earth requires urgent attention, and this is not a journey that one person can embark on alone. If we leave it to a single individual, we will achieve nothing. We all need this planet to thrive and remain healthy,” she said. Adding to the discourse, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Rex Anighoro, lauded the collaborative effort. He encouraged sustained partnerships between government bodies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure lasting impact.
Likewise, the Vice Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Chief Uju Okolo applauded the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention. Okolo highlighted the local government’s blueprint for tree planting, aimed at transforming the area into a green zone.
She noted that this initiative would tackle environmental issues while creating job opportunities for youths through tasks like clearing land, watering, and nurturing trees.
