The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a joint committee to coordinate a statewide tree-planting initiative aimed at restoring green spaces, promoting environmental sustainability, and tackling the effects of climate change.
The committee was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Edward Hart, during a meeting with members of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Studies, Rivers State University (RSU), in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the inauguration, Hart said the initiative was designed to restore Rivers State’s reputation as a green state, improve urban aesthetics, mitigate climate change and promote environmental responsibility across communities.
He explained that the programme would extend tree-planting and environmental greening efforts beyond Port Harcourt to local government areas across the state.
The Commissioner stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on scientific planning, sustained environmental protection and active community participation.
He noted that the programme would go beyond planting trees to ensuring their survival, maintenance and protection through community ownership.
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Hart consequently charged the committee to develop operational strategies for implementing the initiative, identify suitable planting locations and recommend tree species appropriate for the state’s environmental and climatic conditions.
Other responsibilities include engaging local communities, establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, protecting planted trees against destruction and urban encroachment, and developing strategies for expanding the programme across all 23 local government areas.
In his response, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Studies, RSU, Professor Sodienye Abere Allison, appreciated the state government and the ministry for the confidence reposed in the committee.
He assured the government that members would deploy their expertise, experience and professional networks to deliver on the assignment.
Allison pledged that the committee would work collectively to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Tpl. Soibi Duke Harry, commended committee members for their commitment and patience, emphasising the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in achieving the programme’s objectives.
The committee is chaired by Professor Sodienye Abere Allison, with Professor Patricks Ekedede Chinemerem, Professor A. Igoni, Professor S. Ngah, Dr. U. Juliet Ekemma (Assistant Secretary), Dr. W. S. Simbi-Wellington, Dr. V. Ojadi, Professor K. E. Okpara and Dr. G. Ogboeli as members.
Others are Harry Soibi, Tpl. Ikpe Leyira Felicia (Secretary), Tpl. Stella Enyadike, Iyalla Orom Nte, Daminabo Samuel and Dr. Obomanu.
