Oru West LGA Chairman Launches Tree-Planting Campaign

By Grace Ofurum

In a bold move to foster environmental sustainability, the Oru West Local Government Area officially launched its tree-planting campaign on Wednesday, July 15th, with a call to every household to plant at least two trees before the end of the year. The initiative was flagged off by Engr. Anthony Adikibe, the Executive Chairman of Oru West LGA, who also holds  positions as Imo State ALGON Chairman and Deputy National President of ALGON Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony,  Adikibe emphasized the importance of the campaign, describing it as a decisive step toward protecting the environment and securing a healthier future for the community. “We have resolved to build a greener Oru West, protect our environment, and ensure a sustainable future for our children and generations to come,” he declared.

He warned that tree planting is no longer optional in the face of rising temperatures, deforestation, and erosion caused by climate change. The chairman urged residents to become ambassadors of environmental sustainability, nurturing the trees they plant for long-term benefits.

Addressing attendees which includes government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, youth and women groups, community leaders, and media personnel, Engr. Adikibe commended stakeholders for their support. He also lauded the Federal First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for championing the national tree-planting initiative, as well as Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma and First Lady Barrister Chioma Uzodimma for their steadfast commitment to environmental issues.

Highlighting the numerous benefits of trees, the chairman explained that they purify the air, protect soil, regulate climate, support biodiversity, and provide economic opportunities through fruits and medicinal resources. He noted that a mature tree absorbs approximately 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, releasing vital oxygen.

The campaign will promote planting trees in schools, health facilities, markets, roadside areas, and other public spaces. Residents are encouraged to plant economic trees such as mango, cashew, oil palm, avocado, and orange to boost food security and income generation.

Engr. Adikibe stressed that success hinges on not just planting seedlings but nurturing them to maturity. To ensure their survival, the local government will partner with the Ministry of Environment, traditional rulers, community development groups, schools, youth, and women organizations, and civil society groups.

The event was further graced by notable attendees including Vice Chairman Hon. Casmir Okwy Obi, Council Leader Rt. Hon. Casmir Onukaeze, APC Chairman Hon. Stephen Eze, Hon. Ike Nwachukwu, Hon. Frank Obi, Hon. Columbus Obanaka, Hon. Manet Mbamara, Hon. Joseph Maduka, Education Secretary Dr. Mrs. Ify Asoegwu, Agriculture HoD Emmanuel Amadi, Works HoD Engr. Kelechi Izuawuba, Women Development Officer Mrs. Ezeogu Stella, among others.

In his closing remarks, the Chairperson of Oru West, Barrister Mrs. Uloma Adikibe, expressed gratitude to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and First Lady Barrister Chioma Uzodimma for their support of community and children’s initiatives, reaffirming her husband’s dedication to sustainable development.

The ceremony marked the official commencement of the campaign, signaling a shared community effort to create a greener, healthier Oru West.