Nigerians have been cautioned against indiscriminate cutting of trees
to prevent further threat to environment.

Speaking at tree planting exercise embarked upon by the Anambra State
Waste Management Agency, ASWAMA in Awka, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Venerable Amechi Okwuosa said tree planting should be a collective responsibility of everybody.


Paul Ezeoke reports that Venerable Okwuosa noted that in addition to their economic values, tree provides shades, aesthetics, help prevent erosion and source of oxygen as well as rejuvenate the environment for all living things.

He explained that the Agency has sustained efforts in ensuring that
developers provide adequate space for tree planting and vegetation in
their building plans before receiving approvals.

Also speaking, a pioneer Managing Director of ASWAMA and a University
Lecturer, Professor Tony Okoye urged Nigerians to reduce the
increasing rate of abuse and degradation of the environment, while
calling for increased sensitization of the people on the need to
cultivate friendly attitude towards protecting the environment and
ozone layer.

In her reaction, a Professor of Environmental Management, Nnamdi
Azikiwe University Awka, Mrs Valerie Nnodu said trees help to reduce
the carbondioxide in the atmosphere as well as help curb the challenge
of climate change and global warming.

Professor Nnodu advocated inclusion of environmental management
courses in school curriculum at all levels of education to teach
children early enough the factors that harm the environment and
synergy and inter-dependence in the environment as well as establish
environmental protection clubs in schools.

Speaking later, the Managing Director of ASWAMA, Mr Amechi Akora said
the tree planting programme would be sustained across the state to
achieve the desired goals.