Anambra at 35: Governor declares state of emergency on environment

On the occasion of Anambra State's 35th anniversary, Governor Chukwuma Soludo declared a state of emergency on the environment, highlighting the severe threats posed by worsening gully erosion and flooding. Speaking in Awka, Soludo warned that these environmental issues represent an "existential threat" to the state's future, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

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Today, we mark 35 years of Anambra State. This anniversary is not just about remembering the past. It is a call to action for the future we are building together, a healthier, more livable, and more prosperous Anambra for our children.

"This anniversary is not just about remembering the past. It is a call to action for the future we are building together, a healthier, more livable, and more prosperous Anambra for our children," Soludo stated. He urged a shift from "concrete jungles to a green Anambra," advocating for clean waterways and communities protected from erosion and flooding. The governor stressed that government efforts alone are insufficient, calling for every citizen to participate by planting trees, avoiding indiscriminate dumping, and maintaining clean surroundings.

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As we celebrate how far we have come, we must also look ahead. And the future we want demands that we pay urgent attention to our environment. Across the world, nations are choosing green over grey. For us in Anambra, it is time to be intentional. We must move from concrete jungles to a green Anambra, with trees, clean waterways, and communities protected from erosion and flooding.

To address these challenges, Soludo unveiled a renewed “Clean and Green Initiative.” This program aims to strengthen environmental protection through robust community participation and a focus on individual responsibility. The initiative encourages citizens to actively contribute to preserving the environment, recognizing that collective action is essential to curb the destructive impacts of erosion and flooding.

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Government cannot do this alone. The erosion and flooding that have claimed homes and farmlands will only be curbed when every citizen plays their part, plant a tree, stop indiscriminate dumping, protect our drains, and keep our surroundings clean.

During the anniversary celebration, the governor's wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, also praised the resilience of Anambra residents over the past 35 years. She described the state as a "land of promise and great possibilities," defined by enterprise, resilience, and culture. She expressed hope for continued progress, envisioning an Anambra where every child can dream, every family can thrive, and every community can face the future with confidence.

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35 years of Anambra is a celebration of our resilient journey, our greatness, and the remarkable people who have continued to make our dear state a land of promise and great possibilities.