Owelle Rochas Okorocha led government has resolved to doubled its effort to tackle the menace of environmental problems in Imo State so as to save the lives of her citizenry, lands for food production and accommodation.
Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere made this disclosure while speaking to the newsmen on his arrival at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.
Explaining the outcome of his meeting with the Minister of Environment, Hon. Amina Mohammed and the Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jubril last week in Abuja, Prince Madumere noted that the essence of the meeting was in continuation of Imo State Government partnership with the Federal Government to tackle ecological problems in Imo State.
He emphasized the need for a proactive measure with a view to brining succor to the people of State especially the communities that are affected by environmental degradation, which he said had already begun through “Nigeria Erosion Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).”
He decried the menace of erosion, which he said has largely affected the people of Imo State to the extent of dislocating some communities and cutting short productivity in agriculture and socio-economic activities among some communities.
Speaking further, he frowned at the lackadaisical attitude of some of the oil firms operating in the State towards their host communities in times of challenges especially the reported cases of pollution as a result of leakages from their facilities.
He however expressed happiness for the proactive measure being taken by the Minister of Environment and her team to handle the situation in the oil producing areas.
Speaking with hope, he said, “I believe that with the positive words of the Minister of Environment, there will be light at the end of the tunnel in response to the protracted ecological challenges in the State.
He therefore, urged the good people of Imo State to exercise patience assuring them that Owelle Rochas Okorocha led government is working hard in partnership with the Federal Government and other related agencies to ensure that the people do not suffer.
His words, “our Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha is not resting on his oars over the challenges of erosion and other ecological problem in Imo State. He has always done his best. We are witnesses to his effort to salvage some of theses problems but State alone cannot carty it. This to the extent that he has continuously raised the issue at every slightest opportunity. I believe that the success of these efforts will not only promote inter-communal exchanges but will also help in ensuring that food security is not hampered.”
