The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has kicked off tree-planting campaign, targeting the planting of over one million trees across its five urban centers.
This is part of activities mapped out by the State to mark the 2025 World Environment Day, with the theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.”
Speaking at the official kickoff of the event, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Moses Osogi, emphasized the urgent need for responsible and proper disposal of plastic waste, noting that adopting proper waste management practices would not only help reduce plastic pollution but also mitigate its harmful effects on the environment and public health.
Mr. Osogi announced that the State had earmarked over one million ornamental and economic trees for planting across the five Urban centers of the State, noting that the “initiative aims to promote climate change mitigation and enhance the aesthetic value of the five designated urban areas.”
To flag off the initiative, the Commissioner accompanied by officials from the Ministry and various non-state actors, led a symbolic tree-planting exercise at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC) gate and new roundabout, Calabar.
He also revealed that, “efforts are ongoing to replace aging and damaged trees across the State to prevent incidents of treefall.”
The commemorative ceremony for this year’s World Environment Day will culminate in a grand finale featuring inter-school competitions, keynote addresses, and paper presentations which will focus on environmental protection and sustainability.
Source: Maria Ewa, FRCN, Calabar
