‘We’re Planting Trees To Mitigate Climate Change, Preserve Ecosystem’

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has described its large-scale tree-planting as a demonstration of the long-term commitment to environmental protection and ecosystem preservation.

At a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Edjeba, Delta State, the director of the NDDC Delta State Office, Hon Onoriode Omo-Udoyo, said it was to mitigate the effects of climate change across the Niger Delta region.

Launching the large-scale tree-planting campaign in Delta State, the NDDC, in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), described the project as more than a one-off public relations event as only Edo and Ondo states remained to be covered.
Omo-Udoyo emphasised the critical role trees play in absorbing carbon dioxide and improving local air and water quality, underlining the commission’s intention to continue raising awareness in communities across the Niger Delta.

He added that the NDDC would take its message to churches, markets, and schools to ensure citizens understand their role in protecting the environment.

“The significance of this tree-planting event is to demonstrate the commitment of the Niger Delta Development Commission to protecting our environment on a sustainable basis,” Omo-Udoyo said.

“Trees are essential for preserving the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, which goes a long way to mitigate the effect of greenhouse gases. They also improve air and water quality and sustain biodiversity.

In his remarks, the MD/CEO of FOSDO, Dr Anthony Chovwen, said the partnership with the NDDC had enabled the foundation to run meaningful sensitisation and practical activities.

He highlighted the lively group discussions and noted that working with schoolchildren through environmental education and demonstrations of eco-friendly practices was central to the project’s long-term impact.

Chovwen explained that giving each pupil an “economic tree” was intended to foster a sense of ownership and continuity.

“I am being ably assisted by the NDDC to carry out this laudable and timely programme. The group discussion was wonderful. My pleasure in all of this was integrating the future—which is our children,” Dr Chovwen said.

Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Jamani Ejiro, represented by Mrs Vivian Doye Briggs delivered a keynote address titled, “Eco-friendly Practices to Mitigate Challenges of Climate Change.”

The campaign was coordinated by the NDDC’s office in Warri and FOSDO, planned to cover all nine states of the Niger Delta: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.