Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme planting a tree.
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has called for collective efforts against desert encroachment to ensure the preservation and protection of the environment for future generations.
Onyeme who made the call on Tuesday during a tree planting session and facilities visit at the Nelson Mandela Park, Asaba, also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Onyeme, after planting an avocado tree, which he named Abraham, said “checking desert encroachment is a fight for all Africans”.
“If desert is not here today, it could be here tomorrow; also, the fact that desert is not here today does not mean that it will not come unless we take proper steps to check its encroachment.
“Some northerners are in our bushes today because of the effects of desert encroachment.
“Unfortunately, most of the northerners who come into our bushes are aggressive, and if we help them to make their environment green again, most of them will not come here; they will prefer to live in their communities.
“We should educate our younger ones so that everyone will be involved in the afforestation of Nigeria,” he said.
Onyeme also expressed his gratitude to the park’s management, saying, “I want to also thank you, Dr Newton Jibunor for keeping the memory of Nelson Mandela alive.
“We love him, he was one of the very few leaders who did one tenure and handed over, and he did not say that he would contest for elective positions again. Thank you for preserving his name for generations to come”.
“We thank God for your life, for remembering that your home is in Delta after sojourn over the years.
Sir Onyeme (L) and Dr Newton Jibunor during the facilities’ visit at the Nelson Mandela Park, Asaba.
“Thank you for bringing Didi Museum to Delta and we pray that with all these projects, Delta will be the tourism destination of the world,” he said.
Onyeme stressed the need for individuals, communities, and organisations to work together in addressing environmental challenges, particularly by planting trees to curb desert encroachment.
He noted that the environment was the most precious gift to mankind, hence the need to preserve it.
The deputy governor said that Nigerians were already feeling the effects of desert encroachment and commended Dr Jibunoh for his efforts in the preservation of the environment through his pet project, Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), and his advocacy for a better and natural environment.
Sir Jibunoh, renowned environmental crusader, famously known as the Desert Warrior, explained what led to his expedition across the Sahara Desert and his unwavering resolve to combat desertification and other environmental issues.
He advocated planting trees to combat desertification, adding that he had been on the campaign for more than 60 years.
Jibunoh said the Nelson Mandela Garden was his way of preserving his memory and creating a tourist destination in Asaba.
Earlier, Ebube Okafor, a Tour Guide, took Onyeme and his entourage around the garden and facilities.
Some of those who also planted trees were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Ifeanyi Osakwe, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor, Political, Mr Goddey Mbabego.
With the tree planting, Nelson Mandela Park got three more trees, adding to the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere.
This is aside from other trees and the 95 trees already planted in the Africa-shaped garden created in honor of Nelson Mandela, who died at the age of 95.
