By Anita Uche Ugbejie- Chukwuma
Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment in the state, Dr. (Mrs) Mininim Oseji, have been presented with an award on behalf of the state government.
The Coordinator of the Falcorp Mangrove Park at Ijala Ekenrhen, Warri, Mr. Henry Erikowa, presented the award in the commissioner’s office in Asaba.
Mr. Erikowa said the gesture was because of the pivotal role of the state government in ensuring environmental sustainability and protection of the Mangrove Ecosystem and nature in the state.
He said that Nigeria had the largest Mangrove Ecosystem in Africa and the fourth largest in the world, adding that Ecosystem had countless species of Flora and fauna which, according to him, “provide forestry food and sustenance to millions of people in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
He added that the Ecosystem also helped in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, warning that the Mangrove forest was facing the threat of anthropogenic activities, including oil pollution.
Erikowa explained that the Mangrove Ecosystem was a veritable platform for fostering Eco-literacy, expecially for Mangrove conservation and rejuvenation which, according to him, would positively engage the youths, promote peace building, provide platforms to denounce the activities of illegal oil exploration and exploitation and boost Eco-tourism, among other benefits.
He reiterated the need for collaborative support from the ministry to justify a cardinal point in the OKowa Administration SMART agenda on environmental sustainability in the state.
Responding, Chief Asiuwhu thanked him for recognising the efforts of the state government in protecting the Mangrove Ecosystem in the state and resolved that the ministry would collaborate with the park through sensitisation and protection of the Mangrove as a natural Ecosystem in the state.
