From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Founder of the Cleaner Neighbourhood Initiative (CNI), Rotarian Gloria Obuekwe has blamed the increase in environmental pollution and climate change on human activities.
Rotarian Obuekwe, who was speaking at the recent flag-off ceremony of “All Anambra Communities Plastic Wastes Recovery Challenge 2.0, organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Environment noted that people have continued to abuse and destroy the environment in various ways and manners.
Obuekwe cited a situation where people build houses without flowers and cut trees without replanting as some of the causes of climate change and increasing environmental pollution with attendant consequences.
She explained that a clean environment engenders a healthy and better life devoid of all forms of diseases noting that life flourishes better when people keep their surroundings clean by desilting water channels in front of their houses.
Obuekwe urged the citizenry to join hands with the government in the task of ridding the state of all forms of environmental pollution, especially plastic waste.
She pointed out that environmental pollution is not only transboundary but a global threat to humanity. She notes that its negative effects in one community could have multiplier effects in other communities.
The Founder of CNI said that the government is doing all within its power to reduce the impact of environmental pollution in various communities across the state.
Obuekwe added that the reason behind the flagging-off of “All Anambra Communities Plastic Wastes Recovery Challenge 2. 0” was for the people to join forces with the government in the war against plastic pollution with the aim of keeping the state clean.
She explained that the environment is the people’s life and future, noting that without a clean environment, there would be no meaningful development anywhere in the world.
Rotarian Obuekwe pointed out that pollution also kills aquatic animals, and that human beings are not equally safe, citing the present outbreak of cholera in Lagos State and other parts of the country as a clear indication.
She advised Ndi-Anambra to form the habit of protecting their environments by not leaving the herculean task of cleaning the environment to the government alone.