Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has initiated a major tree-planting campaign aimed at improving the environment and reducing the state’s carbon footprint. The campaign, which spans the capital city and other parts of Anambra, marks the third phase of the state’s economic tree distribution program.
During the inauguration of the campaign, Governor Soludo highlighted the success of the initiative’s previous phases. “We have successfully launched the third phase of distributing economic trees and seedlings to more households in Anambra State. In the last two years since the launch of our Palm and Coconut revolution, we have distributed over 1.1 million improved seedlings of palm and coconut trees to about 130,000 households in the State,” he said.
The governor also announced the expansion of the program with the addition of 700,000 more oil palm seedlings and other economic trees. These include 200,000 Ukwa seedlings, 50,000 Akilu seedlings, 50,000 Oji Igbo seedlings, and 40,000 Pawpaw seedlings. These species are part of the state’s staple crops that are at risk of extinction due to decreasing numbers in the ecosystem.
“This initiative is one of our silver bullets in the fight against poverty,” Governor Soludo stated. “Our target is to distribute 10 million of these economic trees to communities and households in the next six years while providing them with relevant extension services to ensure a high survival rate of the seedlings. In another three to four years, when they start fruiting, these households will begin their journey towards real financial freedom and economic stability.”
Governor Soludo emphasized that the mission aligns with the motto of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), ensuring that no one is left behind. “May Anambra continue to win!” he concluded.
The tree-planting campaign underscores Anambra State’s commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment, promising a greener and more prosperous future for its residents.
