By Monday Ajogun
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, has called for the protection of ecosystems across Nigeria, stressing that humans have no alternative planet to depend on.
Lawal made the call on Tuesday in Udo, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area of Edo, during the inauguration of key projects at the Okomu National Park.
He said safeguarding the environment remained a collective responsibility, noting that survival and well-being of future generations depended on effective protection of natural resources.
“We have only one environment and one planet Earth, and we must do everything possible to preserve it. There is no alternative to Earth, so we must work together to protect what we have.
“If we destroy our planet, we have nowhere else to go. We must ensure that it remains healthy, productive, and sustainable for ourselves and generations yet unborn.
“There is no Moon or Jupiter for us to relocate to. We must remain here and take responsibility for protecting our Mother Earth. Today, Mother Earth is crying out for our support,” he said.
The minister commended the traditional ruler of Udo Community, the Iyase N’Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, for his commitment to preserving the community’s natural environment and maintaining its green ecosystem.
Speaking on the projects executed under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Lawal said they would enhance integrated landscape management and strengthen conservation efforts within the region.
Earlier, Igbinidu expressed appreciation to the minister for visiting the community and reaffirmed Udo’s commitment to protecting the national park.
“All that is required from us is to continue preserving the national park. Our community is known for its green environment, and I assure you that we will sustain it.
“We have held several meetings with hunters and timber operators, urging them to refrain from encroaching on the park. As a result, such activities have significantly reduced within our community,” he said.
In his remarks, the Conservator of Okomu National Park, Mr. Lawrence Osaze said that the inauguration of the projects underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Osaze noted that similar projects inauguration were being carried out across Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ogun, adding that collaboration with the Federal Government had continued to strengthen conservation interventions across critical ecological landscapes in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Dr. Hussein Gadain, the FAO Representative in Nigeria, said the facilities being commissioned represented more than physical infrastructure.
According to him, the projects symbolise a shared commitment to protecting biodiversity, strengthening conservation management, enhancing ecological monitoring, and promoting sustainable development for local communities.
“These investments reflect our collective determination to preserve Nigeria’s rich natural heritage while improving livelihoods and ensuring environmental sustainability,” he said.
On his part, Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo said that his administration has planted 6,000 seedlings of various trees as parts of efforts aimed at addressing climate change and protecting the eco-system.
Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability, Mr Nosa Adams, said the state government was working with the federal government to implement polices aimed at tackling the devastating effect of climate change. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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