C'River Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
By Hannah Arikpo
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, unveiling plans to plant millions of trees across the state.
Speaking during a sensitisation walk and parade held to mark the 2026 World Environment Day, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, stressed the need for collective action in promoting sustainable urban development.
The event, themed "Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future," highlighted the importance of addressing environmental challenges and strengthening climate resilience.
Osogi disclosed that the government is set to tackle the growing problem of falling aged trees in the Calabar metropolis through the systematic removal of expired trees, regular pruning, and the planting of new ones to replace those that have reached the end of their lifespan.
Describing recent incidents involving falling trees as alarming, the commissioner expressed concern over the loss of lives and damage to property caused by such occurrences.
He noted that World Environment Day provides a global platform for promoting sustainable environmental practices and raising awareness about climate related challenges.
According to him, the awareness walk and parade were organised to educate residents on environmental protection, sanitation, climate resilience, and the importance of tree planting.
Officials of the Ministry of Environment, environmental stakeholders, students, and volunteers participated in the sensitisation exercise, which took participants through major streets in Calabar. They also carried out a clean up exercise, collecting litter along the route.
The procession commenced from the Ministry of Environment headquarters and moved through Mary Slessor Road, Rabana Junction, and Eleven Eleven Junction before returning to the ministry.
As part of the activities, ministry officials and volunteers, including the Permanent Secretary, Barr. Rosemary Onah, participated in a symbolic tree planting exercise along Murtala Muhammed Highway.
