Fedpoly Oko Rector Warns Against Deforestation, Launches Tree Planting Campaign

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Acting Rector Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr Uche Onyegbu has called on Africans to stop indiscriminate felling of trees saying that it impacts negatively on the soil.

He also called on the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture for partnership between his ministry and Federal Polytechnic Oko in establishing a School of Agriculture and also assist in checkmating erosion through the planting of trees at the Ufuma and Atani campuses.

Dr Onyegbu made the call during the flag off of Operation Go Green Planting of Palm trees and other Economic trees Project at the Fedpoly Oko Extension site, Orumba North Local Government Area.

Presenting his address, Onyegbu said that tree planting helps to conserve the soil and checkmate erosion adding that it also generates great economic revenue and accord aesthetic values to the environment.

“Trees are very important in keeping the ecosystem’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in check through the process of photosynthesis. Moreover the economic values of the palm and coconut trees are monumental.

“Establishment of a School Agriculture will also create job opportunities for our youths as soon as they come out of school to engage several parts of agriculture and its value chain.

“I appreciate the former Member National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr Cletus Amaraegbu who pioneered this Go Green project and attracted the improved seedlings that are being planted in the polytechnic.I also appreciate the Face of the Go Green Project our veteran Nollywood Actor, Chief Stephen Eboh,”said Onyegbu.

Performing the symbolic tree planting exercise, Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka said that the project would help regulate the climate and ensure ecosystem stability, healthy environment as a panacea to global warming and generate revenue.

“Every student of the school should have one tree planted.This campaign should also be taken to homes and other institutions.Ndi Anambra should plant trees,if you fell one tree, plant at least five tree as replacement,” he said.

Moreover, Engr. Cletus Amaraegbu,urged the institution’s management to take full ownership of the Tenera Specie high yielding oil palm and coconut seedlings saying that the Palm trees could start generating revenue in less than 3 years.

Nollywood actor, Stephen Eboh commended Fedpoly Oko for embarking on the economic tree planting saying that,the institution has set the pace for other institutions of higher learning to emulate.

In a Vote of Thanks,the Acting Registrar, Mr Obini Onuchukwu, called on those who still engage in deforestation to desist,noting that it is the major cause of the present global warming the whole world is experiencing.

He commended the State Governor,Prof Charles Soludo,Dr Forster Ihejiofor,Hon Amaraegbu and other Principal Officers of the institution for their contributions towards actualizing the Go Green project.

Highlight of the flag off was the demonstrative planting of the improved seedlings by all the dignitaries and management and principal staff of the polytechnic.