Aguiyi Urges Omasi Community to Preserve Green, Agrarian Heritage
By Stanley Onunkwor
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has urged the people of Omasi in Ayamelum Local Government Area to preserve the community’s rich natural environment and agrarian heritage as the state government intensifies efforts to harness its agricultural and investment potential.
Aguiyi made the call on Sept 24 during a town hall engagement with the Omasi community, where he expressed appreciation for its lush vegetation and expansive agricultural landscape. He stressed that economic growth and infrastructure development should be pursued without compromising the community’s green spaces and agricultural character.
The commissioner said Omasi had the opportunity to adopt a development model that combines agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. He noted that the community’s abundant vegetation contributes to environmental health, residents’ quality of life and general well-being.
Aguiyi also drew attention to the presence of many elderly residents in the community, noting that it could reflect the benefits of a healthy and well-preserved environment. He, however, stressed that Omasi’s environmental assets must be deliberately protected as development increases.
While commending the community for its relative cleanliness and absence of major environmental nuisances, the commissioner called for stronger community-based environmental management structures, particularly in anticipation of increased economic activities arising from planned agricultural investments.
He therefore urged the traditional ruler and President-General of Omasi to establish a functional Community Environmental Committee to coordinate environmental protection, conservation, sanitation and responsible development. “Omasi must lead the charge for environmental and natural conservation in Anambra,” Aguiyi said, assuring the community of the Ministry’s support.
The engagement formed part of the state government’s broader initiative to attract agricultural investment to Omasi and harness its agricultural resources for economic development, including the proposed establishment of agro-processing facilities. The delegation was led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena, and included other commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and representatives of relevant ministries.
The traditional ruler of Omasi, HRM Igwe Benjamin Okeji, welcomed the government’s renewed interest in the community’s agricultural potential, describing the planned investment as an opportunity to harness its resources for mutual economic benefit and increased revenue for the state. He assured the government that the community would provide suitable areas and support responsible agricultural investments.
The Acting President-General also endorsed the traditional ruler’s position, assuring that the community leadership would work with the state government to advance environmental conservation and agricultural development. The engagement underscored the need to balance economic opportunities with environmental responsibility as Omasi prepares to attract new investments.
Comments
Post a Comment