By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – AS Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 World Environmental Day, Community Initiative for the Emancipation of Vulnerable Children and Women on Wednesday
called on the Plateau State Government to expedite action to stop the indiscriminate abuse of soil erosion by arresting anyone involved in cutting of trees across the State.
The call was made by the Executive Director, Sewuese Isaiah, while speaking with our correspondent in Jos on the occasion of the World Day.
Mrs Isaiah said she and her team will embark on a long walk across a section of the State to sensitize the citizens and to urge the government for a call to action.
Our correspondent reports that Land restoration, halting desertification and building drought resilience are the main themes of this World Environment Day 2024. The World Day, established in 1972 and celebrated every year on June 5, is a the United Nations’ primary environmental initiative.
“Desertification involves the clearing of forest for agriculture and urbanization. This leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of local climate.
“Overgrazing is another example – it strips not only vegetation but also affects the soil and exacerbates erosion”, our report explains.
However, Isaiah revealed that the indiscriminate digging of the soil for mining activities across the State is causing so much environmental hazard, calling on the government to halt the practice and apprehend offenders.
According to her: “We are embarking on a long walk to sensitize the public on the issue of the environment and to lay out possible solutions to ensure that climate change and desertification is addressed.
“We are aware that the government has in several fora and programmes encouraged the public to engage in tree planting, so today we are adding our voices to it to further drive the message home.
“We also want women to know that they have a role to play in tree planting and deforestation and want the government and institutions to know that they can engage the women in the fight against environmental damage and all other eco-friendly ill practices”, she said.
This reporter further noted that the World Environment Day is a global call for action by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental issues and propose solutions, with a focus on climate change, desertification, drought resistance, and land restoration in 2024.
This medium reiterates that the interview focused on the importance of continuous efforts to address environmental challenges, such as tree planting and other eco-friendly practices, to keep the issue at the forefront of public discourse.
The significance of women’s role in environmental conservation and the need to harness their indigenous knowledge to contribute to efforts in reducing desertification, restoring land, and promoting eco-friendly practices, were all encapsulated in the message delivered by the Executive Director, Community Initiative for the Emancipation of Vulnerable Children and Women, our correspondent said.
