Moves to Protect Environments in Imo Begin with Otamiri River, Egbu

By Chinedu Max Egere.

An aim to protect environments in Imo has begun successfully with a ground- breaking ceremony for the Otamiri- Egbu Integrated Agroforest Community Project on Wednesday last week.

The project, initiated by the Rotary Club of Ikenegbu in partnership with Elohim Foundation is aimed at promoting ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Mr Chibuzo Asogwa said that the project was fully sponsored by Rotary International in line with one of its seven areas of focus hence ‘protecting the environment’.

He disclosed that the project which would cost over 50, 000 dollars had placed Egbu kingdom on the global map.

Mr Asogwa urged Egbu people to commit themselves to ensuring the success of the project aware that its implementation would lead to greater opportunities for the community.

The Rotary Governor hailed the role played by a daughter of Egbu kingdom, Mrs Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, who is a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation thanking the community for being part of the initiative.

Mr Asogwa officially unveiled the project amidst the hosts and the guests.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Elohim Foundation who is an indigen of Egbu (Umu Egbu), Mr Julius Ibechiole described the project as an economic livelihood intervention that would help restore water quality in Otamiri River and regenerate forest vegetation.
Mr Ibechiole said the project, apart from the role of protecting the environment, would benefit the kingdom in many ways which includes the employment of the indigens and also the harvest of the fruits from the Trees in future.

A group photograph during the ground- breaking ceremony of Otamiri- Egbu Integrated Agroforest. The Rep. of Eze Mitchell Egbukole, Prince Eugene Orisakwe (16 L) Chibuzo Asogwa (15 L)Mr Ibechiole, the Founder of Elohim Foundation ( L18)Rep of the Comm. for Environment, Chigozie Maduabuchi and other officials at the Site.

In his message, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Ejikeme Emenike who was represented by Dr Chiagozie Maduabuachi and the Director of Forestry in the Ministry, Mr Christian Ezikeofor described the Otamiri River as the ecological and economic heartbeat of Owerri.

The duo noted that the degradation of the River had subjected the residents to the threats of erosion and flooding which has undermined their livelihoods.

They praised the initiative to restore and protect the River banks through the integrated agroforestry method which they said were a suitable act of service to humanity and the environment.

Traditional Ruler of Egbu, Eze Mitchell Egbukole.

The Traditional Ruler of Egbu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Mitchell Egbukole who was ably represented by Prince Eugene Orisakwe said that the community was aware of the benefits of the project assuring the organisers that the Kingdom would jealously protect the initiative.

The event which also featured the Tree planting was graced by the Personal Representative of the Traditional Ruler, Hon. Sir Chisom Maduagwu; Oha Dickson Agoha led delegation of Egbu Council of Elders; the Secretary- General of Egbu Town General Assembly (ETGA) Engr. Victor Iheme, the chairmen of the five villages of the Kingdom, a delegation of the Egbu Women Association( EWA); a delegation of Egbu Media Team and others.

The event had the intimidating presence of the Forest Guards and the Local Vigilante who came to provide the required security.