{FROM OUR BUSINESS DESK, Awka}
UKPOR, Nnewi South LGA – The Community Empowerment, Development, Youths and Knowledge (CEDYK) officially launched a tree planting initiative during a well-attended ceremony at Ukpor in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday.
Mr. Evans Danchimah Eberechukwu, the Nnewi North LGA Coordinator of CEDYK, led the event, emphasizing the significance of tree planting for environmental sustainability. He pointed out that the mission of CEDYK goes beyond supporting its members and officials; it aims to empower communities and enhance the environment.
In his speech, Bro. Iyke Uzukwu, the Duke of CEDYK in Nnewi South, explained that the initiative seeks to inspire both members and residents of the LGA and Anambra State to adopt tree planting practices. He highlighted the pressing need for afforestation in Anambra to restore the area’s depleted tree cover, which has led to environmental degradation.
Bro. Uzukwu mentioned that deforestation has had a detrimental impact on the ozone layer, creating serious repercussions, and he called for unified efforts to tackle this issue. “We are launching this tree planting program to raise awareness about the necessity of replacing the trees that are being cut down daily. Without concerted efforts to promote tree planting, our environment will soon be barren,” he stated.
He further noted that this occasion serves as a platform to remind members and associates of their core objectives: Community Empowerment, Development, Youths, and Knowledge. “We aim to encourage our members to pursue large-scale agriculture. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This tree planting initiative is the significant step we must take before advancing further,” he explained.
Bro. Uzukwu also mentioned that CEDYK is collaborating with human rights organizations at both state and federal levels, as well as media partners and other progressive groups, to promote the welfare of their members. He expressed pride in CEDYK’s growth to over a thousand members since its establishment.
Amaka Agbakwuru, the Anambra State Coordinator of the Human Rights Group, praised CEDYK for the initiative, calling it “a step in the right direction.” She reiterated her organization’s willingness to collaborate with CEDYK on human rights issues.
The event featured the distribution of coconut seedlings to participants and a ceremonial planting of a seedling to commemorate the launch.
