Abia environment commissioner canvasses support for Otti’s re-election

By Izuchukwu Nwokoma

Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, says Governor Alex Otti has prioritised climate change issues since assuming office in 2023, adding that his commitment has yielded enormous results in mitigating flooding in the state.

In an exclusive interview with Business Hallmark correspondent, Izuchukwu Nwokoma, to mark Governor Otti’s three years in office, Ogbonna revealed that Abia has been proactive in addressing climate change challenges.

Climate change has become a serious issue globally. As we assess Governor Otti’s performance over the last three years, can you highlight some of the strides his administration has made?

There was no serious climate change discussion in the state before Governor Alex Otti assumed office in 2023. After recognising the need to cushion the effects of climate change on the environment, the Governor approved the establishment of a Climate Change Department. As I speak with you today, we have a fully functional Climate Change Department, all thanks to Governor Alex Otti.

Is it just about creating a department? What was it set up to achieve?

It is not just about having a department; it is about being proactive on environmental issues, including flooding and erosion.

Following the creation of the department, we convened a statewide stakeholders’ engagement on climate change with a view to developing a climate change policy and action plan for the state.

The engagement was highly successful, and today I can proudly say that the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan is almost ready. It is currently at the final technical review stage.

My ministry has also been involved in numerous climate change activities at the national level. We have consistently distinguished ourselves through our commitment and contributions to climate action.

Since we came into office, we have carried out flood and erosion control interventions at no fewer than 12 locations across the state. Before this administration, there were reports of flood and erosion disasters claiming lives, including that of an only daughter in one affected community.

We have significantly mitigated flood and erosion challenges in many areas. We have also undertaken flood and erosion control projects in Isuikwuato, Amiyi, and other communities. At the Correctional Centre, we carried out flood and erosion control works and constructed a perimeter fence.

Sometime ago, the Ministry launched the Clean Cooking Stove initiative. What was it designed to achieve?

Yes, Abia is the first state in the South-East to launch the Clean Cooking Stove initiative, and it has earned us commendation from across the country and beyond.

Many people have asked about its relevance. Its primary goal is to reduce the use of polluting and harmful fuels commonly used by households for cooking. While each stove design differs, they are built to ensure maximum efficiency and, in some cases, completely eliminate dependence on fuels such as firewood, coal, kerosene, dried animal waste, and others.

These proactive measures are intended to make Abia’s environment more resilient to climate change challenges.

Recall that Abia has consistently been listed among states at high risk of flooding. Last year, we took every necessary step to proactively address the threat of flooding, and this year’s prediction indicates a similar risk.

We are already taking action. We are working closely with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and a lot has been done in preparation.

We have also maintained a presence at the global level. Abia State participated in COP29 in 2024 and COP30 in Brazil last year. We were also in Germany for a technical climate session in June last year.

These conferences focused on climate change, and I can confidently say that Governor Alex Otti has made a remarkable impact in that area.

For about two months now, the monthly sanitation exercise has been suspended due to state engagements. Yet, the state has remained clean. What is the secret?

Since the inauguration of this administration, monthly environmental sanitation has been a regular exercise aimed at keeping the state environmentally healthy and attractive.

The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has remained very active in evacuating refuse and maintaining cleanliness across the state.

Do not forget that Governor Alex Otti declared a state of emergency on waste management on May 29, 2023, the very day he was sworn into office.

Today, the situation has changed significantly. We thank the Governor for his deliberate and intentional efforts to ensure a clean environment. He promised to make Abia environmentally friendly, and everyone can see the results.

When we came into office, getting people involved in environmental clean-up efforts was a major challenge. We practically had to persuade them.

Can the state government confidently say participation in the monthly sanitation exercise is now at 100 per cent?

We have made significant progress. Today, people volunteer to participate. Organisations now come forward to collaborate with the government to keep Abia clean.

Recently, personnel of the 145 Battalion, stationed around the Express Tower area, carried out environmental clean-up exercises to complement the state’s efforts.

Today, there is strong synergy between the state government and the Nigerian Army.

Encroachment on government forest reserves has also been a recurring issue. What has your ministry done in the last three years to address it?

Since the commencement of this administration, one of the first steps we took was to visit host communities around the forest reserves in order to rebuild and strengthen their relationship with the government.

Abia State inherited 19 forest reserves from the old Imo State. It is important that communities that donated land for these reserves maintain a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with the government.

Governor Alex Otti has revived attention to these reserves and reconnected government with the host communities. Before this administration, successive governments paid little attention to the reserves, leading to widespread encroachment.

The state government recently approved what we call fire tracing and boundary clearing. We started with eight reserves and collaborated with host communities, youths, and women to carry out these activities.

We also empowered members of the communities involved. Work is ongoing in the remaining reserves.

This is one of the ways we are ensuring that host communities are actively involved in governance and environmental conservation.

The administration has also done well in beautifying the environment. Tree planting has become an ongoing programme in the state. Recently, a foundation based in Abia approached us for collaboration on tree planting and grassing projects.

What does the state hope to achieve through this initiative?

Our objective is to green the state and ensure that Abia aligns with its climate change action plan.

The more trees we plant, the better our chances of reducing environmental hazards associated with climate change.

This is also an opportunity to remind Abians that it is an offence to enter any government reserve and cut down trees.

Recently, two individuals were arrested for illegal logging in one of our reserves. They are currently in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

There is an existing law that prescribes sanctions for anyone who tampers with government reserves. We are determined to enforce that law and ensure that offenders face the full consequences of their actions.

The activities of scrap metal dealers have become a source of concern, with allegations of theft and vandalism. What has the ministry done to address this issue?

The government of Governor Alex Otti will not allow activities that undermine environmental sustainability in the state.

Since coming into office, we have developed a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Policy, which has been signed by the Governor and is currently being implemented.

The Governor has also approved a policy framework for regulating the scrap metal business in the state.

The objective is to regulate and monitor activities within the sector. Before this administration, scrap metal operations had become a serious environmental challenge.

The policy is intended to bring order, accountability, and proper oversight to the industry. It is currently at the final technical review stage.

These are some of the major initiatives we have undertaken. More importantly, Governor Alex Otti’s administration has recorded significant achievements in the area of flood and erosion control.

Finally, as Abia marks another May 29 anniversary, what message do you have for Abians, especially as another election cycle approaches?

First and foremost, I congratulate Abians and thank God for giving us Governor Alex Otti.

Many people have said they are not going back to Egypt, and I agree with them. We are not going back to Egypt. Abia is on the path of progress, and that progress will continue under Governor Alex Otti.

As we approach another election cycle, we appeal to Abians to continue supporting the Governor so that he can consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

He will not be in office forever, but another four years will provide an opportunity to deepen and expand the reforms and development initiatives currently underway.

I therefore call on all Abians to participate actively in keeping the environment clean and to continue supporting Governor Alex Otti.