Delta govt urged to declare emergency on deforestation

Concerned about the rapid depletion of forest resources due to food crop cultivation, logging, sand excavation, road construction, and fuelwood exploitation, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has urged the government of Delta to declare a state of emergency on deforestation in the state.

Onuesoke highlighted the rich biodiversity of the tropical rainforest, which provides food, energy, medicine, shelter, and recreational facilities for the people.

He stressed that forests play a crucial role in regulating weather patterns, protecting soil, and supporting food crop production.

However, he lamented that these valuable resources are under serious threat due to deforestation.

He pointed out that forest lands are being lost to traditional farming practices, bushfires, road construction, quarrying, logging, and fuelwood extraction.

Onuesoke criticised the government’s failure to regulate commercial timber harvesting and enforce replanting measures, stating that this negligence has worsened deforestation.

He noted that environmental changes such as soil erosion, erratic rainfall, and extreme temperatures have negatively impacted farmers’ crop yields.

He further warned that the continued destruction of forests has led to a decline in economically valuable tree species and biodiversity loss.

“They have destroyed our trees. Trailers are loaded with baby trees, cut down prematurely from our communities.

“These trees should be absorbing heat and providing oxygen. Now, with minimal rainfall, everywhere is flooded because there are no trees to act as windbreakers,” he lamented.

Onuesoke also raised concerns over the loss of economic trees such as rubber, mango, bush mango, pepper fruit, pear, and ebelebo, which were once abundant in Delta State but are now being sourced from northern Nigeria.

“In another two years, there will be no trees left for timber in Delta State,” he warned.

To combat deforestation, Onuesoke suggested several measures, including the mass planting of trees, securing free seedlings from international organisations, and strengthening the state’s forestry department.

He urged the government to launch intensive awareness campaigns, collaborate with foreign partners for afforestation projects, and work closely with local communities to ensure sustainable tree-planting initiatives.

He also advocated for organising seminars and conferences to educate traditional leaders and youths on the importance of afforestation and the dangers of deforestation.

“It’s not just about planting trees but ensuring they are properly monitored and sustained,” he emphasised.