THE FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello, has warned FCT residents against indiscriminate felling of trees to stem the increase in global warming.
Bello, who was represented by Mr Babatope Ajokaye, the Permanent Secretary, FCT, gave the warning in Abuja at the 2017 World Environmental Day celebration with the theme: “Connecting People with Nature”.
He said that the theme was chosen to promote a better appreciation of the importance of nature.
Bello said FCT residents and Nigerians generally must therefore unite against indiscriminate felling of trees.
“There is need for urgent efforts on a global scale to save the environment and prevent man from self-destruction.
“Man in his greedy and misguided exploitation has disconnected him from nature with consequent destabilisation of the eco-balance which poses a great threat to life.
“Sustenance of remediation and re-awakening of world consciousness to environmental sustainability has therefore become imperative to save man from self-destruction and guarantee the connection of life on earth.
“Therefore, it is high time man and nature reconnected for environmental security and sustainability of healthy living on earth,’’ he explained.
Bello said that the FCT administration had introduced household and community sanitation aimed at mobilising residents to partner with government on waste management for healthy living.
He noted that Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) had also introduced a mobile truck waste collection system that ensured immediate evacuation of waste to the dump sites.
Bello said the efforts had helped in unlocking many waste gridlocks in Abuja, saying that the administration was committed in ensuring that Abuja city was rid of refuse.
The Acting Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Hajia Safiya Umar, said the essence of the celebration was to raise awareness about importance of maintaining a healthy environment for present and future generations.
Safiya said that the 2017 World Environmental Day was being organised by AEPB and Department of Parks and Recreation to complement each other in the area of achieving the vision of the FCT administration.
Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, the Acting Director, AEPB also urged Nigerians to embrace the habit of tree planting as it would reduce global warming and create the atmosphere required for rain.
Olanipekun said that tree felling and bush burning could cause environmental havoc, saying planting trees was necessary and must be encouraged to save the planet.
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