Delta State has set the pace in Nigeria, being the first to endorse the restoration of mangrove forest, seagrass protection and preservation of the ecosystem for conservation and environmental sustainability.
The State took the lead when it signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU with Serendib Capital UK for the restoration and preservation of the State’s Mangrove Forest and its Ecosystem at Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday.
Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended all stakeholders for their visionary approach and unyielding commitment to shaping a more sustainable environment for current and future generations.
He said: “The memorandum of understanding we just signed is very critical to the restoration and preservation of our mangrove forests and the entire ecosystem.
“Not only does this initiative prioritise environmental sustainability but also ensures local demands for job creation, infrastructural development, education and climate resilience structures.
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“By dedicating these critical elements into the conservation effort, we are not only safeguarding our natural heritage, but also fostering social economy and enhancing our communities’ resilience to cope with changes that come with climate change and deforestation on a sustainable basis.
“This programme sets a remarkable precedent by demonstrating how environmental stewardship can harmoniously coexist with human development aspirations.
He expressed gratitude to the foreign partners for choosing Delta State as a potential investment destination.
Continuing, he said: “We are committed to building a much more beneficial partnership that will boost economic growth and enhance the potential of our people.
“We assure you of our unwavering support and cooperation as you exploit the possibilities that our state has to offer.”
Earlier in his remarks, Managing Director of Serendib Capital UK, Mr. Rafat Rizvi, thanked the State Government for the partnership, assuring that the project would restore the ecosystem previously damaged by crude oil degradation.
“What this means for Delta State is a long term solution, say thirty to forty years solution to a sustainable environment. One in which there will be a significant amount of job creation, education with emphasis on youth development.
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“This is something that His Excellency, the Governor has expressed a strong desire to see, as well as other members of the cabinet that have been working closely with us.
“First and foremost, its benefit will be on the environment but most importantly, education, jobs and prosperity for the longer term, particularly for the younger people.
“The project covers a very large land mass, about 250,0000 hectares of land. Surely, we are looking for a very significant involvement of the local population.
“We are not here to change the ways the locals have lived for hundreds of years, we are here to help preserve the environment; to work with them as partners so that they will have no reason to leave the environment. We will be starting this project in March, that’s about two weeks away.”
In his goodwill message, Vice Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, congratulated Delta State Government for taking the lead in the conservation project and expressed commitment of the House to the project.
“It is a great day for Conservation Nigeria because this is the first of its kind for conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
“It’s also a great day for us in the National Assembly because just yesterday, we passed for first reading, the Bill on the conservation and protection of endangered species in Nigeria”.