Governments at all levels have been urged to join hands with stakeholders to tackle the challenges of climate change and flooding to protect the future of communities and society. Delivering the fifth Okanga Aguleri Lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Professor Hyacinth Nwalieji of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus said this would help to achieve sustainable agriculture and food supply.
the fifth Okanga Lecture has the theme, ‘Climate Change and flooding in Omabala Region : Adopting For Sustainable Agriculture Yields And Relevance in Global Food Availability Index”.
Professor Nwalieji described Agriculture as climate – dependent industry that has significant negative environmental impact, regretting that over the years adverse effects of climate change have continued to result in poor and unpredictable yields, thereby making farmers and people of Omabala region very vulnerable because of annual flooding with attendant devastation and destruction of sources of livelihood,, noting that more than ninety percent of the population of the region are engaged in agro – based activities.
He recommended among other things modernising agriculture in the face of climate change and adoption of climate – smart agriculture including investment in irrigation, improve seed production system, upgrading crop storage facilities, improved low cost processing machinery and technology, investments in greenhouse, improve livestock, farm mechanization and development of rural infrastructure.
In his speech, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odumegwu called for collective efforts to protect the environment from further devastation by erosion and flooding.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of Aguleri Community, Igwe Dr Michael Idigo said he initiated the annual lecture as part of the Ovala Aguleri celebration to further enrich the knowledge of the people on environment and issues affecting their life
Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion and former Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture Mr Nnamdi Onukwuba noted that the topic of the lecture was apt in view of challenges of flooding in the area and suggested that the lecture be expanded to accommodate other parts of Omabala region.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Ovala Aguleri Planning Committee Chief Tony Oli who expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of people to the event, said he was also impressed with the quality of the participants including three Commissioners from relevant Ministries.
Also speaking, a member of the Committee, Mr Amechi Akorah noted that the lecture has further highlighted the need for change of attitude towards the environment and imperative of proper waste disposal as well as need for adopting new agricultural system.
The ceremony featured presentation of awards to individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in community service including a hundred and two year old Chief Donatus Okechi.
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