The former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Iyom Uche Ekwunife Ph.D, has called for caution in the state’s mining operations following the growing spate of environmental degradation in Anambra State.
The globally acknowledged lawmaker, who disclosed this during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in Abuja, which was organized by the governor of Anambra State Prof Chukwuma Soludo CFR, noted that environmental laws exist to regulate sand mining, but that these laws are not being enforced.
No doubt, Ekwunife’s experience as House Committee Chairman on Environment in the 7th Assembly is endowed with excellent ideas and hands on experience regarding environmental best practices.
Her credibility in that sector became pronounced following her advocacy for stiffer penalties against environmental polluters in 2013. She equally called for a state policy that would check cases of environmental degradation caused by sand miners, as well as solutions to remedy identified cases.
The widely celebrated banker and highly ranked lawmaker, who remains relevant beyond her years of stewardship, also urged households in the state to make good use of the coconut and palm seedlings provided by the state government to checkmate erosion within their various domains.
She advised the State Government to guide and monitor the planting of the economic trees by households to ensure proper reinforcement of the environment against natural and man-made erosion which she described as very destructive.
Speaking further, she highlighted the importance of the presentation made by the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on High School skill acquisition schemes, noting the need to energize community banks with funds so that soft loans can be accessed by students who have perfected their skills and determined to start their own businesses.