Governor Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan, Calabar
The Cross River state government will commence the implementation of its comprehensive action plan on environment this year.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, announced this at an enlarged Environment cluster meeting of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of environment related issues in Calabar, recently, stresing the need for active planning and collaboration among environment stakeholders to avoid complacency and drive positive change.
Osogi emphasized the crucial role of the environment in human survival and its global significance and commended the CEOs and MDAs present for their cooperation and expertise expressing gratitude to Dr Bassey Okim, Commissioner 1 of the State Planning Commission, for guiding the team through a thorough action plan preparation.
This plan according to him, will be implemented this year, following its successful inclusion in the budget proposal and defense.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Okim thanked the Commissioner for Environment for propelling prompt response to the action plan preparation announcing that Environment cluster budget met the action plan requirements.
Making reference to the devastating effects of climate change, Okim reiterated the Environment’s indispensable attributes stating that whatever happens in one part of the environment affects the entire world, hence the need to plan the environment adequately for human survival.
He applauded the State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu led administration for passing the green economy law, noting that it was a testament to the State’s commitment on providing a sustainable environmental practices while also promising to harmonize MDA’s with cross mandate in order to avoid duplication of duties.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Barr. Rosemary Onah, thanked the cluster Heads for their continuous cooperation in ensuring that action plans are implemented accordingly.
She tasked the MDAs heads to abide by the guidelines of the State Planning Commission for effective results.
The meeting brought together CEOs from Urban Development Authorities, Waste Management, Urban Renewal , Climate Change and Directors of the Ministry of Environment.