WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026 ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN, ISUIKWUATO ENVIRONMENT ADVANCEMENT ADVOCATES (ISEAA)
Theme: Our Environment, Our Responsibility
Fellow Isuikwuato sons and daughters,
On behalf of the Isuikwuato Environment Advancement Advocates (ISEAA), I join millions of people across the world in commemorating World Environment Day 2026.
This occasion provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the state of our environment, assess the progress we have made, and renew our commitment to protecting the natural resources upon which our lives, livelihoods, and future generations depend.
Isuikwuato is richly blessed with forests, rivers, streams, springs, fertile farmlands, hills, valleys, wildlife, and other natural resources. These resources have sustained our people for generations. However, they are increasingly threatened by environmental degradation arising from improper waste disposal, indiscriminate bush burning, deforestation, erosion, reckless hunting practices, pollution of water sources, and unsustainable land use.
One of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our communities today is soil erosion. Across many parts of Isuikwuato, unchecked surface runoff continues to wash away valuable topsoil, threaten farmlands, damage roads, and endanger homes and public infrastructure. If left unmanaged, erosion will continue to undermine agricultural productivity and increase the vulnerability of many communities.
We therefore call for greater investment in erosion control measures, including proper drainage systems, afforestation programs, slope stabilization, and community-based environmental management initiatives.
Equally important is the protection of our watersheds. The streams, rivers, springs, and catchment areas that supply water to our communities must be safeguarded against pollution, encroachment, and environmental abuse. Protecting watersheds not only secures water availability for present and future generations but also strengthens biodiversity and ecological balance.
As climate patterns continue to change globally, communities are increasingly experiencing the effects of climate variability, including irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, flooding, declining agricultural yields, and threats to water security. Building climate resilience must therefore become a central component of our development strategy.
Climate resilience requires deliberate investments in environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, tree planting, watershed protection, renewable energy, and improved environmental awareness. It also requires communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices that reduce vulnerability and strengthen our collective ability to adapt to future challenges.
Today, we commend the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the significant strides being recorded in environmental sanitation, public cleanliness, and environmental management across the state. Through deliberate policies and strong leadership, Abia State has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with cleaner cities, improved sanitation practices, and renewed public consciousness on environmental responsibility.
We equally appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, for his dedication to environmental sustainability and his commitment to supporting policies and programs that promote a cleaner and healthier Abia State.
We further commend the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, whose leadership and tireless efforts have contributed immensely to the visible improvements in environmental sanitation and waste management across the state. The work being done by ASEPA has demonstrated that environmental transformation is possible when vision is matched with effective implementation.
The environmental transformation currently being witnessed across Abia State should serve as a model for communities and local governments, demonstrating that cleanliness, environmental protection, and sustainable development are achievable when government and citizens work together.
We also commend the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, for his commitment to improving the quality of life of our people. Of particular significance is the successful construction and installation of twenty solar-powered boreholes across various communities within Isuikwuato. This intervention has improved access to potable water, reduced the burden faced by many households, especially women and children, and contributed significantly to public health and environmental wellbeing.
While we celebrate this achievement, we urge beneficiary communities to recognize that public infrastructure can only achieve lasting impact when properly maintained. Community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organizations, and residents must work together to safeguard these facilities from vandalism, misuse, and neglect.
At the same time, the arrival of boreholes should not result in the abandonment of our natural water bodies. Rivers, streams, springs, lakes, and wetlands remain important environmental assets that support biodiversity, agriculture, groundwater recharge, ecological stability, and long-term water security. These resources must continue to be protected from pollution, erosion, and neglect.
A clean environment remains essential to public health, economic growth, and community development. Particular attention should be given to our major commercial hubs and markets, including Akara Junction, Eke Amiyi Uhu Market, Orie Ababa, Oriendu Ovim, Nkwo Ugba Amaba, Orie Otampa, Ogboro Junction, Ahonta Junction, Nkwonta Junction, and all other markets and hubs across Isuikwuato. These centres are the economic heartbeat of our communities and should be maintained in a clean, organized, and environmentally friendly manner at all times.
We must also begin serious conversations about wildlife conservation and responsible hunting practices. Hunting has long been part of our cultural and economic life. However, reckless and uncontrolled hunting threatens wildlife populations, disrupts ecological balance, and may eventually lead to the disappearance of certain species from our forests.
Controlled and regulated hunting offers several advantages. It allows wildlife populations to replenish themselves, protects endangered species, preserves biodiversity, and ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from these natural resources. Conversely, indiscriminate hunting can lead to species extinction, reduced ecological stability, destruction of food chains, and long-term environmental damage.
As we commemorate this year’s World Environment Day, we respectfully call on government at all levels to deepen investments in environmental protection. We request additional environmental sanitation equipment for Isuikwuato, expansion of rural water projects, and further support for communities still lacking access to potable water.
We also advocate for stronger forest and wildlife conservation legislation through our elected representatives, as well as deliberate efforts toward the optimization, restoration, and sustainable management of important Isuikwuato water bodies such as Nne Ochie, Aku, and Eze Iyi.
Furthermore, we urge our traditional institutions, development unions, youth organizations, women groups, religious leaders, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to support environmental education and awareness campaigns. Environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government alone; it requires the active participation of every citizen.
The future of Isuikwuato depends on the choices we make today. Let us therefore embrace environmental responsibility, protect our natural heritage, preserve our water resources and forests, and build a cleaner, greener, healthier, and more resilient Isuikwuato for generations yet unborn.
Happy World Environment Day.
Thank you and God bless Isuikwuato.
Comrade Ukandu Kelechi
Chairman, ISEAA
