By David Onwuchekwa
In an era when climate change, deforestation and environmental degradation continue to threaten communities across Nigeria, a grassroots organisation has taken a bold step to inspire a greener future in Anambra State.
The Community Empowerment, Development, Youths and Knowledge (CEDYK) at the weekend launched an ambitious tree-planting campaign in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, urging residents to embrace afforestation as a collective responsibility rather than a government obligation.
The colourful event, attended by community leaders, youths, members of partner organisations and environmental advocates, was more than a ceremonial planting exercise. It served as a rallying point for environmental consciousness, community development and youth empowerment.
Moderating the event, the Nnewi North Local Government Area Coordinator of CEDYK, Mr. Evans Danchimah Eberechukwu, described tree planting as one of the simplest but most effective ways of preserving the environment for future generations.
According to him, the organisation’s vision goes beyond promoting the welfare of its members.
“Our mission is centred on empowering humanity through community development, environmental sustainability and knowledge-driven initiatives. Protecting our environment is part of protecting our future,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, the Duke of CEDYK in Nnewi South, Bro. Iyke Uzukwu, lamented the alarming rate of deforestation across Anambra State, warning that the continued destruction of forests without deliberate replacement poses grave environmental risks.
He observed that indiscriminate tree felling has left many communities vulnerable to erosion, rising temperatures and ecological imbalance.
“We are flagging off this tree planting programme to sensitize the public on the need to replace the trees being cut down daily. Without concerted efforts to encourage tree planting, our environment will soon be laid bare,” Uzukwu declared.
He explained that the initiative represents the first phase of broader programmes designed to promote agriculture, community empowerment and sustainable development.
According to him, CEDYK intends to encourage members to embrace commercial agriculture as a pathway to economic empowerment, stressing that meaningful development begins with practical actions capable of transforming communities.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, and this tree planting initiative is that giant step towards achieving our broader developmental goals,” he said.
Uzukwu further disclosed that CEDYK has established strategic partnerships with human rights organisations, media institutions and other development-focused groups at both the state and national levels to strengthen its interventions.
He expressed delight that the organisation has witnessed remarkable growth, with its membership rising to over one thousand since its inauguration, describing the development as evidence of growing public confidence in its vision.
Also speaking during the event, the Anambra State Coordinator of the Human Rights Group, Amaka Agbakwuru, praised CEDYK for prioritising environmental protection at a time when climate-related challenges continue to threaten livelihoods.
She described the initiative as “a step in the right direction” and pledged her organisation’s readiness to collaborate with CEDYK in promoting environmental justice and addressing human rights concerns within communities.
The highpoint of the event was the symbolic planting of a coconut seedling, signalling the official commencement of the campaign, followed by the distribution of coconut seedlings to participants, who were encouraged to plant and nurture them in their homes and communities.
Beyond the ceremonial activities, the gathering conveyed a powerful message—that environmental restoration requires collective commitment.
As communities continue to grapple with erosion, flooding and the effects of climate change, CEDYK’s initiative offers a practical reminder that every tree planted today represents an investment in a healthier, safer and more sustainable tomorrow.
Tags: CEDYK, Tree Planting, Environment, Anambra State, Climate Action
