National Association of Seadogs (NAS) aka Pyrates Confraternity’s Arabella Deck (Ugbowo/UNIBEN axis) of Edo State, in collaboration with Aqua Kanata Deck (Canada), today commemorated World Environment Day with tree planting and environmental sanitation.
The event, which aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, saw representatives from various National and State agencies come together to make a positive impact on the environment.
In his opening remarks, the Cap’n of Arabella Deck of NAS, Mr Ehikioya Uduebor, stated that the Feast of Barracuda was a yearly event organized by the Association. And this year’s own is commemorating the World Environment Day in conjunction with a sister deck, Aqua Kanata deck in Canada with community clean up and waste management, tree planting, plastic usage and control around Federal Housing Estate, Iguosa which some parts of the environment have been badly eroded.
Also speaking, Abiah Ufokobong Samuel representing the Head of Operations National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Edo Operations Office while giving his remarks used the opportunity to talk about NEMA’s core mandate and responsibilities. NEMA was established via Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999 in March 1999 as a disaster management agency. He thanked the Deck for this worthy initiative. He stated that this is the first of its kind since he was transferred to the state. For taking mitigating measures to combat environmental disaster, he will recommend to his boss to take Arabella Deck (NAS) as a major stakeholder in disaster management in the State.
Mr UMOGBAI from the SEMA also stated that they will partner with the Deck in disaster Management. He stated the importance of tree planting to the environment.
Aina Maria Adedeji, Vice President of the Residents Association of the Federal Housing Estate, Iguosa welcomed all and sundry to the estate. She was elated with this tree planting initiative as it will curb environmental issues.
Abiah Ufokobong Samuel, Head Search & Rescue Department representing the Head of Operations Mr Dahiru Yusuf, NEMA Edo Operations Office presented a contingency document to the president of the Arabella deck.
In a show of unity and commitment to the cause, the President (Capn), First Mate, Chairman World Environment Day, Representatives from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and VP Residents Association of the Estate planted canopy trees, Christmas trees and palm trees within the Estate.
The first Mate Engr. Andrew Uwagie-Ero gave vote of thanks to all invited guest to mitigate and protect the environment.
The event also featured environmental cleaning exercises carried out by Seadogs, dedicated to promoting environmental conservation. Seadogs also planted trees in designated erosion-prone areas, helping to mitigate soil erosion and landslides.
The commemoration at Ankor Point serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and promoting sustainable practices. World Environment Day is a global platform that encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.
To support and encourage a clean environment, Barr. Henry Amaechi Nwazor was awarded the sum of 10,000 naira for having the most environmental friendly premise in the Estate.