The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a 15-member Joint State Committee on Tree Planting, tasking it with coordinating a statewide initiative to promote environmental sustainability, urban beautification and climate resilience.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, at the ministry’s office in Port Harcourt.
Comprising experts drawn from the Centre for Climate Change and Development Studies, Rivers State University, and the Ministry, the committee is expected to facilitate a collaborative tree-planting programme and promote a stronger culture of environmental sustainability across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Hart expressed satisfaction with the calibre of professionals who accepted to serve, commending their willingness to support the vision and programmes of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He, however, stressed that the success of the assignment would depend not merely on accepting membership but on the commitment members bring to the task and the tangible impact of their work.
The commissioner charged the committee to coordinate an effective tree-planting initiative capable of advancing environmental protection, improving the urban landscape and contributing to healthier communities across Rivers State.
Responding on behalf of members, the committee’s chairman, Professor Sodienye Abere, pledged their commitment to delivering on the mandate, assuring the commissioner that they would justify the confidence reposed in them through diligent work and visible, sustainable results.
The 15-member committee is chaired by Abere, while Professor Patrick Chinemerem, Professor Hilkiah Igoni, Professor S. Ngah, Professor K.O. Okpara, Dr W.S. Simbi-Willington, Dr V. Ojadi, Dr Juliet U. Ekennia and Dr G. Ogboeli are members.
Other members include the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, TPL Mrs Soibitein Duke-Harry; TPL Stella Enyadike; Mrs Iyalla O. N. Ereforokuma; Mrs Daminabo Samuel; and Dr Mrs Sandra Obomanu. TPL Ikpe Leyira Felicia serves as secretary.
The inauguration signals the state government’s intention to institutionalise a coordinated approach to tree planting, with the committee expected to translate the policy objective into practical environmental interventions across Rivers State.
Its eventual impact will be measured by the scale of implementation, survival and maintenance of planted trees, and the contribution of the initiative to greener and more climate-resilient communities.
