His Royal Highness, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, the Eze Igulube of Omor, has called on Anambra State Government to enact stringent laws to curb the indiscriminate abuse and defacement of the environment.

He made this call while speaking as chairman at a one-day symposium held in Awka to mark World Environment Day 2025. The event, themed “Citizens and Corporate Participation as a Solution to Plastic Pollution in Anambra State”, was organized by the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA).

Igwe Chidume stressed the need for such laws to be strictly enforced to serve as a deterrent to those who habitually degrade the environment. He further argued that the existence of strong legislation would also compel successive governments to implement and uphold environmental standards.

“The environment affects everyone – rich or poor, young or old – and that is why we must all treat environmental issues with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.

He emphasized that sustainable care and protection of the environment should become a way of life, one that is rooted in culture and integrated into school curricula. “Children should be taught why waste must be disposed of properly, not carelessly. When they grow up with this mindset, it becomes a lifelong habit. Adults who deface the environment for selfish reasons should be sanctioned accordingly,” he added.

The symposium also featured powerful presentations by Mr. Adani Abdala of TechnoServe, Ms. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe of Coca-Cola, and Dr. Felix Odimegwu, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment.