NIGERIANS have been urged to plant and nuture at least one tree each year as a personal climate action to address the challenges of climate change.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on the occasion of a tree planting campaign held at the University of Abuja, at the Federal Capital. The minister added that the government is committed to increasing its forest cover to meet the recommended 25 percent cover. “To this end, one key deliverable of the Federal Ministry of Environment and its agencies in 2024 is to plant at least six million trees,” he said.
Salako said that the tree planting ceremony symbolised the government’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Today, on the occasion of the 64th independence anniversary of our country, it is symbolic that we are gathered here at the university for our national unity, UNIABUJA to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet’s precious resources. This tree planting ceremony symbolises our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“My hope is to see a time when every adult Nigerian plant and nuture at least one tree per annum as our personal climate action to address the challenges of climate change which is now staring all of us in the face. We can also this day commit to planting and nuturing trees to commemorate our special occasions such birthday, wedding anniversary and so on,” he said.
“As we know, the benefits of trees are many including climate change mitigation, erosion control, water cycle regulation, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, green jobs, livelihood support, economic benefits from sustainable forest management, carbon credits, eco-tourism and so on.
“I therefore call on all of us to work collaboratively using nature-based solutions like tree planting to mitigate the challenges of climate change, preserve natural habitats and ensure a healthier environment for future generation,” he added.
