Federal University of Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Green Rising Campaign with the planting of 1,000 tree seedlings to promote youth-led climate action and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the inauguration in Birnin Kebbi, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, said the initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
He said the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Kebbi State Chapter, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), the Go Green Foundation and the Students’ Union Government.
Professor Zaiyan-Umar explained that the campaign builds on the university’s afforestation programme, noting that FUBK has planted more than 12,000 trees and established a tree nursery since 2018.
He directed relevant university units to ensure the proper nurturing, monitoring and protection of the newly planted seedlings to guarantee their survival.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that every tree planted must be preserved for future generations and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders to advance sustainable environmental initiatives.
In his remarks, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilitator in Kebbi State, Mr. Toyin Adisa, said the Green Rising Campaign is designed to inspire and empower young people to lead climate action through tree planting and environmental stewardship.
Also speaking, the Director of Environment at the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Dantani Sarki, urged the university to ensure proper care and continuous monitoring of the seedlings to maximise their environmental impact.
COV/SANI DUTSINMA
