Kaduna State government has called for deliberate efforts on tree planting in all schools across the state as part of effort to address the consequences of deforestation by communities and the Parent-Teachers’ Associations.
Deputy governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe stated this while flagging off this year’s tree planting excercise for schools in Kafanchan, in Jemma local government area of the state.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe said tree planting would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the state government in ensuring green environment.
The Deputy governor who commended the focus of Kafanchan Municipal Authority on tree planting, said young generations would grow up with the culture of appreciating trees and nurturing same.
She further revealed that, most of the schools and public buildings, were exposed to the destructive tendencies of winds and other human activities, stressing that, some school authorities neglect to plant trees.
“On its part, the State Government launched a forestry policy tagged “Keep Kaduna Green” (KKG) in 2020 in which it planned the planting, together with its citizens, of five (5) million seedlings within three years. So far, about 1.1 million seedlings have been raised, distributed across the State and planted. We hope to execute the balance before the end of 2023″
Dr Hadiza Balarabe also disclosed that, the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is working tirelessly with some non-governmental organisations and international agencies to meet the targets of tree planting.
“I commend the Ministry for the efforts in making Kaduna a green State. I also encourage it to increase its level of awareness and advocacy among residents of the State in order to make tree planting a way of life”
She commended the Kafanchan Municipal Authority, for the wonderful initiative of the tree planting.
The Chairman Kafanchan Municipal Authority, Mrs Phoebe Sukai Yayi said the tree planting flag-off emphasized the need for closer collaboration, partnership, participation in attaining environmental protection, urban and green culture in communities.
Mrs Yayi noted that trees play a very vital role to environment, mental health and learning in schools.
According to her, Kafanchan Municipal Authority will accord more priority in replacing of trees and sensitizing the public on the consequences of deforestation.
AMINU DALHATU