By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Saturday launched the 2024 tree planting campaign with a call on residents of the state to actively participate in planting trees as an effective means to combat the detrimental effects of the changing climate.
With the theme titled ” One man, one Tree” which held at the Sa’adu Zungur University, Yuli Campus in Bauchi, the governor lamented that the ecosystem has continued to face challenges of continuous degradation by the natural conditions and human activities.
Represented by his Deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor stated that the ecosystem has faced challenges of deforestation, erosion, extraction, usage of natural resources, urban exploitation, stressing that it is time to recover what has been lost to ensure a secured future for generations to come.
According to him, “By planting trees, we are not merely adorning our landscape, we are taking steps towards healing the wounds inflicted on our environment. Trees are one of the main components of our planet, absorbing carbon monoxide and releasing oxygen that we breathe.They provide shelter, prevent erosion and provide habitant for countless species and wildlife”
The Governor added that, “It gladdens my heart to know that so many reputable organizations are participating in this year’s tree planting campaign in the state.Let us be part of the solution rather than creating problems for the ecosystem.Every tree we plant is an attestation of our commitment to a great future for our environment.”
Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt Hon Danlami Ahmed Kawule said that tree planting is the sure way of combating challenges of land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, climate change amongst others, adding that tree planting has the ability to rejuvenate and heal the environment.
He said that the One man, One tree policy introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Environment is aimed at building a resilient ecosystem for future generations, adding that each tree planted, nurtured and raised symbolizes the state commitment of nurturing the environment.
Also Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatimag Tahir, said that the launching of tree planting campaign at the premises of the Yuli campus is timely for the university as the green campus initiative project is a long time dream of the university which plans to create a shelter bud that will have wind breakers that will protect so many buildings of the university facing a lot of challenges of blow-off roofs due to strong winds experienced during the rainy season.
She said that last year, ACResal planted seedlings of over 1.5 hectares of land at the Yuli Campus and also provided a borehole to provide water for the trees, adding that the organization is proposing a 2,000 seedlings plantation on two hectares of land at the Gadau campus.
