By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
As part of its efforts to arrest desertification and deforestation, the Jigawa state on Tuesday flagged-off the 2024 tree planting campaign with the distribution of 5.5 million assorted tree seedlings.
Flagging off the Campaign and Distribution of 5.5 Millon Tree Seedlings at Andaza village in Kiyawa local government, Governor Umar Namadi said they were produced as part of the administration’s crusade against desertification, deforestation and other forms environmental degradation that occurs primarily due to inadequate forest cover.
He said, “As we are witnesses, year-in, year-out, human interference with the natural environment has continued to wreck havoc with devasting consequences on environmental sustainability, loss of the environmental flora & fauna as well as loss of sustainable means of livelihoods for the people.
“The phenomenon of desertification, and gradual loss of our forest reserves have continued to raise grave concerns for environmental sustainability with negative consequences on sustainable livelihoods for most of our citizens.
“Key among the human interferences with environmental sustainability is the wanton and indiscriminate felling of trees within and outside our forest reserves.
“We must therefore take heed and do whatever is necessary to protect our natural God-given environment if only for our own good. We must all take responsibility and promote initiatives that are environment friendly and supports environmental resilience.
“It is against this background that protecting the environment has prominently featured as a key priority in our 12-Point Agenda. Indeed, Goal 3 of the agenda conveyed our commitment to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of our natural resources through the protection, afforestation, and reforestation programs as well as enforcement of compliance with existing legislations and safeguards on environmental protection.”
As parts of efforts to safeguard the environment, the state government had in the last one year, constructed about 20 kilometers of drainages and reclaim 72 kilometers of eroded areas in several affected villages and towns across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.
“Most of these have been completed and a few are nearing completion. In areas of flood mitigation, we have desilted 72 kilometers along Hadejia River Channel from Gagiya in Guri Local Government to Wacakal in Yobe State.”
He recalled the commitments he made to the people at his inauguration as the governor, where he pledged to einvigorate and expand ongoing programmes including the production of 2.5 million tree seedlings annually for distribution to the citizens, public sensitization on tree planting, deforestation, and general environmental protection.
He described the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign as “very unique” as it glaringly demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of the promise.
“Besides, that we’re flagging off the tree planting campaign earlier than we used to do, gladdens my heart that today, we are also commencing the distribution of over 5.5 million assorted seedlings produced in our nurseries across the 27 LGAs in the state.
“While surpassing our initial annual target of 2.5 seedlings, I must say, this massive seedling production is the first of its kind in the history of Jigawa State. I truly commend the Ministry of Environment for this unprecedented feat.
He applauded the Local Community-based Organizations, representatives of selected communities and some owners of private nurseries for collaborating with the state in the seedlings production programme.
“As we flag off the distribution of the seedlings, I wish to direct all our local governments to assiduously support the communities and work with major stakeholders in ensuring effective maintenance of all the tree seedlings once planted.
He urged the Ministry of Environment to reinvigorate its Afforestation Monitoring Committee to effectively monitor planting and maintenance of the tree seedlings to be distributed.
The Committee shall also assess performance across all the Local Governments so as to appropriately recognize and reward those that excel in the exercise.
“Very importantly, the people who will collect these tree seedlings, either as individuals, communities or institutions, must take responsibility for their maintenance, protection and survival.
“We must try our best to keep the mortality rate of the seedlings after planting very low. Even if only about 90% of the 5 million seedlings survive to become trees in our forests, farms, schools, hospitals, and within the neighborhoods, that will mean additional 4.5 million trees achieved in one season.
“Imagine the positive impact this will make on the environment. We shall all bear in mind that planting and tendering a tree to its fullest is an aspect of sustainable service to humanity.
The governor lauded the World-Bank Assisted ACReSAL Project for complementing the efforts of the state government in trying to build environmental resilience and significantly improve on the greenery of our environment.
He equally appreciated the Great Green Wall (GGW) Project, with which the state government was partnering to protect and safeguard the environment.
“I’m aware that the Great Green Wall Project is also establishing shelter belts, woodlots and orchards across the frontline local governments in the state, which will go a long way in compementing the efforts of the state government”, he declared.
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