By Mariam Adam.
In furtherance of the ongoing tree planting revolution by Kogi state government, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) on Thursday flagged off its ‘Community and Household Tree Planting Campaign’ tagged ‘One man, One Tree’ in Lokoja.
The Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the event argued that the exercise couldn’t have come at a better time, as the State is battling with the vicissitudes associated with climate change.
The evidently elated Commissioner was full of praise for Governor Ododo for his unflinching support to the laudable activities of Kogi ACReSAL, which are geared towards uplifting the lives and living conditions of the people of the state.
Earlier, while delivering the welcome address at the event, which held in the premises of the State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, the Project Coordinator, Kogi ACReSAL, Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto – OON, reiterated the importance of tree planting to any society.
She emphasized that tree planting helps with mitigation from the adverse effects of global warming, and climate change, prevention of soil erosion, serve as wind breaks, prevent flash floods, and protection from ultraviolet rays which cause skin cancer.
The Project Coordinator harped on the need to protect the environment, as it is man’s natural host, and is capable of devouring mankind, if we continue with the bad habit of treating our environment unkindly.
She further stated that the community tree planting is targeted at 300 hectares and it will be a continuous exercise. This she said will mitigate the adverse effect of climate change; and being economic trees, will improve livelihoods in the near future, as the ACReSAL Project is addressing land degradation, reduce poverty and promote agricultural productivity.
She went on to thank Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the partnership with the World Bank and his people friendly developmental initiatives, which are evidently impacting the lives of the people of the State.
She announced that plans are already underway to procure tractors, bulldozers, and graders for use by local farmers in the State, as a way of boosting food security, and improving the livelihood of farmers and people in agriculture value chain in the State.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, while delivering a goodwill message, assured the people that the tree planting campaign aims to, not only protect the environment, but also bring about food security in the State, as most of the tree species are economic trees which can also put money in people’s pockets.
On his part, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, whilst appreciating the effort of the State Government, using the instrumentality of Kogi ACReSAL in bringing succour to the people of Kogi State, assured community members that the state government was working assiduously to ensuring that water scarcity in the will soon be a thing of the past, as Governor Ododo is working round the clock for the people of Kogi State to have access to potable water.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, in a vote of thanks, applauded Governor Ododo for his unrelenting effort in ensuring that Kogites are positively impacted by the activities of Kogi ACReSAL.
He therefore urged the Project Coordinator, Barr. Jatto, not to rest on her oars, as there was more to be done for the good people of Kogi State.
Highlights of the occasion was the handing over of gardening tools/equipment to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Jibrin, planting of economic trees by the Commissioners as well as the Project Coordinator, Kogi ACReSAL. This was followed by the distribution of tree seedlings to representatives of community members, as well as members of housing estates in Lokoja metropolis.
