The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to plant 10 million trees in the next four years in a bid to tackle climate change and protect the environment in the state.
The Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, disclosed this while speaking to stakeholders in Kaduna on Wednesday.
He noted that last year alone, the state government planted 1.7 million trees, which is part of the government’s afforestation programme aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting the environment.
He told his audience, “The major challenge of climate change is carbon emission; greenhouse gases and the likes. And the major thing that absorbs carbon dioxide is trees. We expect residents not just to plant trees but to nurture them to grow; not just in the cities but in the suburbs and villages as well.”
He commended Governor Uba Sani for initiating what he described as “greener and cleaner Kaduna State”, adding that “he is an environmentally-friendly Governor.”
“We have the nurseries that have generated these three seedlings. We plan to double the number of trees that will be planted this year. We are committed to making Kaduna State a greener and cleaner place,” Buba added.
The commissioner also disclosed that the governor has mandated the desilting of 140 kilometers of drainages within the city centers to check flooding during the rainy season. He said the governor has also asked the ministry to dredge River Kaduna and other water bodies within the state.
“We are determined to tackle climate change and protect our environment. We urge residents to support us in this effort by planting trees and taking care of them,” he said.
