As part of its efforts to ensure a safe environment, the Adolescent Girls Initiative Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) launched its economic tree planting programme on Tuesday in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off of the programme at Nana Girls Secondary School, the state commissioner for basic and junior secondary education, Tukur Alkali, urged the students to nurture the trees and ensure their survival. The commissioner, represented by the Director of Administration, Alh Abubakar Salame, described the tree planting initiative as a noble endeavour to promote a safer society, especially within schools.
He called on AGILE to extend this initiative to other schools in the state and assured that the ministry would monitor the trees to ensure they achieve their intended purpose.
In his remarks, the project coordinator of AGILE in the state, Dr. Mansur Buhari, stated that tree planting is one of many programmes expected to be initiated in schools. He said the initiative, titled “Launching of Eco Club and Tree Planting for Climate Action,” aims to promote a healthy and safe environment.
“This is why we ensure we plant more economic trees so that they will serve several purposes. We decided to take this project to schools to encourage our students to learn how to nurture trees from this level until they reach maturity. They will nurture them and ensure they are properly watered,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Mustapha Alkali, assured that the ministry would monitor the trees’ survival through its dedicated team. He emphasised that the ministry is ready to collaborate with any individual or agency willing to participate in the state government’s tree planting initiative.
Meanwhile, the principal of Nana Girls Secondary School, Hajia Shafa’atu Musa Gunmi, expressed gratitude to AGILE for choosing the school to launch the Eco Club tree planting initiative. She assured that the school would protect and nurture the trees to achieve their intended purpose.
Other speakers included the state Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Shagari, who called on the students to protect the trees for their benefit and for the benefit of future students. She appealed to them to continue safeguarding government facilities in the best interest of the state.
Environmental Specialist Officer of the project, Chika Sani Tureta, also highlighted the importance of tree planting to the students.
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