The Bauchi State Project Office of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) on Friday flagged off the planting of 500 tree seedlings along the 5-kilometer Atiku Abubakar Road in Bauchi metropolis.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) and an NGO known as YALI Network Nigeria, aims to mitigate the effects of climate change on the local population.
While inaugurating the exercise, part of the ongoing tree-planting campaign in the state, ACReSAL Project Coordinator Dr. Ibrahim Kabir emphasized that the primary goal is to protect the environment and combat deforestation.
He highlighted that trees had already been planted along major routes in the state capital, including the roads leading to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport and Sam Nujoma.
Dr. Kabir urged the benefiting communities to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival. He assured them that the project, in collaboration with other agencies, would provide the necessary support to maintain the planted trees.
“You, as community leaders, should mobilize your people to nurture the seedlings to maturity. In the long run, you will benefit from them. The trees will protect your land against degradation and provide shelter,” he stated.
He expressed satisfaction that residents of Bauchi State are increasingly embracing tree planting, a marked improvement from the past. “Now, we don’t have to shout before people request tree seedlings,” he added.
Dr. Kabir also instructed the seven community leaders, whose areas are beneficiaries of the initiative, to assign each planted seedling to an individual responsible for its care and survival.
“Ownership of the project is crucial,” he noted. “This will ensure the trees receive the necessary attention. We are ready to support you with daily water supply and other essentials.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General of BASEPA, Dr. Mahmud Bose, urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the tree seedlings until they reach maturity, assuring them of the long-term benefits.
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Dr. Bose reiterated that BASEPA is tasked with ensuring a cleaner and more serene environment, with tree planting and nurturing being integral parts of its mandate. He pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies and organizations to enhance environmental care.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of YALI Network Nigeria, Ibrahim Ahmed Iliyasu, expressed gratitude to ACReSAL and other partners for their commitment to the initiative.
“Today, we are here with our partners to launch the planting of tree seedlings along this road for the benefit of the communities,” he said.
He added, “At YALI, we see this as a mandate to sensitize communities to take ownership of the project. We are pleased with the support and investment from ACReSAL and other partners across the state.”
Iliyasu commended the involvement of the seven communities, represented by their Mai Anguwas and other leaders, which he described as a sign of commitment and a precursor to the project’s success.
He stressed the importance of sustaining the initiative, urging the communities to take responsibility for nurturing the tree seedlings to maturity.
The seven community leaders took turns to thank ACReSAL and its partners for the project, assuring them of their dedication to ensuring the survival of the seedlings.
The beneficiaries include Shehu Wunti Estate, Madina Quarters, Raji Quarters, and Ibrahim Bako Housing Estate.
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