A Green Promise: Adamawa State’s 2023 Tree-Planting Campaign
In a world where the delicate balance of human, animal, and environmental well-being hinges on the presence of trees, the relentless march of deforestation has cast its shadow over communities worldwide. Recognizing the urgent need to replenish what has been taken, a collective effort is underway to plant the seeds of renewal. Through this act, we aim to contribute to the global reforestation endeavour, breathing life back into lost forests, healing wounded ecosystems, and combating climate change.
In a pivotal partnership, the Adamawa State Government, in conjunction with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), unfurled its ambitious 2023 Tree Planting Campaign on Wednesday, the 13th. This endeavour stands as a beacon of hope in the face of climatic adversities that loom over humanity.
The campaign’s scope spans a staggering 1,500 hectares of dedicated forest reserve, a monumental task championed by ACReSAL, with steadfast support from the World Bank, in collaboration with the state government.
The act of tree planting, beyond its symbolic significance, holds a practical mantle in fortifying the environment. Trees and vegetation stand as nature’s sentinels, warding off the erosive forces of wind and water. In doing so, they act as guardians of the soil, curbing degradation and paving the way for a more hospitable existence.
In the tranquil expanse of the Woodlot Site, nestled in the heart of Jabbi Lamba within the Girei Local Government Area, the State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintir, took to the podium.
His words resonated with the weight of responsibility, as he expounded on the profound impact of tree planting on the people, the environment, and the delicate echo system that binds them.
Governor Fintir emphasized that this campaign was a direct response to the ban on tree felling for charcoal production within the state.
“We are gathered here to take significant steps, underlining our commitment to preserving our environment and addressing the challenges caused by climatic change,” he declared, his voice carrying across the expanse.
With unwavering resolve, Fintiri continued, “We are not merely planting trees; we are investing in a greener and more resilient environment. We are sowing the seeds of hope, prosperity, and a brighter future for ourselves and generations yet to come.”
In a visionary directive, Governor Umaru Fintiri implored ACReSaL to spearhead an ambitious endeavour to transform the state capital, Jimeta, and Yola into bastions of greenery.
“Establish agroforest demonstration farms in every local government area, employing a community-driven approach, and introduce 1,200 hectares of an irrigation scheme in selected areas,” he urged, his eyes fixed firmly on a verdant horizon.
Further amplifying the call to arms, he beckoned upon local government chairmen and state residents to take up the mantle of similar tree-planting campaigns in their respective domains, underscoring their commitment to the well-being of the environment.
The Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, paid tribute to the World Bank for its invaluable partnership in embarking on this afforestation journey to combat environmental challenges.
“Just as we plant the seed of progress, let us nurture the seedlings and watch them grow into a symbol of hope, unity and greener Adamawa State.“
He underscored the pressing need to safeguard the state forest reserve, reiterating the ban on tree felling and affirming the vigilance of divisional forest officers.
“I also want to use this opportunity to re-echo the ban of indiscriminate cutting trees for the purpose of charcoal production recently pronounced by His Excellency.”
“Presently, my Ministry has directed all the divisional forest officers to be on the watch, case of any violation on the ban”
In a poignant reminder of the urgency, Dr. Ibrahim Denis Chinda, the State Coordinator of ACReSaL, drew attention to the stark realities of floods and droughts that besiege the environment, exacting a toll on agricultural yields.
“We’ve taken the initiative to combat the dire consequences of climate change which unfolds in many ways right before our eyes”
“While it is no news that the climate is changing rapidly, it is worthy of note, however, to mention that our environment is suffering from the adverse effect of these climate change as noticed by increasing temperatures, increasing aridity, floods, droughts, errosion, reduced agricultural yields, eratic weather patterns and of recent sand storms witnessed in Yola last year.”
According to him, the three components of Adamawa State’s ACReSAL are agriculture, water resources, and the environment, with the mission statement “To green the environment and safe life.”
The afforestation program, he asserted, stands as a bulwark against the encroaching desertification.
He stated that the ACReSAL Project, a World Bank-assisted project in collaboration with the federal and Adamawa State Governments, has development objectives for Nigeria that are to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management and to increase the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in northern Nigeria.
Joined in the unity of purpose, Mr. Juda Amisa, Chairman of Girei Local Government Area, and Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, District Head of Girei, lent their voices to the clarion call on the massive Tree-Planting Campaign. They implored the populace to halt the indiscriminate felling of trees, recognizing this as the cornerstone in the battle against deforestation.
In order to combat deforestation, which is also causing wind storms as observed in the state in the 2022 rainy season, trees will be planted on 1,500 hectares of gazetted forest in Adamawa State, and economic seedlings will be distributed to households in the state.
In this verdant endeavour, humanity takes a collective step forward, recognizing that the roots of our survival are intertwined with the boughs of these ancient sentinels. Through unity and determination, we endeavour to restore the balance that sustains us all.
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