By Bashir Bello, Abuja
The Kaduna State Climate Change and Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has commended the Kaduna State Horticulture Association for launching 5,000 economic and non-economic tree seedlings, describing the initiative as an important contribution to climate change mitigation, environmental restoration and community resilience.
The tree-planting initiative brought together climate activists, horticulturists, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, farmers, students, civil society organisations and other environmental stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Co-Chairman of KADCCAM, Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, applauded the Horticulture Association for taking practical action against the growing environmental challenges facing Kaduna State.
He said planting trees is one of the practical ways communities can contribute to climate action, as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, provide shade, help protect soil, support biodiversity and strengthen communities against some climate-related impacts.
“Climate action must move beyond discussions and policies to practical interventions that communities can see and participate in. Planting and protecting trees is one of those actions,” he said.
Comrade Yakubu called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, farmers’ associations, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, schools and communities to ensure that the 5,000 seedlings are properly planted, protected and monitored.
He stressed that the success of the initiative should not be measured by the number of seedlings distributed, but by how many trees survive and continue to provide environmental and economic benefits in the coming years.
The Chairman of the Kaduna State Horticulture Association, Comrade Bala Umar, said the initiative was designed to promote a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient Kaduna State.
He explained that trees provide multiple benefits, including improving air quality, reducing heat, protecting soil from erosion, supporting biodiversity and providing economic opportunities for farmers.
Comrade Umar urged residents to make tree planting and environmental protection part of their everyday activities, stressing that every household, school, farm, community and institution can contribute to climate action.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Linda Asabat Yakubu, expressed satisfaction with the initiative and commended the association for supporting government efforts to address environmental challenges.
She reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for citizens and supporting initiatives aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development.
Mrs Yakubu also commended civil society and non-governmental organisations for complementing government efforts in tree planting and climate change interventions.
She further praised KADCCAM for its continued engagement with stakeholders, saying that addressing climate change requires collective action from government, communities, organisations and individuals.
The Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Climate Change, Hon. Yusuf Idris Amoke, also commended the organisers and called for more partnerships among stakeholders to strengthen climate action across the state.
He particularly encouraged students who participated in the event to become environmental ambassadors by planting and protecting trees in their schools and communities.
According to him, young people are future leaders and must be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to understand climate change and protect the environment.
The stakeholders expressed hope that the 5,000 seedlings would survive and grow into mature trees capable of contributing to carbon absorption, reducing environmental degradation, improving local microclimates and strengthening climate resilience across Kaduna communities.
The initiative further demonstrated the importance of linking climate policies with practical community-level action, as Kaduna continues to confront environmental challenges associated with climate change, including rising temperatures, land degradation and changing rainfall patterns.
