Governor Ahmed Aliyu has officially launched the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, urging collective action to curb desert encroachment in the state.
The Governor revealed that the State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has procured environmental and economic seedlings for distribution across all 23 local government areas. Local government councils have been directed to collect their allocations promptly and ensure planting in their respective areas.
Governor Aliyu emphasised the urgent need to prevent indiscriminate tree felling, noting Sokoto’s Sahelian location makes it highly vulnerable to desert encroachment, which threatens farmlands. “Where it becomes absolutely necessary to cut down a tree, a replacement must be provided, and concrete measures must be taken to protect it,” he said. He also highlighted the religious significance of tree planting in Islam as sadaqatul jariyya, whose reward continues beyond one’s lifetime.
The Governor commended the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (GGW) for allocating 450,000 date seedlings to Sokoto State, which will be made available at designated nursery centres in Gundunga, Goronyo town, and Sanyinna. Seedlings will be distributed to individuals, NGOs, government institutions, schools, mosques, hospitals, and markets to ensure massive plantation coverage.
Governor Aliyu further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the GGW initiative, which addresses climate change, desert encroachment, and environmental challenges nationwide.
Speaking at the event, State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nura Shehu Tangaza, announced a target of planting 500,000 seedlings across the state this year, stressing that community participation is key to the campaign’s success. The National Agency for the Great Green Wall reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s land from desertification, praising Governor Aliyu’s dedication to the project.
The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government, Hon. Umar Ahmed, expressed gratitude for hosting the campaign and pledged full support. The event concluded with dignitaries participating in the symbolic planting of tree seedlings.
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