Sokoto: The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, with a call for collective action to curb desert encroachment in the state. Governor Aliyu emphasized the importance of this initiative, urging local government councils to expedite the collection of their allocated seedlings and ensure proper planting in their respective areas.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, has procured both environmental and economic seedlings for distribution across the 23 local government areas. Governor Aliyu instructed local government chairmen to raise awareness within their communities about the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling and the urgent need to halt this practice.
The governor highlighted Sokoto’s vulnerability to desert encroachment due to its Sahelian location, posing serious threats to farmlands. He stressed the need for immediate action, advocating for the replacement of cut trees and the implementation of measures to protect new plantings. He also linked tree planting to religious teachings, describing it as a form of sadaqatul jariyya, a charitable act with lasting rewards.
Governor Aliyu commended the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (GGW) for its allocation of 450,000 date seedlings to Sokoto State, a contribution aimed at combating desertification, mitigating climate change, and enhancing food security. These seedlings will soon be available for collection at designated nursery centers in Gundunga, Goronyo town, and Sanyinna.
The governor announced plans for a widespread distribution of seedlings to individuals, NGOs, government institutions, and public spaces like markets, schools, mosques, and hospitals to ensure extensive planting throughout the state. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Great Green Wall initiative.
State Commissioner for Environment, Nura Shehu Tangaza, stated that the Ministry aims to plant 500,000 seedlings across Sokoto State this year, emphasizing the necessity of community involvement for the campaign’s success. He praised Governor Aliyu for his steadfast support.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Dr. Saleh Abubakar, represented by the Director of Afforestation, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s lands from desertification. The GGW initiative, he explained, spans 11 African countries and includes 11 Nigerian states, with Sokoto being a significant participant.
Umar Ahmed, Chairman of Wamakko Local Government, expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu for choosing his area to host this year’s tree planting campaign and pledged full support for its success. The event’s highlight was the symbolic planting of tree seedlings by various dignitaries in attendance.