A Non-governmental organisation, Iliya Kwache Foundation, has distributed another batch of 20,000 tree seedlings to survivors of the Boko Haram insurgency in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State to combat climate change and improve the living conditions of residents of the area.Chairman, Board of Trustees, of the Foundation, Iliya Kwache, who contested under the Labour Party for the Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency seat but lost, said he undertook the regular tree planting exercise, through his foundation to address desert encroachment and protection of the environment against the impact of Climate change in the area.The foundation distributed 20,000 tree seedlings, which included Mahogany, black plum, Shea butter, olive tree, and economic trees, for free to residents during its mass tree planting campaign. The goal of the campaign was to improve the living conditions of survivors of the insurgency. The beneficiaries were encouraged to plant the seedlings.Kwache charged the government to create a conducive atmosphere for the citizens who are returning back to their homelands after being forced to flee from the insurgency.
He also suggested a day to be set aside as National Tree Planting to address climate change during the mass tree planting exercise by the foundation.He said, “We suggest the Federal government of Nigeria create a Ministry for Tree planting and declare a “National Tree Planting Day annually. Trees are the best attack and best defence against climate change and global warming as the benefits are enormous.
“According, to research, an adult tree can store 13 pounds of carbon dioxide or change 48 pounds into oxygen all in one year. A hectare full of trees stores 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide in one year. With its heat absorbing and air purifying properties, not only does planting trees affect you locally but it affects others around you and helps in the fight against global warming.”
During the tree planting exercise, some stakeholders pledged to support the convener’s campaign to protect the environment by opposing the activities of tree loggers.District Head of Michika, Ngida Zakawa promised the support of traditional institutions in tackling the indiscriminate cutting of trees. He said this would be done by deploying vigilantes to help enforce the directive of the state governor outlawing the cutting of trees for charcoal fuel.
“We have been telling our people that whoever is caught cutting down trees will face the music as directed by the governor. We are ready to direct vigilantes to enforce the governor’s directive,” Zakawa stated.Lama Luka another beneficiary of the tree seedlings distributed during the mass tree-planting campaign praised the effort of the environmentalist. He said the mass tree planting exercise will help to restore the lost glory of the environment and curb fast encroaching desertification.
(punch ng)
