Environment
AN afforestation and climate change initiative, ‘Sokoto Go Green Project’, on Thursday distributed tree seedlings to journalists and community based groups in Sokoto state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the tripartite project was initiated by Shehu Maikoli Foundation, Eco-Africa Climate Change Foundation and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto state chapter.
Inaugurating the distribution, Alhaji Altine Kajiji, founder, Shehu Maikoli foundation said the Go Green Project had successfully planted trees at institutions, schools and communities.
Kajiji, who is also the Chairman, Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said the ongoing distribution was the last batch for working journalists in the state.
He said NUJ, which comprised seven chapels, would receive 1,000 seedlings for onward distribution to members as well as 3,000 seedlings for youths community groups.
According to him, the projects attracted support from the Sokoto state government, Federal Government’s Great Green Wall Project and some International partners.
He expressed hope that by 2023, the efforts would redouble from the support envisaged.
Kajiji further urged journalists to continue publicising the effort in view of it’s importance in addressing climate change, environmental degradation, providing sheds and food.
Earlier, the Programme Manager, Mr Aliyu Shehu, said the project’s acceptability among traditional institutions and community members has been encouraging.
Shehu, ”said in view of successes recorded a committee headed by Dr Abdullahi Rabah of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was established to promote debate competition and other literary activities among students.”
He explained the move was to promote knowledge on climate changes and environmental conservation.
In his remark, the Sokoto state Chairman of NUJ, Malam Dalhatu Safiyal-Magori, said the union went into the partnership to contribute its quota in community development.
“Our main aim is to contribute to the protection of the environment and support the community towards enhancing its economic development,” he said.
NAN reports that the project targets 100,000-tree plantations in the state to enhance health, economy and environmental protection.
It is designed to establish 20 gardens in 10 Junior Secondary schools and 10 primary schools, roadside plantations and distribution of seedlings for homes and gardens, among other activities. (NAN)
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Tags: ‘Sokoto Go Green Project’ Abdullahi Rabah Alhaji Altine Kajiji Shehu Maikoli Foundation
