By Mariam Adams
As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change across the state, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management on Friday, embarked on a tree planting exercise at the Bank of River Niger at Ganaja Village.
The Representative from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Tijjani Ahmed disclosed that the theme for the tree planting exercise “PHYTO – CONTROL AND PROTECTION OF EROSION AND MARGINAL LAND PROJECT IN KOGI STATE” is targeted at establishing 4km river bank protection mechanism with the sole objective of ecological restoration of shoreline and erosion control.
He revealed that, the Kogi State is one amongst the nine (9) States in Nigeria selected for the Tree Planting Exercise stressing on the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
He added that the directive to plant economic trees is for the benefits of both the state and the community.
He urged the community to cultivate the habit of preservation of the trees planted as doing so will ultimately benefit them.
While flagging off the Tree Planting Exercise, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen said the issues revolving around climate change has become a thing of great concern to the state, the nation and the world at large.
He applauded the initiative of the tree planting exercise noting that, it will not only mitigate the impact of climate change but serve as a source of economic value to the community and the state as a whole.
The Commissioner reinstated that the Administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has given priority to the Environmental Sector especially on issues of biodiversity conversation, restoration of degraded lands,as well as addressing climate change issues.
He said, this is evident in the ongoing cleanup exercise across the state.
“As you are aware, the Kogi State Government led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is implementing environmental mitigating measures and developing new innovations to protect our ecosystem and further ensure it restoration”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Jibrin Sheidu in his opening address, said the effect of climate change is being felt in our daily lives from flooding to increase in atmospheric temperature and also in the drastic change in weather.
He noted that, the essence of the tree planting exercise is a measure to mitigate the effect of climate change in the state.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the assumption of office of the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and Ecological Management is accompanied with loads of activities of which he is actively responding.
He also acknowledged the Director Forestry of the ministry for her commitment towards ensuring the effectiveness of the exercise.
While appreciating the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Environment he indicated the ministry’s readiness to synergize for future accomplishment.
Urging the members of the community to imbibe the habit of sustainability and ensure the trees are nurtured to an enviable height.
The Director Forestry, Mrs Osho Ajayi appreciated the effort of the Federal Government saying that it is a welcome initiative she also appreciated the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Environment for taking immediate actions to ensuring the tree planting exercise is achieved.
Responding, the Representative of the Village Head Mr AbdulMalik Muhammad appreciated the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management for bringing such laudable project to Ganaja community.
He stated that, the project will be of great impact to the community.
He however assured the ministries that the community is capable to cater for the growth and maintenance of the trees while appealing to them to further make provisions to engage the youths of the community in that cause.
In their separate remarks, the Directors of the Kogi State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management reiterated the commitment of the State Government towards promoting a sustainable environment through tree planting.
They urged the youths of the community to embrace the habit of sustainability and report act of deforestation/forest encroachment to the state ministry of Environment and Ecological Management.
