The Kaduna State Government plans to plant about 10 million trees over the next four years as part of its afforestation program, aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the environment.
The Commissioner for the Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, who spoke to stakeholders on Wednesday, disclosed that the government had already planted approximately 1.7 million trees last year.
Alhaji Abubakar promised that his ministry plans to double the number of trees to be planted this year, adding, “We have the nurseries that have generated these tree seedlings.”
“The major challenge of climate change is carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and the like. The major thing that absorbs carbon dioxide is trees. We expect residents not just to plant trees but to nurture them to grow, not only in the cities but in the suburbs and villages as well,” he said.
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He commended Governor Uba Sani for initiating what he described as a “greener and cleaner Kaduna State,” adding, “He is an environmentally friendly governor.”
“The governor also mandated us to desilt about 140 kilometers of drainage within the city centers to help prevent flooding during the rainy season by easing the free flow of water,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has instructed the ministry to dredge River Kaduna and other water bodies within the state, so that “the water that will flow into the rivers as a result of our desilting the drainages will be so much that, at the end of the day, it will flow back to the people’s houses.”
Alhaji Abubakar commended the governor for the increased allocation in this year’s budget, adding that he promised substantial implementation of the 2025 budget.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE