By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has launched the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, calling for collective efforts to tackle desertification in the state.
The governor said the Ministry of Environment had procured both environmental and economic seedlings for distribution across the 23 local government areas. He directed council chairmen to collect their allocations promptly and ensure planting in their communities.
Aliyu also tasked council leaders to sensitize residents on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling. “Sokoto is in the Sahelian region, making it prone to desert encroachment at an alarming rate. Where it becomes necessary to cut down a tree, a replacement must be provided and nurtured,” he said.
He described tree planting as an act of sadaqatul jariyya, noting its lasting spiritual and environmental benefits.
The governor commended the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (GGW) for allocating 450,000 date seedlings to Sokoto. According to him, the seedlings will be available at designated nurseries in Kware, Goronyo, and Tambuwal LGAs for distribution to individuals, NGOs, government institutions, schools, markets, mosques, and hospitals.
Aliyu also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the GGW initiative aimed at tackling climate change, erosion, and desert encroachment.
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nura Shehu Tangaza, disclosed that the state is targeting the planting of 500,000 seedlings this year, stressing the importance of community participation.
The Director General of GGW, Dr. Saleh Abubakar, represented by the Director of Afforestation, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding land across the 11 Nigerian states under the initiative.
Chairman of Wamakko Local Government, Hon. Umar Ahmed, thanked the governor for selecting his council to host the campaign and pledged support for its success.
The event featured symbolic planting of tree seedlings by dignitaries.
