Afforestation: Emir of Kano advocates re-introduction of tree planting programme

The Emir of Kano state, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has called for re-introduction of tree planting programme to accelerate afforestation and protect the environment.

He made the call in Kano state when the Director-General, National Great Green Wall (NAGGW) programme, Dr Yusuf Maina-Bukar, paid him a courtesy visit, to the state.

According to him, indiscriminate felling of trees is posing great danger to the environment in the country.

The emir, who expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Agency, sought for concerted efforts to fight desertification.

“I want to call on Nigerians, especially those living in the 11 frontline states to embrace the culture of planting trees in their communities with the aim of curtailing the menace of desert encroachment, soil erosion and other environmental challenges,” he said.

Bayero also enjoined his subjects to embrace tree planting geared towards achieving the desired goals.

Earlier, Maina-Bukar said that he was in the state to celebrate NAGGW Day with tree planting and enlightenment exercise on importance of tree planting.

He said that the day was being celebrated in the 11 participating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that it would have a vital role in creating awareness on its activities.

Represented by Auwal Yusuf, Assistant Director in the Agency, Maina-Bukar said that it had adopted a new method of watering plants to enhance afforestation.

He explained that the method retains moisture, especially during tree planting processes.
Meanwhile, Maina-Bukar also visited some schools, Kano state ministry of environment and the Government House, Kano state,where he demonstrated the new tree planting method.

The D-G said the new method entailed use of a gross water box, which retains water from three to five months that could be utilized for many times.

The exercise, he said, would enlighten the students and general public on the importance of planting trees in their communities and also inculcate discipline of tree planting among children.

Also, the state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Nasir Garo, described the gesture as “timely” towards addressing desert encroachment and other environmental challenges.

He reiterated government commitment to collaborate with the Agency towards enhancing tree planting and environmental protection programmes.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi