A youth-led advocacy group, Plant A Decade Initiative (PADI), has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Oyo State Command, to plant103 economic trees in what could be described as a significant move to combat deforestation and climate change.
The event, aimed at addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, Climate Action and Life on Land, respectively, by responding to the pressing environmental issues in the region, featured a tree-planting exercise and a comprehensive climate education talk to raise awareness among Nigerians on climate action and advocacy in Nigeria.
The tree-planting initiative, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State, was attended by the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Comrade Odoba Oche; the Executive Chairman of Iseyin LGA, Rasaq Fadiran; the Camp Manager, Directors, youth corps members, media organisations, and environmental conservation enthusiasts.
The lead initiator of PADI, Idowu Ezekiel, in his remarks, emphasised the critical role of the youth in the climate change discourse, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures against the alarming rate of deforestation in Oyo State.
Ezekiel said: “The rate of deforestation in Oyo State is abysmal and requires urgent action, not just mere talks.”
He elaborated the dire consequences of continued deforestation and the importance of reforestation efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, pointing out that youth engagement in environmental conservation is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the region.
The event not only focused on planting 103 tree seedlings, but also included an educational segment where corps members and officials were informed about the broader aspects of climate change and the importance of advocacy.
While warmly receiving the team, the NYSC State Coordinator, Comrade Oche, appreciated the youth’s effort at modeling a commendable course aimed at equipping the youth with the knowledge and motivation needed to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts.
The PADI vanguards expressed hope that the initiative would inspire similar projects across Nigeria, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the country, as captured in the objectives of PADI, which is to plant 10,000 trees and bridge the information gap on climate education in Nigeria.
The successful planting of 103 economic trees is a testament to the power of community involvement and the pivotal role of the youth in driving climate action.
