The Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has launched a tree planting initiative in Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria, targeting the cultivation of 100,000 seedlings as part of efforts to combat climate change.
PADAC is a focal group of the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), implementing the tree planting campaign in the state.
Its Executive Director, Aisha Muhammad, said this during the inauguration of the 2025 tree planting campaign on Thursday in Dutse.
Muhammad said the foundation would plant 1,500 tree seedlings in Dutse metropolis to signal the commencement of the tree planting campaign.
She said that drought-resistant tree seedlings would be planted to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in the state.
“Today’s exercise is part of our 2025 tree planting campaign. We started with 1,500 trees planted on three selected roads in Dutse metropolis.
“Our target is to plant 100,000 seedlings across the area during the 2025 campaign. We urge the benefiting communities to ensure the seedlings are nurtured to maturity,” she said.
Mr. Hatuna Aliyu, the Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, commended the initiative, adding that trees enhance air purification, biodiversity, and prevent erosion.
He said the legislators would support the exercise by replicating it in their respective communities.
Also, Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a Council Member, Dutse Emirate Council, highlighted that trees serve as windbreakers and improve air quality.
One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Fagge, urged residents of the benefiting communities to safeguard the trees and nurture them to maturity.
“I am a resident of this area. I will do my best to protect these seedlings. Tree planting is one of the best ways to mitigate climate change.
“Therefore, I urge residents to safeguard these seedlings until they reach their optimal height.”