Kwara ACReSAL partners Universal Climate Initiative to plant 160,000 economic trees in Kwara State

• Project takes off in Ijagbo with 1,000 trees
• Our govt remains committed to a greener, healthier environment: Gov AbdulRazaq
• SPC says initiative aligns with ACReSAL’s Project Development Objectives

The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has partnered with a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Universal Climate Initiative (UCI), to plant 160,000 economic trees in the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State with each local government getting 10,000.

The flag-off ceremony of the tree planting project took place on Friday with the planting of 1,000 trees at the Ijagbo Nursery Site of Kwara ACReSAL. Kwara ACReSAL is currently establishing nursery sites in other parts of the state, including in Ipetu-Igbomina, Ajase-Ipo, Patigi, Okuta, among others.

The flag-off in Ijagbo was performed by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who said his administration remains committed to a greener and healthier environment.

Represented by the Commissioner of Environment, Hajiah Musa Nafisat Buge, the Governor commended Kwara ACReSAL and the Universal Climate Initiative for the collaboration which, according to him, is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This effort marks the beginning of a transformative process, one that seeks to restore our environment and secure a sustainable future for our generations to come.

“We are not merely planting trees today; we are in effect planting hope. Each tree represents a collective commitment to nurturing our ecosystem and preserving the natural heritage of Kwara State. It is a symbol of our dedication to creating a greener and healthier environment for our children and grandchildren, and a promise that we will leave the world better than we found it,” the Governor said.

Governor AbdulRazaq charged the people to take full ownership of the initiative, noting they will be contributing to a healthier planet and thriving society by doing so.

Representing the Commissioner of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, said trees are important in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

“Today’s occasion is a gathering to sow the seeds of hope, sustainability and environmental stewardship. Each tree we plant today is a step towards ensuring a healthier environment for generations yet unborn.

“We must commit ourselves to nurturing this and protecting it. The trees we plant today are a legacy for ecological awareness. They will grow to provide shades, beauty and ecological benefits,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the State Project Coordinator of Kwara ACReSAL, Alhaji Shamsideen Olatunbosun Aregbe, said tree planting aligns with the Project Development Objectives of ACReSAL.

According to the SPC, he did not hesitate to welcome UCI for collaboration after they rolled out their lofty initiatives for a sustainable environment in Kwara State.

Alhaji Aregbe added that Kwara ACReSAL has identified 35,000 hectares of land for reclamation in the state.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration at the national level is working towards reclaiming 1 million hectares of lands. For us at ACReSAL in the 19 northern states and the FCT, we are part of this laudable initiative, and we are fully set to reclaim 350,000 hectares out of the 1 million. Kwara ACReSAL is to contribute 35,000 hectares out of the 350 heactares.

“We have 25,000 hectares at Lata, and the remaining 10,000 will be co-sponsored by both ACReSAL and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

“We are happy to partner with a brother, friend and colleague, Mr. Opeyemi Abdulafeez Alao, whom we share the same vision with, under the guidance of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, which is to ensure that no land is degraded,” the SPC said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Abral Development Initiative, the parent organisation of Universal Climate Initiative, Mr. Opeyemi Abdulafeez Alao, thanked Kwara ACReSAL for providing the platform to achieve his lofty community-driven project.

“We are planting these trees to control and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and discourage deforestation. The 160,000 trees we are planting will go across all the local government areas of the state; 10,000 per local government.

“The most exciting thing is that we are not just planting trees alone. We have also seen that one of the major reasons people cut down trees is because they want to use it for charcoal. As a result of that, we have come up with a very good solution which is Eedu Ramani (Abdulrahman’s Charcoal) which is a charcoal briquette made 100 percent from organic waste, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Environment, especially the Climate Department.”
Peoplesmind