As the world commemorates the 2026 World Environment Day, tree planting has been described as one of the most effective ways of protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Environmental Society, Niger State Chapter, Dr. Yahaya Saidu Madaki, stated this during a tree-planting campaign organised in collaboration with the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes at the Bridget Aisha Lemu Conservatory Park, Three Arms Zone, Eastern Bypass, Minna.
Dr. Madaki noted that the increasing rate of deforestation, environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions poses serious threats to sustainable development, stressing that planting and nurturing trees remain practical solutions to restoring ecological balance and improving air quality.
He explained that the commemoration was aimed at creating awareness and awakening the consciousness of the people to what is happening to the planet Earth, while encouraging individuals and groups to plant trees in order to leave behind a healthy planet for future generations.
The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Abdul Husseini, who is also a member of the National Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Environmental Society and Chairman of the Regional Centre of Expertise, described the commemoration and the choice of venue for the event as a demonstration of stakeholders’ commitment to environmental sustainability and efforts to curb the effects of global warming.
Dr. Husseini said environmental conservation requires collective responsibility, urging communities, institutions and private organisations to embrace tree planting and other environmentally friendly practices to safeguard the ecosystem.
He noted that the state government had made deliberate efforts in the fight against global warming, including the organisation of a national summit on the green economy.
He added that there is close collaboration between the government and relevant organisations working towards addressing environmental challenges.
Hightlight of the event was goodwill messages from representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, National Space Research and Development Agency and other stakeholders, who all stressed the need for sustained environmental protection measures.
Tags
Environment