Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State Wednesday launched 2023 tree-planting campaign covering 1,500 hectres of gazeted forest reserve.
The programme was being championed by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) supported by the world Bank in collaboration with the state government.
Speaking at the event at Jabbi Lamba in Girei Local Government Area, Governor Fintiri said the tree planting campaign was a direct response to the ban on felling of trees for charcoal production in the state.
“We’re gathered here to take significant steps underlining our commitment to preserving our environment to addressing the challenges caused by climatic change,” he said.
“Fintiri added that “we’re planting trees, we’re investing in greaner and more resilient environment, we are also planning hope, prosperity and brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.”
Governor Umaru Fintiri directed the ACReSaL to embark on ambitious drive to green the state capital, Jimeta and Yola.
“Set up agroforest demonstration farms in every local government area, using a community driving approach and introduce one thousand two hundred hectres of irrigation scheme in selected areas,” he urged ACReSAL.
He directed local government chairmen and the state residents to embark on similar tree planting campaign in their respective areas as a commitment to the well being of the environment.
The Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq commended the world bank for the partnership to embarking on the aforestation programme to curb environmental challenges.
He observed that the state forest reserve is degrading and therefore reechoed the ban on cutting down trees, saying the ministry has directed divisional forest officers to be on the watch.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of ACReSaL, Dr Ibrahim Denis Chinda pointed out that flood and drought among others are no doubt affecting the environment, reducing agricultural yield, hence the afforestation programme to check desertification.
The Chairman of Girei Local government area, Mr Juda Amisa and District Head of Girei, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa called on people to stop cutting down trees to control deforestation.
