Hon Suleiman Unveils ‘One Person, One Tree’ Initiative to Combat Climate Change in Kaduna

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a bold move to address the pressing challenges of climate change, desertification, and land degradation, Hon. Ibrahim Suleiman, a prominent leader in Kaduna State, has launched the transformative “One Person, One Tree” initiative in Garun Kurama, a vibrant community in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area. The tree-planting campaign, inaugurated on July 27, 2025, aims to foster environmental sustainability and empower local communities to combat the encroaching threat of desertification in northern Nigeria.

The “One Person, One Tree” initiative encourages every resident of Garun Kurama and surrounding areas to plant and nurture at least one tree, promoting a collective effort to restore degraded lands and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Hon. Suleiman, speaking at the launch event held at the Garun Kurama community square, emphasized the critical need for grassroots action to safeguard the environment. “Desertification is not just a distant problem; it is already affecting our farms, our water, and our livelihoods here in Saminaka,” he said.

“By planting one tree per person, we are sowing the seeds for a sustainable future and protecting our land for generations to come.”

Desertification is not just a distant problem; it is already affecting our farms, our water, and our livelihoods here in Saminaka

The initiative aligns with global efforts, such as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which seeks to halt and reverse land degradation worldwide.

It also draws inspiration from regional projects like the Great Green Wall, aimed at combating desertification across the Sahel. By focusing on native tree species suited to the semi-arid conditions of Kaduna, the campaign ensures ecological sustainability while enhancing local biodiversity and soil fertility.

Kaduna State, particularly in areas like Lere Local Government, faces significant environmental challenges due to desertification, driven by both natural factors and human activities such as overgrazing and deforestation.

By planting one tree per person, we are sowing the seeds for a sustainable future and protecting our land for generations to come

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Sahara Desert is encroaching at a rate of five kilometers per year in parts of West Africa, threatening agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The “One Person, One Tree” initiative directly addresses these issues by promoting afforestation and sustainable land management practices.

During the launch, Hon. Suleiman led community members in planting over 500 native trees, including species like acacia and neem, known for their resilience in arid environments and their ability to retain soil moisture.

The initiative also incorporates traditional techniques, such as zai pits and half-moon ditches, to capture rainwater and support tree growth, a method proven effective in combating desertification in the Sahel.

These efforts are expected to restore degraded lands, improve water retention, and provide economic benefits through agroforestry.

The launch event drew a large turnout, including community leaders, youth groups, and environmental advocates, all of whom hailed Hon. Suleiman’s initiative as a timely and impactful step.

Alhaji Abubakar Dogara Ukissah, a district head in Garun Kurama, praised the effort, stating, “This is a blessing for our people. Hon. Suleiman has shown that leadership is about action, not just words. These trees will protect our farmlands and bring back the greenery we once knew.”

Other community leaders, including Hon. Simon Jakada of Wuroko District and Alhaji Suleiman Zatto of Goron Duste District, offered prayers and blessings for the success of the initiative and Hon. Suleiman’s continued leadership.

This is a blessing for our people. Hon. Suleiman has shown that leadership is about action, not just words. These trees will protect our farmlands and bring back the greenery we once knew

The campaign includes plans for ongoing monitoring and community education to ensure tree survival, with local schools and youth groups tasked with caring for the planted trees. Hon. Suleiman has also pledged to collaborate with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the African Landscape Restoration Initiative to secure technical support and funding for expanding the initiative across Lere Local Government.

May these trees grow tall, and may Hon. Suleiman’s legacy of care for our land endure

The people of Garun Kurama and Saminaka have embraced the initiative with open hearts, pouring blessings on Hon. Suleiman for his visionary leadership. As one elder remarked during the event, “May these trees grow tall, and may Hon. Suleiman’s legacy of care for our land endure.”

With continued community support and strategic partnerships, the “One Person, One Tree” initiative promises to transform the landscape of Lere and serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against desertification.