Deborah Ocheni 
…as Salako beats target of nurturing 50 trees
The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to plant at least 6 million trees across the country in 2024.
The initiative, aimed at addressing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development, was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Kunle Salako, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He informed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mission as regards the Environment is to promote eco-friendly practices, Support reforestation efforts and Foster a culture of sustainability.
Salako stressed the government’s commitment to increase its forest cover to meet the recommended 25% cover, Restore degraded forests, Promote sustainable forest management and conservation, Enhance biodiversity and Ecosystem services and Support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
“To this end, one key deliverable of the Federal Ministry of Environment and its agencies in 2024 is to plant at least 6 million trees.
” As we know, the benefits of trees are many including climate change mitigation, erosion control, water cycle regulation, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, green jobs, livelihood support, economic benefits from sustainable forest management, carbon credits, eco-tourism and so on”.
The Minister called on all Nigerians to work collaboratively using nature-based solutions like tree planting to mitigate the challenges of climate change, preserve natural habitats and ensure a healthier environment for future generations.
“Let me further reiterate that tree planting is what all should take to heart. At the beginning of this year, as part of my New Year green resolutions, I committed myself to personally plant and nurture at least 50 trees, and I am happy to announce to us that I have surpassed my target and have no plans to stop.
“My hope is to see a time when every adult Nigerian plants and nurtures at least 1 tree per annum as our personal climate action to address the challenges of climate change which is now staring all of us in the face.
“We can also this day commit to planting and nurturing trees to commemorate our special occasions such as birthdays, weeding anniversaries and so on”. He said.
