In furtherance of the ongoing tree planting revolution by Kogi State Government, Kogi ACReSAL Project flagged off its Community and Household Tree Planting Campaign tagged ONE MAN, ONE TREE in Lokoja, today.
The Hon. Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, who represented His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the event argued that the exercise couldn’t have come at a better time, as the State is battling with the vicissitudes associated with Climate Change.
The evidently elated Commissioner praised the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unflinching support to the laudable activities of Kogi ACReSAL, which are geared towards uplifting the lives and living conditions of the people of Kogi State.
Earlier, while delivering the Welcome Address, the Project Coordinator, Kogi ACReSAL, Chief (Barr.) Ladi Ahmed Jatto – OON reiterated the importance of TREE PLANTING to any society; some of which are mitigation from the adverse effects of Global Warming, and Climate Change, prevention of soil erosion, serve as wind breaks, prevent flash floods, and protection from ultraviolet rays harmful to humans.
The Project Coordinator harped on the need to protect the environment, as it is man’s natural host, and is capable of devouring mankind, if we continue with the bad habit of treating our environment unkindly.
She further stated that the community tree planting is targeted at 300 hectares. This she said will mitigate the adverse effect of climate change; and being economic trees, will improve livelihoods in the near future, as the ACReSAL Project is addressing land degradation, reducing poverty, and promoting agricultural productivity.
She went on to thank His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the partnership with the World Bank and his people friendly developmental initiatives, which are evidently impacting the lives of the people of the State.
The PC also used the opportunity to announce that plans are already underway by the Project to procure tractors, bulldozers, and graders for use by local farmers in the State, as a way of boosting food security, and improving the livelihood of local farmers and people in the agriculture value chain in the State.
The Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, while delivering a goodwill message, assured the people that the tree planting campaign aims to, not only protect the environment, but also bring about food security in the State, as most of the tree species are economic trees which can also put money in people’s pockets.
On his part, the Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Farouk, whilst appreciating the effort of the State Government, using the instrumentality of Kogi ACReSAL in bringing succour to the people of Kogi State, used the opportunity of the August gathering to assure Community members that the State Government was working assiduously to ensuring that water scarcity in the State will soon be a thing of the past, as His Excellency, Governor Ododo is working round the clock for the people of Kogi State to have access to potable water.
The Perm. Sec., Min. of Environment, was full of praise for His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unrelenting effort in ensuring that Kogites are positively impacted by the activities of Kogi ACReSAL. He therefore urged the Project Coordinator, Barr. Jatto not to rest on her oars, as there was more to be done for the good people of Kogi State.
Highlights of the occasion was the handing over of gardening tools/equipment to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Jibrin, planting of ECONOMIC TREES by the Hon. Commissioners for Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources, as well as the Project Coordinator, Kogi ACReSAL; this was followed by the distribution of TREE SEEDLINGS to representatives of community members, as well as members of housing estates in Lokoja Metropolis.
ACReSAL… Greening The Environment… Saving Lives!!!
