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Address by Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Environment on the Occasion of Tree Planting Campaign Lunch held on Oct. 1st, 2024 at The University of Abuja.


Honourable guests, esteemed colleagues, and fellow citizens
"The forest is a library; every tree is a book." 
1. Today, on the occasion of the 64th independence anniversary of our country, it is symbolic that we are gathered here at the university for our national unity, UNIABUJA to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet's precious resources. This tree planting ceremony symbolizes our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. 
2. As we plant these trees, we acknowledge the urgent need for climate action, recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and emphasizing community engagement in environmental protection. 
3. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mission as regards the Environment is to: Promote eco-friendly practices, Support reforestation efforts and Foster a culture of sustainability. The Government is committed to increasing 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. 
4. The federal government Nigeria is driving its forest agenda through:
 The Great Green Wall (GGW) Programme: A 15-kilometer-wide green belt across 11 states to combat desertification.
 The National Forest Programme (NFP): Aims to promote sustainable forest management and conservation.
 The Forestry and Wildlife Management Department: Oversees forestry and wildlife conservation.
 The National Park Service (NPS): Manages protected areas and national parks.
 The Nigerian REDD+ Programme: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
5. 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. 
6. I therefore call on all of us 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 generation. According to Gary Snyder; "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." Trees are considered to be the Lungs of the earth and its said that if the last tree dies the last man standing dies too. 
8. 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 nuture 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 e every adult Nigerian plant and nuture 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 nuturing trees to commemorate our special occasions such birthday, weeding anniversary and so on. 
9. In concluding, let me re-echo the chines proverb that says: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now." 
10. Thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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