Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba State University Joins ASUU Ultimatum to 21 Universities Over 2025 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University (TSU) chapter, has joined 20 other state-owned universities placed on a 14-day ultimatum over the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement. The ultimatum was issued following resolutions reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Abuja, where the union expressed concern over what it described as the “haphazard implementation” of the agreement. ASUU warned that the affected universities could face industrial action if the outstanding issues are not resolved within the 14-day window. The union authorised the affected branches to begin formal processes for strike action should their respective university authorities fail to address the issues. Taraba State University, Jalingo, was specifically listed among the 21 universities affected by the directive. Other institutions on the list include Nasarawa State Universit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Truck Drivers Block Jalingo–Zing–Yola Road Following Dispute at NDLEA Checkpoint

Taraba Facts Truck drivers have reportedly blocked the Jalingo–Zing–Yola road following a disagreement with a soldier at an NDLEA checkpoint last night. The incident has disrupted movement along the major highway, leaving motorists and other road users stranded. As of Thursday morning, the road remains blocked, with the situation reportedly affecting the free movement of vehicles along the route. The circumstances surrounding the disagreement between the truck drivers and the security personnel remain unclear. Residents and road users are calling on relevant authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the incident and resolve the dispute to restore normal traffic. Authorities are also urged to ensure that the matter is properly addressed and that the safety and movement of commuters along the busy route are not further compromised.
Post a Comment
Read more

Taraba Begins ₦5,000 Deduction for Teachers’ Permanent Identity Cards

The Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has initiated a ₦5,000 deduction from teachers as part of arrangements for the production of Permanent Identity Cards for teachers across the state. According to UBEC, the identity cards are expected to strengthen staff records, improve security and enhance administrative efficiency in the management of teachers across Taraba State. UBEC further said the Permanent Identity Card project is also expected to assist the state government in developing an accurate and verifiable database of teachers. Such a database will provide Governor Agbu Kefas with reliable information on personnel within the basic education system and support more effective planning, monitoring and personnel management. The initiative is therefore expected to strengthen security measures, improve staff verification and provide a more efficient system for managing personnel across Taraba State’s basic education sector.
Post a Comment
Read more