Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal on Wednesday, inaugurated 2021 tree plantation of two million seedlings to improve the economic growth of the state through economic trees.
The state Ministry of Environment in partnership with state Zakkat and Endowment Commission, flagged off the plantation of the seedlings at Kilgore New Market in Yabo local government area.
Tambuwal said the exercise was part of the state government’s commitment to support the people and protect the environment as well as ensure more measures in addressing economic growth of the state.
“In 2020, we planted one million seedlings and today we announce that in 2021 we are targeting two million seedlings.
“This is in connection with our love and fashion to ensure better environment for our people.
“I directed the state Ministry of Local Government Affairs to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and ensure the plantation of seedlings are inaugurated by the 23 local government chairmen,” he said.
The governor said the significance of tree plantation could not be over-emphasised.
He called on people of Sokoto state and Nigerians to give such important exercise for food, economy, medicinal and environmental benefits.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Sagir Bafarawa said the choice of economic trees and the areas for the plantation was to provide shade for the people.
He said it would also be essential source of oxygen, work as natural air filter, protect the land and boost economic activities.
“In a nutshell, today, is not only about planting a tree, but planting pillars for sustaining life on earth, protecting lives and property, safeguarding the lives of our future generation and food source for birds, animals and humans,” he said.
Bafarawa commended the state governor’s commitment to the activities of his ministry.
He said the ministry would continue to address some of the environmental challenges like extreme pressure on Forest Reserves due to illegal activities, encroachment for farming, charcoal making and fuelwood extraction.
“Alternatives to charcoal are being vigorously developed as this illegal activity of charcoal production is destroying our forest.
“And the natural alternatives that come to mind are mineral coal, briquettes and cooking gas,” he said.
