The Darazo community in Bauchi State has launched a public sensitisation campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of tree felling and the urgent need for environmental restoration.
Mr Usman Ya’u, Chairman of Tassallah Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, warned that uncontrolled deforestation could expose communities to desertification, food insecurity and reduced rainfall.
He made the statement at the tree planting sustainability campaign on Wednesday in Darazo.
“We are already witnessing the impact of deforestation in declining soil fertility and loss of natural vegetation.
“The trees we plant are always our shield against future ecological disasters,” Ya’u said.
According to him, the campaign aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, under the theme, “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow.”
He explained that the foundation had, for four consecutive years, carried out reforestation programmes to combat environmental degradation.
Ya’u stated that trees were critical for maintaining soil stability, improving air quality, and ensuring sustainable water sources.
He disclosed that thousands of trees had been planted around the Eid Prayer Ground along Muhammadu Buhari Bypass and within Darazo town.
“To ensure sustainability, 17 local organisations received N50,000 each to maintain plantations, while 250 watering cans were distributed to 82 community groups.
“The project will soon be extended to all 11 wards of Darazo Local Government Area,” he said.
The Emir of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Bababa, represented by Alhaji Ahmed Jarmai, urged residents to stop cutting down trees.
He warned that deforestation worsens heat waves, causes soil erosion and leads to loss of biodiversity.
Malam Musa Aljawadi, an Islamic cleric, reminded citizens that tree planting had been considered a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) in Islam.
Mr Lawan Bappah, a community elder, applauded the foundation for its leadership in environmental protection.
He cautioned, “If we don’t act now, future generations will pay the price of our neglect.
