As part of efforts to combat plastic pollution and climate change, the Sokoto State Government has flagged off the planting of over 200,000 trees, with support from UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, and other non-governmental organizations.
By Usman Mohammed Binji
The trees planting initiative, launched in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day under the global theme “Say No to Plastic Waste and Tree Plantation,” aims to promote land reclamation, drought resilience, and environmental sustainability across the state.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held at Hafsatu Ahmad Bello Secondary School, Sokoto, the State Commissioner for Environment, Nura Muhammad Tangaza, said the seedlings—comprising both economic and ornamental tree species—are being distributed free of charge to encourage community participation in restoring degraded lands.
“This tree-planting campaign is a major step toward protecting our environment from the effects of deforestation and climate change. We urge residents to take advantage of the free seedlings available and join the movement for a greener Sokoto,” the Commissioner said.
In a message delivered on behalf of Mr. Michael Juma, Chief of the UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, WASH Officer Mr. Ebri Eteng emphasized the importance of empowering youth to take climate action.
“The global focus is on reducing plastic waste and restoring land through tree planting. UNICEF calls on young people to become climate ambassadors, embrace a culture of tree planting, and help reduce the growing threat of plastic waste.”
Following the flag-off, participants embarked on a road walk and plastic pollution sensitization campaign along the Hafsat–CBN–Dan Kanni Guest Inn route. The walk included a plastic waste cleanup drive aimed at raising public awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic pollution.
The day’s activities concluded with a media parley at Dan Kanni Guest Inn, where environmental experts gathered to discuss nature-based solutions to current challenges. Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Gumi of the Department of Plant Science, UDUS, presented a paper outlining practical steps for land restoration and climate adaptation.
Also speaking, Prof. Murtala Abubakar Gada of the Centre for Environment and General Studies, UDUS, highlighted the urgent need to provide alternative energy sources to firewood in order to curb indiscriminate tree felling and protect forest ecosystems.
The event, supported by a coalition of local and international partners, underscores Sokoto State’s commitment to global environmental goals. It was also attended by students from various secondary schools across the state, as part of efforts to inspire and groom them as climate ambassadors.
World Environment Day, declared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is the world’s largest environmental platform, bringing together over 150 countries to find sustainable solutions to ecological challenges.
