Sokoto State government has commenced its 2026 tree-planting campaign, targeting 500,000 seedlings across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the campaign on Tuesday at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, urging residents to support efforts to tackle desertification, deforestation and climate change.
Aliyu said the exercise was not just about planting trees but about ‘planting hope, protecting our future and securing life for generations yet unborn.’
He said trees provide clean air, shade, food and wood while protecting the soil, supporting rainfall and providing habitats for wildlife.
The governor expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees and destruction of forests, particularly in the name of road construction and other development projects.
He said such practices were worsening desertification and other environmental challenges affecting communities and livelihoods.
‘By planting trees, we are fighting against these problems and safeguarding our environment,’ Aliyu said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has procured economic and environmental seedlings for distribution to the 23 local government areas.
The governor directed council chairmen to collect their allocations and commence planting immediately.
He stressed that the campaign must go beyond planting, urging residents to nurture and protect the trees until maturity.
Aliyu also directed local councils to intensify public enlightenment, especially in rural communities, on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling.
‘Sokoto, as we all know, is located in the Sahelian region and is therefore prone to desert encroachment, which is advancing at an alarming rate. We must rise to the challenge,’ he said.
Sokoto State government has commenced its 2026 tree-planting campaign, targeting 500,000 seedlings across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the campaign on Tuesday at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, urging residents to support efforts to tackle desertification, deforestation and climate change.
Aliyu said the exercise was not just about planting trees but about ‘planting hope, protecting our future and securing life for generations yet unborn.’
He said trees provide clean air, shade, food and wood while protecting the soil, supporting rainfall and providing habitats for wildlife.
The governor expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees and destruction of forests, particularly in the name of road construction and other development projects.
He said such practices were worsening desertification and other environmental challenges affecting communities and livelihoods.
‘By planting trees, we are fighting against these problems and safeguarding our environment,’ Aliyu said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has procured economic and environmental seedlings for distribution to the 23 local government areas.
The governor directed council chairmen to collect their allocations and commence planting immediately.
He stressed that the campaign must go beyond planting, urging residents to nurture and protect the trees until maturity.
Aliyu also directed local councils to intensify public enlightenment, especially in rural communities, on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling.
‘Sokoto, as we all know, is located in the Sahelian region and is therefore prone to desert encroachment, which is advancing at an alarming rate. We must rise to the challenge,’ he said.