Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, the Minister for Youth Development, has highlighted the critical need to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of climate change. She pointed out that Nigeria, like many other countries around the globe, is experiencing significant climate-related challenges. These challenges include desertification and prolonged droughts, which are impacting the country’s food supply and overall environmental health.
The Minister made these remarks during the launch of the 2024 NYSC Tree Planting Campaign at the Nasarawa State Orientation Camp in Keffi. Dr. Bio-Ibrahim explained that desertification is causing a reduction in the quality of land available for farming. This reduction has led to increased conflicts over land use for agriculture, grazing, and construction. In addition, other areas in Nigeria are suffering from erosion and flooding, which have destroyed valuable agricultural lands and homes.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim commended the NYSC for revitalizing the tree planting program, recognizing it as a significant step towards addressing the country’s environmental issues. She underscored that tree planting is one of the most effective strategies for mitigating desertification, erosion, and the harmful effects of ozone layer depletion. She called on everyone to support this important initiative, emphasizing that individual efforts, such as planting a tree, contribute to a greener and healthier Nigeria.
In his address, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the Director General of NYSC, provided an overview of the scheme’s ongoing efforts to combat environmental degradation. He noted that the NYSC has partnered with various organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency, and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall Project. The scheme has also actively participated in several major environmental campaigns, including the Green Revolution, the Global Tree Planting Project launched in 2005, and the Federal Government’s ‘Plant One Million Tree’ initiative in 2017.
General Ahmed announced that each NYSC corps member would be involved in planting and nurturing a tree during their service year, with training provided during the Orientation Course. He also introduced the plan to establish an Annual NYSC Tree Planting Week, with events scheduled to take place simultaneously in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He urged government agencies and non-governmental organizations to support these efforts to benefit the nation.
Nasarawa State Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule, represented by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Mohammed Oyanki, also delivered a goodwill message, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.
