UNICEF, CSOs urged Sokoto govt to provide seedlings for tree-planting campaign

By Gbolahan Salman

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) in Sokoto State, has called on the state government to ensure the timely provision of sufficient seedlings ahead of this year’s tree-planting exercise as part of efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Sokoto, UNICEF WASH Coordinator, Dr Eteng Ebri Ibor, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate preparations by the State Ministry of Environment for the annual tree-planting campaign.

Dr. Eteng noted that it was unacceptable for the ministry not to have made adequate provisions for seedlings, especially given the growing challenges of climate change, desertification, and deforestation facing the state.

He also urged the government to strengthen penalties against indiscriminate tree felling, describing the current sanctions as insufficient to deter offenders. According to him, stricter enforcement measures would encourage residents to replace trees that are cut down and promote environmental sustainability.

Dr. Eteng further called on civil society organizations to actively engage the media in their environmental campaigns to raise public awareness about the dangers of deforestation and its impact on climate change.

He revealed that UNICEF and its partners plan to launch a large-scale tree-planting initiative this year involving approximately 60,000 seedlings across the state.

“Our plan this year is to roll out a massive tree-planting campaign with about 60,000 seedlings,” he said. “We are involving secondary school students in the exercise, while media organizations will help us amplify the message and create wider public awareness. We are targeting 75 schools across the state.”

The initiative is expected to encourage environmental stewardship among young people while contributing to efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

Speaking in her remarks, the Executive Lead, Meema Initiative for Gender Development, Shafa’atu Suleiman, said her organization is using culturally sensitive approaches to address the issues of climate change, conflict and GBV using women in the society.

According to her, ” In Tamaje and Sabaru communities, we have engaged more than 200 households in planting of trees.

“On peace building, we have engaged the Hausa/Fulani women in trust building initiative using food that are locally relevant”

Other speakers among the civil society organizations are are DRC CenCex, Plogging Nigeria, Light Hud Clink Gate for Humanitarian Development Initiative, Dewfall Disabilities Initiative, and Students’ Union Governments of tertiary institutions across the state, among others.