Governor Ahmed Aliyu kickstarted the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, urging both residents and local government councils to unite against the rapid desertification threatening the state’s farmlands.
Addressing attendees at the launch on Friday, Governor Aliyu revealed that the Ministry of Environment has secured thousands of tree seedlings — chosen for both environmental and economic value — to be distributed to all 23 local government areas. He instructed council chairmen to promptly collect their allocations and encourage widespread community participation in planting efforts.
“Sokoto’s location in the Sahel places us on the frontlines of desert encroachment, which is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. It’s vital that we confront this challenge head on,” the governor emphasized.
He cautioned against irresponsible tree cutting, reminding citizens that any trees removed should be replaced by new plantings.
“As Muslims, we understand our faith’s encouragement of tree planting and its lasting spiritual rewards. In fact, planting a tree qualifies as sadaqatul jariyya (an ongoing charity) that continues to benefit even after we’re gone,” Aliyu explained.
Governor Aliyu also expressed appreciation to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall for providing Sokoto with 450,000 date palm seedlings, part of a broader national campaign to prevent climate change and halt desert advance.
He noted that seedlings will be available at nursery centers in Gundunga, Goronyo Town, and Sanyinna, and distributed to a diverse range of beneficiaries — from individuals to schools, NGOs, mosques, hospitals, and public facilities.
Nura Tangaza, Commissioner for Environment, announced that the state aims to plant 500,000 tree seedlings this year. He highlighted that the campaign’s success will depend greatly on active community involvement.
Represented by the Director of Afforestation, the Director General of the Great Green Wall, Dr. Saleh Abubakar, reiterated the agency’s commitment to stopping desert encroachment across the 11 northern states involved in the initiative.
The launch event concluded with community leaders, council chairmen, and government officials symbolically planting tree seedlings, marking Sokoto’s commitment to a greener future.
