Governor Ahmed Aliyu has officially kicked off the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, urging citizens and local government councils to unite against the encroaching desertification that threatens agricultural lands across the state.
During the launch on Friday, Governor Aliyu shared that the state, working through the Ministry of Environment, has secured thousands of tree seedlings—both environmental and economically viable varieties—to distribute throughout all 23 local government areas. He instructed council chairmen to promptly collect these seedlings and rally community members to participate in planting efforts.
“As you know, Sokoto is part of the Sahelian belt and is therefore especially vulnerable to the rapidly advancing desert. This is an urgent challenge we must address together,” the governor emphasized.
He cautioned against the random cutting down of trees, underscoring the importance of replacing any trees that are removed.
“Our faith teaches us the value of planting trees and the lasting rewards that come from such actions. Indeed, tree planting is considered sadaqatul jariyya—a form of ongoing charity that benefits people and earns rewards indefinitely,” Aliyu noted.
Aliyu also praised the National Agency for the Great Green Wall for supplying Sokoto with 450,000 date palm seedlings, as part of a national initiative to fight climate change and halt desertification.
He explained that these seedlings would be distributed to recipients—including individuals, NGOs, schools, mosques, hospitals, and public facilities—through nursery centers in Gundunga, Goronyo town, and Sanyinna.
Nura Tangaza, the Commissioner for Environment, highlighted that the state’s goal is to plant as many as 500,000 seedlings this year, stressing that active involvement from community members is critical to the project’s success.
Dr. Saleh Abubakar, Director General of the Great Green Wall (represented by the Director of Afforestation), reaffirmed the agency’s promise to help stop desert encroachment across 11 northern states through the initiative.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting ceremony featuring council chairmen, community leaders, and senior government officials.
