FG Announces Tree-planting Initiative To Hire 10,000 Retired People And Youth

Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment

TO lessen the effects of climate change, the federal government has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant six million trees countrywide with the help of at least 10,000 pensioners and young people.

In an exclusive conversation with Healthwise, Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, provided details about this project, highlighting its dual goals of tackling environmental concerns and generating employment possibilities.

The project to plant trees will be carried out gradually, with an emphasis on regions impacted by desertification and deforestation.

Salako emphasized how crucial this project is to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing air quality, and halting erosion, flooding, and land degradation.

He emphasized the variety of tree species that both native and exotic varieties appropriate for Nigeria's ecological zones will use.

Additionally, the program will investigate bamboo as a sustainable substitute for conventional trees and encourage agroforestry.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are serious health risks associated with climate change, including jeopardizing access to clean air, safe drinking water, wholesome food, and adequate housing.

By 2030 to 2050, the WHO predicts a rise in mortality from heat stress, malaria, malnutrition, and diarrhea that are linked to climate change.

Salako emphasized the need for everyone in Nigeria to take an active role in addressing climate change and the health hazards it poses by planting trees in their homes and communities.

“This year, our mandate from Mr. President is to ensure the planting of at least six million trees for 2024.

“We have developed comprehensive programs to achieve this goal, with involvement from agencies such as the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, the Great Green Wall project, and other ministries. Special interventions by the President will also facilitate large- scale tree planting efforts,” he said.

The minister shared plans to support state ministries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who have a successful track record of planting trees, as well as involve youth and retirees in tree-planting activities.

The program's objectives are to teach young people how to grow seedlings on their own, grow planted trees to maturity, and get paid by the federal government for their work.

Also, he underlined the government's dedication to implementing technology for efficient program monitoring, which includes offering participants virtual training sessions and using geolocation images to confirm tree planting efforts.

These actions are a part of a larger plan to stop land degradation, expand Nigeria's forest cover, and use the program to generate 5,000–10,000 jobs.

The program's sustainability and impact will be further reinforced by the fact that participants will receive small monthly stipends to ensure the upkeep and healthy growth of the trees they plant.