By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A Zamfara-based NGO, Health Standard Concern Organization (HESCO) has embarked on 50,000 trees planting camping in the state aimed to secure a greener future.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Abdullahi Lawali disclosed this on the sidelines interview with newsmen at the tree planting event in Gusau.
Lawali said the tree planting exercise is part of the activities to implement ACReSAL project in collaboration with the state government.
“This is to ensure building agro-climatic resilience in semi-arid landscapes.
“This campaign started with 5,000 assorted trees at commissioner’s quarters and JB secretariat in Gusau, the state capital.
“We planted 3,000 trees at commissioners quarters while at JB secretariat we planted 2,000 trees.
“The tree planting exercise is part of the activities of the state government collaboration with the (ACReSAL) aimed at protection environment.
“The HESCO as an NGO, we initiated the tree planting campaign to complement government effort in tackling desertification as well as enhancing food production in the state.
“Through this initiative, we plan to plant 50,000 assorted trees across Zamfara aimed at combating desertification and enhancing environmental conservation.
“HESCO is committed to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth project implementation and achievement of ACReSAL goals through community mobilization and impact evaluation”, he explained.
The acting State Coordinator, ACReSAL, Malam Nasiruddeen Bello, said the aim is to build a food-producing environment.
“This project will improve our health and wealth, considering the utility of trees with respect to their importance in restoring, reclaiming and rejuvenating denuded and disturbed soils, their ecological, eco developmental and environmental use.
“In addition, the importance of these trees planting depends on their value as a source of sustenance, food, sugars, starches, spices and condiments, beverages, fumitories, masticatories and narcotics, medicines, essential oils, fatty oils and vegetables could all be harvested.
“We are grateful for the trust placed in our organization to serve as the focal NGO for Zamfara State, leading community sensitization, social mobilization, group formation, and impact evaluation efforts.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving our goals.
“We launch the Community Awareness and Tree Planting initiative, demonstrating our collective commitment to environmental protection and a sustainable future.
“Trees are vital to our planet, providing oxygen, shelter, food, and supporting biodiversity while mitigating climate change effects.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Garba Dauran described the project as a welcome development.
Dauran noted that the state government under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has initiated an economically lucrative policies with a view to safeguard and promote economic resources in the state.
“On behalf of the state government, we appreciate the HESCO, we welcome this project embarked upon by the HESCO through the ACReSAL,” he said.
