NGO gives away 20,000 tree seedlings

To combat climate change and enhance the quality of life for locals, the Iliya Kwache Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has given another batch of 20,000 tree seedlings to survivors of the Boko Haram insurgency in Michika Local Government, Adamawa State.

Iliya Kwache, the chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, said in a statement on Wednesday that he organized the regular tree-planting event through his foundation to combat desert encroachment and safeguard the environment from the effects of climate change in the region.

“The foundation distributed free to residents during its mass tree planting campaign for beneficiaries to plant 20,000 tree seedlings, including Mahogany, black plum, Shea butter, olive trees, and economic trees meant to improve the quality of life of survivors of the insurgency,” he said.

Kwache tasked the government with fostering a welcoming environment for the people who are making their way back to their native countries after being forced to flee insurgencies.

In order to address climate change during the foundation’s massive tree planting effort, he also suggested designating a day as National Tree Planting Day.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria should establish a Ministry for Tree Planting and proclaim an annual National Tree Planting Day, he said. Given their numerous advantages, trees are both the best offense and defense against climate change and global warming.

The District Head, Michika, Ngida Zakawa, promised the assistance of traditional institutions while addressing the issue of pointless tree-cutting.

“We have been warning our citizens that anyone found felling trees will be punished as the governor orders. We are prepared to order vigilantes to carry out the governor’s order, he declared.

Another person who benefited from the tree seedlings, Lama Luka, praised the environmentalists’ work and stated that “mass tree planting exercises will help restore the lost glory of the environment and curb fast-encroaching desertification.”