An NGO, Centre for Water and Environmental Development (CWED), on Tuesday mobilised fresh students of Geography Department of the Kaduna State University (KASU) to plant 150 economic trees to combat desertification.
The tree planting exercise was in commemoration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘United for Land our Legacy’.
Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the exercise, CWED’s Programme Officer,Mrs Lydia Saleh, said the NGO would leverage the students of KASU to ensure sustainability of the trees.
She added that nurturing the trees by the students would not only guarantee the survival of the trees but also provide a unique opportunity for them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical way.
By engaging the students, Lydia said CWED aims to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility in them, by ensuring that they take care of the trees and monitor their growth.
Saleh said, “This approach will also help to build a community of young environmental stewards who will continue to promote sustainability and environmental conservation in the future.
“The trees, which are also economic ones, will provide a source of fruits and income to the students.”
She expressed optimism that the exercise would yield positive results and contribute significantly to the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Musa, stressed the importance of sustainability in the tree planting exercise.
Musa, represented by Dr Aliyu Ja’afar, the Chairman of Green KASU, said that the university was committed to promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, where the tree planting exercise was a testament to the institution’s commitment.
The vice-chancellor emphasised that the trees would provide shade, improve air quality, and serve as a carbon sink, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment.
