KTSG Launches Statewide Tree-Planting Campaign to Combat Climate Change, Desertification

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar

The Katsina State Government has launched a large-scale tree-planting campaign across the state as part of renewed efforts to combat climate change, halt desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Climate Change, Suleiman Muhammad Ribadu, in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Engr. Mustapha Sama'ila Ingawa, was flagged off at the Katsina State Ministry of Environment.

The exercise later extended to strategic locations within the state capital, including Kiddies Roundabout, Olusegun Obasanjo Drive along Kofar Sauri Road, Katsina State House of Assembly Road and the New Ramin Kura (Polo Ground) Road, where hundreds of trees were planted to improve the environment and strengthen ecological protection.

Officials said the programme is in line with the environmental agenda of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring degraded lands and preventing the steady advance of the Sahara Desert into communities across the state.

They noted that Katsina remains one of the northern states facing increasing environmental challenges such as desertification, land degradation, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, all of which pose serious threats to agriculture, livelihoods and biodiversity.

Speaking during the exercise, Ribadu reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing sustainable environmental policies that encourage afforestation, protect biodiversity and promote responsible management of natural resources.

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He said the administration would continue to invest in programmes designed to safeguard the environment while creating a healthier and more resilient ecosystem for residents.

"The fight against climate change requires collective responsibility. Planting trees is not enough; they must also be protected and nurtured to maturity," he said.

Also speaking, Ingawa called on residents, community leaders, schools, youth groups and civil society organisations to support the initiative by protecting the newly planted trees and embracing environmentally friendly practices.

He said public participation would be critical to the success of the programme and urged communities to take ownership of the campaign.

The state government disclosed that the exercise would be expanded to more communities and local government areas as part of its long-term strategy to build a greener, cleaner and climate-resilient Katsina.

The tree-planting campaign is one of several environmental initiatives being pursued by the Radda administration to strengthen climate adaptation, improve urban greenery, restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable development across the state.