To mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the environment, the Kaduna State Government is set to plant about 10 million trees in four years in its afforestation programme.
The state Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba who stated this while speaking with stakeholders on Wednesday, disclosed that the Government had already planted about 1.7 million trees last year.
Abubakar promised that his Ministry plans to double the number of trees that will be planted this year, adding that the nurseries from which the trees seedlings will be generated has been procured.
The Commissioner explained that the major challenge of climate change is carbon emission; greenhouse gases and the likes, underscoring the importance of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide.
He urged residents not just to plant trees but also, to nurture them to grow in the cities, suburbs and villages for efficiency.
Abubakar commended Governor Uba Sani for initiating the ‘’greener and cleaner Kaduna State’’ initiative, describing him as an environmentally-friendly Governor.
He said the Governor has also mandated the ministery to desilt about 140 kilometers of drainages within the city centres, so as to check flooding during the rainy season by easing the free flow of water.
The Commissioner further disclosed that Governor Uba Sani has asked the Ministry to dredge River Kaduna and other water bodies within the state so that ‘’the water that will flow into the rivers as a result of our desilting the drainages will be so much that it will not flow back to the people's houses.
Alhaji Abubakar commended the Governor for the increased allocation in this year’s budget, adding that he promised substantial implementation of the 2025 budget.