The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has intensified its efforts to combat Climate Change and Desertification in Nigeria through a strategic tree-planting campaign recently inaugurated in Plateau State. The initiative was officially started at Government Secondary School (GSS), Dong, located in Jos South Local Government Area, by the NYSC Coordinator for Plateau, Mr. Iliya Yavala. This program is a key element of the NYSC’s mission, which aims to revitalise ecosystems, protect natural resources, and enhance climate adaptability within local communities.
During the event, Yavala emphasised trees’ vital importance in mitigating climate change’s impacts. It takes in carbon dioxide, a major Greenhouse gas, and produces oxygen, crucial for human and environmental well-being. Emphasising the extensive ecological benefits, Yavala pointed out that, besides enhancing the environment’s beauty, it would serve as wind barriers, offering support for buildings and soil while mitigating the effects of desertification and Emissions caused by human actions. He elaborated that every corps member is urged to grow and care for at least one throughout their service year, contributing to the shared objective of nationwide Reforestation and efforts against climate change.
A similar initiative was recently launched in Zamfara State.
On her part, Mrs. Ladi Enoch, the principal of GSS Dong, expressed her gratitude to the NYSC for their environmental initiative and promised that the school would tend to the trees until they fully grow. Enoch stated that this initiative would serve the school and nearby community by protecting it from intense winds, improving air quality, and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Mr. Noel Nkup, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Plateau State, expressed his backing, emphasising the administration’s dedication to protecting the environment.
Similarly, the NYSC’s tree-planting initiative in Zamfara State has recently been extended to the Government Girls Day Secondary School (GGDSS) in Bungudu. Malam Muhammad Lawan Ahmed, the NYSC Coordinator for Zamfara, led the launch of this program. Ahmed emphasised that this endeavour is crucial to NYSC’s goal of making a positive difference in local communities. He emphasised the enduring benefits of tree planting, as it provides shade, reduces climate change effects, and assists in combating desertification, a significant concern in various northern regions of the country. The initiative was backed by Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, the Emir of Bungudu, who expressed gratitude for the effort.
Community leader expressed their appreciation and support.
Furthermore, the Emir praised the NYSC for its role in protecting the environment and reminisced about his time as a participant in Ogun State in 1984. The advantages of this program extend beyond just quick environmental enhancements, as it conforms to global standards in reforesting efforts. Multiple nations have started comparable initiatives focused on mitigating climate change effects. A notable example is Ethiopia, which achieved a Guinness World Record in 2019 by planting more than 350 million trees in a single day under its Green Legacy Initiative, a comprehensive strategy to reverse ecological decline.
In Uttar Pradesh, India launched an initiative in which countless volunteers planted 66 million trees daily, emphasising the profound effects large-scale Afforestation can have on environmental well-being and public health. These efforts assist in reforesting areas and reducing the carbon footprints of entire nations, presenting a practical blueprint for other countries to adopt. The initiative has great promise for environmental restoration nationwide, provided it continues and grows. Extending beyond just Plateau and Zamfara states, this program could play a vital role in the national strategy for climate action, promoting sustainable ecosystems and enhancing the well-being of communities vulnerable to climate-related crises.
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As a recommendation, educational institutions across the country might create specific green areas, involving students in practical conservation efforts and educating them about the significance of caring for the environment from a young age. Additionally, collaborating with private and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) dedicated to environmental conservation could enhance the initiative’s effectiveness. By combining their resources and knowledge, these alliances could facilitate the cultivation and upkeep of woody in urban and rural settings, ensuring their care continues beyond the service year. These partnerships can expand the reach of the NYSC’s mission, transforming sustainable Environmental Protection into a shared national responsibility.