The Nigerian Red Cross Society (RCSN) has revealed an ambitious plan to plant five billion trees throughout Nigeria as a strategic move to address the challenges posed by climate change. This extensive project will include all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a target completion date set for 2030. On Thursday, Engr. Kingsley Okoye, the Secretary for the Anambra State branch of the Society, revealed the commencement of a project aimed at planting 10,000 trees and conducting a special governance workshop in Amawbia-Awka. This event was put together in partnership with the Healthy Living Initiative and featured prominent participants, including Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor.
Okoye emphasises that this tree-planting campaign supports Governor Soludo’s goal of creating a clean, green, and thriving Anambra State. The program motivates every household in the region to plant at least two trees, stressing the importance of individual responsibility in restoring environmental balance. Okoye pointed out that Climate Change poses a risk to humanity, primarily caused by environmental harm and carelessness. He emphasised that if humanity does not take responsibility for nature, the ongoing degradation of natural ecosystems will severely impact human life and the Earth.
Anambra is taking steps to enhance cleanliness and climate sustainability.
Furthermore, the campaign to plant trees addresses global climate issues while urging local participation. This effort aligns with the governor’s goal of transforming the state into one of the nation’s most desirable places to live. The state is implementing measures to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability, including plans to prohibit public waste dumping as part of this initiative. This project aligns with other bold objectives, including the palm revolution and the revitalisation of the coconut economy. Collectively, these initiatives aim to transform Anambra into the most environmentally friendly state in the nation within the next ten years.
Speaking at the event, Anambra State Commissioner for Health Dr. Afam Obidike, who represented Nonye Soludo, emphasised the state’s environmental challenges, including flooding and erosion. He encouraged residents to take improved measures in managing the water resources in their surroundings to alleviate these problems. Obidike stressed the state government’s dedication to preserving the environment, stating that initiatives like prohibiting public waste disposal and encouraging the planting of trees will enhance cleanliness and strengthen the state’s resilience.
Red Cross assisted over 2,000 families affected by flooding in Anambra.
Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, the Nigerian Red Cross Society president, emphasised the organisation’s continuous dedication to supporting the government in addressing emergencies and climate-related challenges throughout the country. Represented by the Society’s National Legal Adviser, Barrister Mauzu Dikwa, Adeaga reiterated that the Red Cross is committed to assisting communities during environmental disasters. This is exemplified by its recent support for more than 2,000 families impacted by flooding in Anambra in 2021 and 2022. He urged governmental bodies and the Private Sector to support the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts.
Climate change continues to be a significant challenge to the country, and one of the most urgent issues is deforestation, which has contributed to land degradation and the loss of biodiversity. In his speech, Senior Officer for Climate Change in Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Awulu, pointed out that cutting trees for firewood has devastated the country’s soil, making it less conducive to Agriculture and wildlife. He emphasised the necessity of mitigation and adaptation strategies to address climate change’s effects, insisting that the tree-planting initiative plays a crucial role in revitalising the environment while ensuring future food production and sustainable farming practices in the region.
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This ambitious tree-planting program is anticipated to influence environmental strategies, providing optimism that it can heal the wounds caused by years of Deforestation and ecological indifference. The Red Cross Society’s participation in this effort underscores its goal of assisting communities in adjusting to and alleviating the effects of climate change. Through collaboration with local governments and citizens, the country could see its landscapes transformed, becoming more resilient against the growing threats of climate change. Aiming to enhance air quality, minimise the threat of natural disasters such as floods, and promote a healthier environment for future generations, this project is set to achieve its goals by the decade’s conclusion.