The Kaduna State Government is set to plant over 15,000 tree seedlings in three Local Government Areas as part of efforts to reclaim degraded lands in the state. The project is to be executed by the state’s World Bank assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, under the Ministry of Environment.
NEWMAP state Project Coordinator Jibrin Dahiru, who was represented by Victor Yakubu, an official, made this known at a sensitisation campaign on land degradation and plantation in Agban village of Kaura Local Government Area. He explained that the 15,000 tree seedlings to be planted would cover five hectares of land each in Giwa, Makarfi and Kaura Local Government Areas.
Dahiru however, warned the people against bush burning, overgrazing and excessive application of fertilizer on farm lands.
Speaking on solid waste management, the General Manager of Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency, KEPA Lawal Jibrin, tasked the people on the need to always keep their surroundings clean. He said the state had enabling laws on waste management and would not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
In his remarks, the District Head of Kukum, Joshua Kogya commended the state government for the initiative, and called for the involvement of the local community in the exercise.
