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From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
A Kaduna-based NGO, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment in collaboration with Atmosphere Climate and Sustainability on Tuesday took the tree-planting campaign to LGEA Primary School, Tsaunin Kura, Sabon Tasha, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.
Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event, Founder and Programme Director, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment, Mrs. Olanike Olugboji Daramola said, her organisation under the COVID-19 resilience programme had between June and September planted economic trees like cashew, orange, mangos, soursop among others in 80 secondary schools and 60 primary schools.
According to her, “we have planted over 1,000 trees in a community and we lost them to trespassers (humans and wondering animals).
“So to address climate issues, we thought of planting trees in schools with girls in partnership with the authorities of identified schools (private and public) to see how we can plant and protect these trees.
“We started the planting in June and by September, we have planted trees in 80 secondary schools and about 60 primary schools. In this particular school, we have celebrated hand wash day here where we noticed that the school was bare of trees and promised to do something about it. That thought is what we have here today.
“At the end of the day, we want to see everyone on board in terms of climate change action. We brought notebooks, economic trees, and a sample of energy-saving stoves so the pupils can see what the technology looks like, tell their parents about it, and encourage them to get these stoves” she said.
Business Development Manager for Atmosphere Climate and Sustainability, Mr. Lawal Musa regretted how human activities have over the years put the planet Earth into serious climate issues.
“Our planet is in crisis and we know that all hands must be on deck to protect this planet where we live which is why we are here to inspire eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow. We need to educate ourselves from a tender age like this on the need to plant more trees as a part of sustainable efforts.
“We are mitigating climate change by way of discouraging deforestation. Save clean cooking stove for example will help reduce carbon emission by 80 percent, reduces the cost of energy by 80 percent, and reduce health issues that are related to inhaling smoke by 80 percent”, he said.
Head Teacher of the School, Comr Sairus Hassan, thanked the partnering organisations for including the school in their sustainability plans promising protection and monitoring of the trees.
“Today marked a history in our school because this is an act that will be there for a long time. I’m happy this school is among the benefitting schools because in years to come, not only the students and staff of the school will enjoy the fruits these trees will produce, but the community as well. And when that happens, they pray and bless the people that plant the trees which will in turn serve as encouragement for them to play their roles as well,” he said.
