On the 5th of June 2024, we took a bold step towards environmental conservation by launching a purposeful tree-planting project in Fika, a community in Yobe State, Northern Nigeria. This initiative, marking World Environment Day, was a collaboration with Across Communities Initiative and aimed to plant over 200 trees; an effort that seeks to green the community and raise awareness on the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
This gathering was not just a tree-planting exercise; but proved to be a community-driven movement emphasizing the role of individual action in developing a sustainable future. Local community leaders, environmental advocates, and residents came together, unified by a shared overall mission: to combat desertification, promote sustainable development, and enhance biodiversity in the region. It is safe to say that several “plant moms and plant dads” were created that day!
The day’s activities involved insightful presentations and thought-provoking panel discussions. Esteemed speakers such as Alhaji Baba Jah, Abubakar Bukar, Adamu Audu, and Muhammad Bah Kinga spoke about the far-reaching impact of environmental degradation. They delved into how simple, everyday actions, like planting a tree, can contribute to global efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mitigating the effects of climate change.
A key theme throughout the event was the battle against desertification, a major concern in Northern Nigeria. The speakers emphasized that combating land degradation requires collective action at the grassroots level. Attendees were reminded that while large-scale initiatives are essential, true change begins with individuals taking responsibility for their environment.
Before the tree-planting activities began, the attendees were provided with practical guidance on tree maintenance and the importance of long-term care to ensure the saplings thrive. Tree saplings were distributed to attendees, who committed to growing these young plants in their homes and public spaces, creating a ripple effect of environmental stewardship across the Fika community.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed not only their appreciation for the event but also a sense of inspiration and motivation to continue such efforts. The impact of this campaign was so profound that it inspired neighboring communities, like Gadaka, to request a similar campaign in their community!
Gadaka called, and we answered. In response to the success in Fika, the Second Edition of the Environmental Advocacy and Tree Planting Campaign was held in Gadaka; a neighbouring community close to Fika in Yobe State. Esteemed guests from the Gudi Emirate, religious leaders, and key community stakeholders came together to continue the mission of raising awareness about land degradation and its long-term impact on the environment.
The Gadaka campaign had a broader aim, which was to plant 1,000 trees across the Fika Local Government Area. Through informative sessions and hands-on tree-planting activities, the members of Gadaka community learned how important their roles are in safeguarding the environment. This campaign went beyond planting trees; it was a campaign solely focused on cultivating a mindset of environmental stewardship which could in turn, help build the sustainable future we all envisage for ourselves and for generations to come.
The impact doesn’t stop here. Initiatives and projects like this, only help increase our commitment to combating desertification and promoting environmental awareness. We are proud to continue driving this mission to make more people think green, act green, and sustain green, proving that sustainable change is not only possible but inevitable.
