Plan International Empowers Yobe Women, Youths in Tree Planting Campaign to Combat Climate Change

In a concerted effort to combat climate change and its devastating effects in Yobe State, Plan International Nigeria, operating under the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (ZCRA) project, has organized a two-day sensitization and tree planting campaign for local communities.

Held in the Pomamari and Nayi-Nawa communities, the initiative specifically targeted women and youths, educating them on the crucial environmental and economic benefits of trees.

Speaking during the tree planting campaign,Nubwa Ibrahim Bawuro, Social Behavioral Change Communications Officer for Plan International Nigeria,explained that her team is in Adamawa and Yobe State to conduct a tree planting campaign under the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance.

According to her,the project aims to help communities withstand climate change impacts, particularly flooding.

"Following a needs assessment that revealed a lack of trees in Pomamari and Nayi-Nawa communities,the team brought 200 seedlings specially selected by climate experts for local soil along with seedling protectors. 

"The goal is to sensitize community members on tree care and support them in nurturing the trees for a sustainable environment.

During the awareness campaign, Mallam Mohammad Gambo Paga, an environmental expert, delivered an intensive session on the dangers associated with climate change and the multifaceted benefits of tree planting within the society. 

He passionately appealed to community members to nurture the distributed tree seedlings and protect them from stray animals to ensure a healthier and more conducive environment.

In his remarks,Dr. Babagana Bosso of Yobe state University, represented by Mallam Mohammed AbdulRahaman urged the beneficiaries to care for the gifted trees, highlighting their long-term value.

"Some of these trees, when fully grown, will provide timber. They also serve medicinal purposes, offer shade, produce fruits, and contribute to manure," he explained. 

Dr. Bosso emphasized the need for proper planting techniques,including digging adequate holes to give the seedlings the best possible start.

Adding their voices to the campaign, Sabiu Maikwano from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Halima Usman, a climate change Champion in Yobe, noted the critical importance of the initiative.

"Yobe is among the states battling severe desertification. It is therefore commendable to plant trees in every community where people live, as this is a vital step in fighting the menace of desertification across the state,"they stated.

On their part,the District Head of Nayi-Nawa,Alh Abba Kalli Murfama and Ward Head of Pompomari,Lawan Modu along with community youths and women's groups, expressed their deep appreciation to Plan International Nigeria for both the valuable knowledge imparted and the provision of free seedlings. 

They lauded the organization for its tangible support in their fight against desertification and its commitment to securing a greener future for their community.

The event featured sensitization activities as well as tree planting exercises across both communities of Pompomari and Nayi-Nawa.