Climate: Sokoto, UNICEF launch 10,000-tree initiative in schools, communities

Sokoto State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a statewide campaign to plant no fewer than 10,000 trees as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen climate action among young people.

The initiative, tagged School Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Environment Network Hub (SCAREH), is being implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, the Sokoto Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), and the Young and Youthful Initiative (YOUNGI), a non-governmental organisation.

Speaking at the launch, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer, Dr. Ebri Eteng, who represented the Chief of Field Office, Dr. Michael Juma, said the project derives from UNICEF’s Green Rising Initiative, which seeks to empower children and young people to become future leaders in environmental stewardship.

According to him, the programme is designed to raise a generation of young climate champions capable of driving positive environmental change within their communities.

“We are looking at a minimum of 10,000 trees being planted by young people. We are starting with 75 schools and will later expand to 200 schools across Sokoto State,” Eteng said.

He explained that the initiative goes beyond tree planting and aims to instill a culture of environmental responsibility among children and youths.

“The target is not just tree planting. It is about building a culture of climate action among young people. We want them to understand climate change, learn how to mitigate its effects, adapt to environmental challenges and build resilience,” he said.

Eteng added that the knowledge and habits acquired by the participants today would shape future policies and governance. “Our goal is to nurture climate champions who will continue this work as adults,” he said.

Executive Director, Young and Useful Generation Initiative (YUGI), Mr. Edayi Edison, described the programme as a significant milestone in a climate awareness campaign his organisation began several years ago.

“The idea started in 2011 when we began engaging schoolchildren on environmental issues. Our collaboration with UNICEF has expanded the reach of this vision, and today we are seeing greater participation from schools and communities,” he said.

Edison disclosed that attendance at the event surpassed expectations, with nearly 400 participants taking part in the engagement.

He urged students to become advocates for environmental protection in their homes and communities by planting trees, promoting proper waste disposal and encouraging others to protect the environment.

“If a tree is cut down, we should be willing to plant more in its place,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of RUWASA, Muhammad Bala, who represented the Special Adviser overseeing the agency, underscored the strong connection between environmental conservation, water resources and climate resilience.

“The earth is our home, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Water, climate and tree planting are all interconnected,” he said. Bala noted that planting trees in schools would help reduce excessive heat and create a more conducive learning environment for students.

“A mature tree can absorb about 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Planting trees is one of the most practical ways we can respond to climate change,” he added.

In his paper, Professor Sanusi Shamaki of the Department of Forestry and Environment, Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, called for urgent and collective action to address environmental degradation.

“We have discussed climate change for many years. This is the time to move from conversation to action. Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment and building resilience,” he said.

He further noted that Sokoto and other dry regions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change because a significant proportion of their populations depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Also in his presentation, Dr. Lekan Oderinde of Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic highlighted the health implications of climate change and stressed the need for sustained environmental education and adaptation measures.