Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has officially flagged off the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign at Sokoto New City, Kasarawa, in a decisive move to address desertification and strengthen environmental sustainability in the state.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Aliyu highlighted the escalating threat of desert encroachment, which continues to endanger farmlands and livelihoods across Sokoto. He called for urgent and collective action to reverse land degradation and secure the state’s agricultural future.

“I am directing all local government councils to immediately collect their allocations and commence tree planting activities within their areas”. 

“We must act now to protect our environment and ensure sustainable livelihoods for our people,” Governor Aliyu stated.

The campaign sets an ambitious target of distributing over 500,000 tree seedlings across the 23 local government areas in Sokoto State. These seedlings include diverse species with both environmental and economic benefits, designed to restore degraded land and boost household incomes.

A strong emphasis is being placed on community participation. Local government chairmen have been instructed to raise awareness on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling and mobilise residents to support the campaign actively. 

This grassroots-driven approach is expected to foster long-term ownership and success of the initiative.

The campaign has also received notable institutional backing. The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has provided 450,000 date palm seedlings, strengthening Sokoto’s fight against desertification. 

In addition, UNICEF, UNDP, and UNEP have commended the state’s proactive environmental policies and pledged sustained collaboration to expand the campaign’s impact.

Source: AgroNigeria

Image Credit: Sokoto State Government