The Jigawa State branch of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), an umbrella group for the Nigerian Muslim Community, is planting 67,000 assorted tree seedlings in the state to mitigate desertification.
JNI’s Secretary in the state, Malam Muhammad Babangida, made the disclosure in an interview on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Dutse, the state capital.
Babangida said the seedlings were being planted simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The secretary explained that the seedlings, worth over N13 million, were provided to the group by the state government for its 34th Annual Tree Planting Campaign.
“In its efforts to help people understand the significance of tree planting, the Jigawa Government has provided 67,000 seedlings to the state branch of JNI.
“The gesture is for the successful conduct of its 34th edition of the annual tree planting campaign.
“The seedlings were estimated at N13.4 million as the moderate price per seedling of N200 in today’s seedling price in the state.
“The JNI tree planting campaign is among the most sufficient programmes designed to contribute to the successful sensitisation of the public on the importance of tree planting.
“This is imperative because of its advantages to human existence, animals, and other species living on earth,” he said.
Babangida stated that trees provide the oxygen humans inhale, among other numerous benefits that include the prevention of erosion and pollution.
The secretary added that trees also mitigate global warming, preserve biodiversity, conserve soil, and prevent and reduce the effects of drought.
He further stated that the trees also support human health by providing shade, reducing stress, and improving mental well-being.
According to him, the foremost benefits of tree planting are related to religion, as Muslims are encouraged to care for the environment and conserve natural resources.
Babangida, who appreciated the state government for the initiative, appealed to other stakeholders, especially community leaders, local government councils, Islamic organisations, and the general public, to emulate the gesture.
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
