The Taraba State Government under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change partnered with the Nigerian Army Taraba State Chapter through the Greening Taraba Initiative to embark on tree planting exercise on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the permanent site of the 6 Brigade Command in Jalingo, the state capital.
The initiative aims to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability in the region.
The event commenced with speeches from key officials, The representatives of Gov Agbu Kefas in person of Dr. Tafarki Agbadu, the Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Army Commander, Brig General KC Uwa, who welcomed the dignitaries by emphasising the importance of tree planting in mitigating environmental degradation, stressing the need for strong partnership between civilian and military authorities.
The Taraba State Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat Barde, highlighted the government’s commitment to enhance ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, and restore degraded lands as part of broader climate action mitigation measures.
Hajiya Barde appreciated Commander KC Uwa and his team for supporting the programme both financially and morally, informing the event that Nigeria through the Designated National Authority was committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally with international support by 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contributions, under the Paris Agreement.
Participants such as ALGON Chairman, Jauro Aminu Mafindi; Chairman, Zing Local Government, Prince Davoro; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, Aminu Kotolo; Chief of Army Staff; senior officers of the Nigerian Army; Chairperson NAWOWA, Taraba chapter; Acting Project Coordinator, Taraba ACReSAL; and local community members, were encouraged to actively engage in tree planting and ensure nurturing the trees to achieve their purpose.
The initiative aims not only to improve the environment but also to provide economic benefits to the community through sustainable practices.
The commissioner further emphasised that the tree planting exercise is part of the state’s effort to increase tree cover, curtail climate change, and activity contribute to the global efforts to fight climate change.
