Kogi Govt Seeks Residents’ Support In Tree Planting

The Kogi Government has appealed to the people of the state and other relevant stakeholders to support the state’s afforestation campaign for 2017 tree planting season.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, made the appeal on Sunday in Lokoja.

According to the commissioner, government needs volunteers to participate and take on roles in planning, planting, communication and community sensitisation, among others.

“Due to the predicted rainfall pattern, and learning from pilot 2016 exercise, Kogi State 2017 afforestation campaign and celebration of 2017 World Environment Day was rescheduled from June 5 to a yet-to-be announced date in August.

“This is to allow for adequate ground preparation and survival of tree seedlings.

“We thank all stakeholders in anticipation of their support and personal participation.

“We want people to also help sponsor a tree, a location, a nursery, a school, an urban centre, a community, local government area etc, in cash or kind.

“Together, let us rebuild our land, plant a tree today to safeguard our environment and prevent adverse climate change for our benefits and that of our future generations,” Osikoya said.

The state government has earmarked about 125 hectares of land across the state to plant one million trees for 2017 planting season through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The World Environment Day is marked every June 5, to sensitive the people on the need to jealously protect their environment for the benefit of all.

The theme for 2017 World Environment Day is “Connecting People To Nature”.