Sokoto to tackle deforestation with one-million-trees project

Sokoto state has set out to tackle deforestation with a project of planting one million trees to the end that the state would overcome one of its environmental problems.

The state commissioner for environment, Honourable Nura Tangaza on Wednesday stated that Sokoto would be planting the trees to celebrate this year’s World Environment Day.

“We are working on how to get a minimum of one million trees planted in the state as part of the plan of the state government to make the state conducive for residents”, he affirmed.

Speaking at the headquarters of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the state, he said Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, the state governor, is truly determined to fight deforestation in the state.

He added: “The target is to ensure seventy per cent of these trees are economic trees which will apart from making the environment conducive for the people also benefit the state and the residents economically in the future.

“This administration also frowns at the cutting of trees indiscriminately anywhere in the state, before anyone is allowed to cut any tree, such persons must abide by the laydown procedure of the state government.”

The state commandant of NSCDC who was represented by his deputy, DIC Aliyu Gandi, gave his remarks by commending the state government’s efforts and its partners on the project.

He expressed satisfaction that the command was among the beneficiaries of the exercise. He also reassured that the command would ensure the trees planted in the state were nurtured to serve its purposes.